If you have comprehensive auto insurance and a chipped windshield, you are legally entitled to a free repair. No deductible. No rate increase. Colorado Revised Statute 10-4-110.3 requires every insurer to include zero-deductible glass coverage with every comprehensive policy sold in the state. It is not optional, it is not a premium add-on — it is the law.
Despite this, a significant number of Colorado drivers pay cash for repairs simply because they do not know the claim process or worry about rate increases. This guide explains exactly how it works.
The Law: What Colorado Requires
Colorado Revised Statute 10-4-110.3 mandates that every automobile insurer offering comprehensive coverage in Colorado must also offer a glass coverage endorsement with a $0 deductible. Virtually every comprehensive policy includes this automatically — you likely already have it and have been paying for it as part of your premium.
Additional protections in Colorado law:
- Non-chargeable claims: Glass-only claims cannot be used to surcharge your policy or increase your premium under Colorado law.
- Shop choice: You are legally entitled to choose any licensed glass shop. Your insurer cannot require you to use their preferred vendor. If they pressure you, cite CRS 10-4-110.3.
- No prior authorization required: You do not need to get pre-approval before booking a repair. You can book the service and open the claim simultaneously.
Step-by-Step: How to File
- Confirm you have comprehensive coverage. Check your insurance card or app. If you see "comprehensive" listed as part of your coverage, you have it. If your vehicle is financed or leased, you are required to carry it by your lender.
- Call your insurer or open the app. Tell them: "I have windshield chip damage and I want to file a glass claim under my comprehensive coverage." Do not call it a collision claim. Specifically say "glass claim" or "comprehensive glass."
- Get your claim number. The call takes about 5 minutes. Most insurers approve glass claims on the spot. Write down your claim number.
- Book your repair. Call or book online with Pink Auto Glass. Provide your claim number, insurance company name, and policy number. The shop handles billing directly with your insurer — you never receive an invoice.
- Get it repaired. A mobile technician comes to your home or office. The repair takes 30 minutes. You pay $0.
What to Say to Your Insurer (Word for Word)
Use this script:
“Hi, I'd like to file a glass claim under my comprehensive coverage. I have a windshield chip — it's not a collision claim, just a rock chip. I understand Colorado law requires zero-deductible glass coverage. I'd like to use Pink Auto Glass in Denver. Can you open the claim and give me a claim number?”
If the representative pushes back on your shop choice, says you need to use their network, or implies there will be a deductible, say: "I understand Colorado Revised Statute 10-4-110.3 requires zero-deductible glass coverage and allows me to choose my own shop. Can you transfer me to a supervisor?"
Common Insurance Companies and Their Glass Claim Process
The process is similar across all major insurers in Colorado. Here is what to expect from the most common carriers:
- State Farm: File online at statefarm.com or call 800-732-5246. Claims process instantly online. Shop choice is yours — do not let them redirect you to Safelite automatically.
- Progressive: File via app or at progressive.com. Glass claims approved within minutes. Select "Other shop" when given shop options.
- GEICO: File at geico.com or via the app under "File a Claim." GEICO heavily promotes their network — remind them of your Colorado shop choice rights.
- Allstate: File via the Allstate app or at allstate.com. Glass claims are under "Quick Claim" in the app.
- USAA: File via the USAA app or at usaa.com/auto. Glass claims process quickly and USAA generally has a smooth shop-choice process.
- Farmers: Call 800-435-7764 or file at farmers.com. Ask specifically for a "zero-deductible glass claim."
What if You Do Not Have Comprehensive Coverage?
If you carry liability-only coverage (no comprehensive), the zero-deductible law does not apply. You would pay out of pocket for the repair. Typical cash prices in Denver are $60 to $100 for a single chip. That said, adding comprehensive coverage to your policy is worth evaluating — Colorado's hail risk means comprehensive coverage tends to pay for itself quickly, and most drivers with financed vehicles are required to carry it anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is windshield chip repair really free in Colorado?
Yes, for anyone with comprehensive auto insurance. Colorado law requires zero-deductible glass coverage. You pay $0 for repairs and replacements, and the claim cannot raise your rates.
Will filing raise my rates?
No. Colorado law classifies glass-only claims as non-chargeable. You can file multiple claims per year without any rate impact.
Do I need to call insurance before booking?
Not necessarily. You can book the repair first, then open the claim. Provide the claim number to your shop when you have it. Pink Auto Glass handles direct billing.
My insurer said I have to use Safelite. Is that true?
No. Colorado law gives you the right to choose any licensed glass shop. Cite CRS 10-4-110.3 if they push back. You are not required to use any insurer-preferred vendor.