If you have comprehensive auto insurance in Colorado, your windshield chip repair is almost certainly covered at $0 out of pocket. Colorado has one of the strongest glass coverage laws in the nation, and most Denver drivers are eligible for completely free chip repair without even knowing it. Here is how it works, why insurers actually prefer to pay for your repair, and how to use your benefits.
Colorado's Zero-Deductible Glass Law: CRS 10-4-613
Colorado Revised Statute 10-4-613 requires every auto insurance company operating in the state to offer zero-deductible comprehensive glass coverage as an option. This means your insurer must give you the opportunity to add coverage that eliminates the deductible for glass claims entirely.
But here is the important part: even without the optional zero-deductible glass add-on, most standard comprehensive policies cover chip repairs with no deductible. This is because chip repair is so inexpensive ($49 to $89) that insurers do not bother applying a deductible. It is more cost-effective for them to pay the full repair cost and prevent the chip from becoming a $500+ replacement claim.
Coverage by Major Colorado Insurers
| Insurer | Chip Repair Coverage | Deductible Waived? |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | Covered under comprehensive | Yes, for repairs |
| GEICO | Covered under comprehensive | Yes, for repairs |
| Progressive | Covered under comprehensive | Yes, for repairs |
| USAA | Covered under comprehensive | Yes, for repairs |
| Allstate | Covered under comprehensive | Yes, for repairs |
| American Family | Covered under comprehensive | Yes, for repairs |
Coverage details vary by individual policy. We verify your specific coverage before any work begins.
Will a Chip Repair Claim Raise My Rates?
No. Chip repair claims are filed under comprehensive coverage, which covers events outside your control -- glass damage, hail, theft, animal strikes, and similar incidents. Comprehensive claims are not at-fault claims and do not count against your driving record. Your premium will not increase because of a chip repair claim.
This is one of the most common misconceptions that prevents Denver drivers from using their coverage. Many people assume any insurance claim will raise their rates, so they pay out of pocket unnecessarily. For glass repairs, there is no premium consequence. Use your coverage -- that is exactly what you are paying for.
How the Insurance Claim Process Works
Filing a chip repair insurance claim in Denver is straightforward, and in most cases, the repair shop handles everything for you. Here is the typical process:
- Contact the repair shop: Call or book online. Provide your insurance company name, policy number, and date of loss (when the chip happened).
- Coverage verification: The shop contacts your insurer (or checks electronically) and confirms your coverage within minutes. They will tell you if the repair is $0 or if there is any cost before scheduling.
- Schedule the repair: Once coverage is confirmed, you schedule a convenient time. Mobile service is available across the Denver metro area.
- Get repaired: The repair takes 20 to 30 minutes. You sign a claim form and the shop bills your insurer directly. You pay nothing.
The entire process, from initial call to completed repair, can happen in a single day. There is no waiting for adjuster approval, no estimates to submit, and no paperwork for you to handle.
What If I Do Not Have Comprehensive Coverage?
If you carry only liability insurance (the minimum required in Colorado), chip repair is not covered. You will need to pay out of pocket, which ranges from $49 to $89 for a single chip in Denver. Even at full price, this is dramatically less expensive than waiting for the chip to spread into a crack and needing a $250 to $800 replacement.
If you are a Denver driver without comprehensive coverage, consider adding it. Given Colorado's high rate of windshield damage from road debris, hail, and temperature extremes, comprehensive coverage (especially with the zero-deductible glass option) pays for itself quickly. See our cost guide for full pricing details.
Why Insurers Want You to Repair
Insurance companies are not being generous when they waive your chip repair deductible -- they are being smart. A chip repair costs the insurer $49 to $89. A windshield replacement costs the insurer $250 to $800. By encouraging early repair through zero-cost coverage, insurers save hundreds of dollars per claim. This alignment of incentives is why chip repair insurance coverage in Colorado is so favorable for drivers.