Does Insurance Cover RV Windshield Replacement?

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Updated May 3, 2024

RV windshield replacement: nobody wants to think about it, but sometimes it’s necessary. So you might be wondering: does insurance cover RV windshields? And how much does an RV windshield replacement even cost? 

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at exactly what your insurance policy may or may not cover when it comes to RV windshield replacement. 

We’ll also uncover how to know whether your RV windshield just needs a repair or if you actually do need to replace the whole thing. 

Finally, we’ve included some questions for your insurance agent to help ensure you have the right coverage to protect your RV windshield replacement (and your wallet). 

Do RV Windshields Break Easily?

Class B and C RV windshields are the same as a regular van or truck windshield. To say they break easily wouldn’t be true. Vehicle windshields are designed to be strong for safety reasons.

With that said they are glass so they can and do break. A rock at 50 MPH is going to do damage. While the windshield may not completely break you will be left with a chip or crack at the very least.

Class A motorhomes are a little different as their windshields are essentially flat. A flat piece of glass storming down the highway might seem like a bad idea, however, these grand windshields are a huge feature of Class A motorhomes.

As with all vehicle glass, Class A windshields are very tough. With enough miles a crack or chip is a reality, however, this doesn’t mean replacement.

Does Insurance Cover RV Windshield Replacement and Repair?

The answer is: that it depends. Some RV insurance coverage will cover RV windshield replacement and repair, and some won’t. 

Insurance providers, policies, and coverages vary widely. 

Depending on your insurance provider and policy, you may qualify for either: 

• RV windshield repair and replacement after deductible
• Zero-deductible RV windshield repair or replacement
• No windshield coverage at all

Situations like this are why it’s so important to fully understand your RV insurance policy up-front to be sure that all of your most expensive bases are covered. 

For some RV insurance providers, certain types of windshield damage are covered with comprehensive insurance. But, for others, RV windshield replacement coverage is an add-on rider.  

To find out if your RV windshield is covered, call and ask your agent. Otherwise, look in your policy for “glass coverage” or “windshield damage” coverage. 

Even if you have a deductible, many insurance providers openly state that they will happily waive your deductible if you opt to repair your windshield instead of replacing it. 

This is likely due to the fact that RV windshield replacement is incredibly expensive.

How Much Does RV Windshield Replacement Cost? 

It might shock you to find out that RV windshield replacement can cost as much as $5,000-$10,000 for Class A motorhomes. 

The price to replace a windshield on a regular automobile typically costs between $200 and $800. 

Class B and Class C RVs are built on both truck and van chassis. So, the price for Class B and C RV windshield replacement is also between $200 and $800. 

But why the huge price difference for Class A windshield replacement?

Class A windshields are entirely different from any other kind of motorhome. The glass is typically in one or two huge panes, some of which are rounded on the sides. The glass is multi-layered with glass and clear composites for strength and safety. They’re huge, heavy, and difficult to install, hence the price difference.

Because the massiveness of the price is heavier than the weight, it’s incredibly important to make sure your RV insurance policy has windshield coverage. 

RV Windshield Insurance

If you’re one of the lucky ones reading this for fun and not because you have RV windshield replacement damage, you’re in a good place. 

Now is a great time to check your own coverage and find out whether or not you’re insurance covers you for RV windshield replacement. 

If you are in the insurance shopping stages, now is the time to dive in and really compare and contrast different coverage options from different providers. 

RV Windshield Repair vs RV Windshield Replacement

According to Foremost, most RV insurance companies will waive your deductible if you opt to just repair your RV windshield vs replace it. 

But in some cases, repairing just isn’t the right solution. 

So how do you know whether your RV windshield needs repairing or if you need a total replacement? 

Unless your RV windshield is totally shattered, it will be your choice whether or not you repair or replace your windshield. 

Here are some scenarios where you should consider RV windshield replacement: 

• If your windshield is cracked; not chipped. 
• Replacement is recommended if there is a chip in your line of vision. 
• You should replace the windshield if you have a chip larger than the size of a quarter. 
• Chips near the edge of the RV’s windshield also warrant replacement as they make the glass weaker. 
• If you have more than 4-6 chips, RV windshield replacement is recommended. 

While windshield cracks cannot be fully repaired, superficial chips in the exterior layer of the glass can. 

It’s important to have RV windshield chips repaired as early as possible so they do not spread or create cracks that require total RV windshield replacement. 

Can I Replace My RV Windshield Myself?

You might be balking at the price of RV windshield replacement and wonder if you can just do it yourself… and the answer is no. 

Your windshield is essentially your lifeline while driving a motorhome. As such, you should leave all windshield work to the pros!

Improper windshield installation can cause cracks, stress fractures, or worse: your windshield could fall out while driving. RV windshields weigh hundreds of pounds and require special equipment to set them in place correctly.

Why It’s Important to Repair Your RV Windshield

A crack or a chip in your RV windshield might not seem like that big of a deal, especially if it doesn’t impact your line of sight. 

However, a cracked or chipped RV windshield can be more dangerous than you might think! 

Your windshield is one of your best lines of defense against road debris like rocks, dirt, birds, Florida Love Bugs, and other airborne objects. 

A crack causes your RV windshield to be significantly less safe. Cracks weaken the glass so much that even a pebble could cause your windshield to shatter. 

And, in some states, it’s actually illegal to drive with a cracked windshield. 

Chips, on the other hand, aren’t as dangerous. However, it’s still important to get them taken care of immediately. 

Chips are caused by rocks and other road debris kicked up by passing vehicles. Chips are most often little flecks in the outer layer of your RV windshield. 

Windshield chips don’t cost a lot to repair, and many RV insurance companies will waive your deductible if you opt to repair them instead of replacing the windshield.

While not a huge threat by themselves, if they’re not repaired, chips will turn into cracks. That will automatically make the repair job much bigger and more expensive!

What to Ask Your RV Insurance Company about RV Windshield Replacement Coverage

If you’re trying to find out what kind of insurance you have (or don’t have) for your RV windshield, be straightforward with your insurance agent.

If you have damage and are thinking of RV windshield replacement or repair options, there are a few things you’ll want to go over with your insurance provider. 

Here are some questions to ask: 

• Do you waive the deductible for RV windshield replacement or repair? 
• Is my RV windshield damage eligible for repair under my insurance policy? 
• Do I have to work with a specific service center, or can I choose a service center of my choice? 
• What’s the timeline for insurance-covered RV windshield repair?

4 Easy RV Windshield Maintenance Tips

It’s important to properly take care of your RV windshield, just like any other system or appliance in your RV. 

Proper cleaning and maintenance can help you find potential chips in your RV windshield that you might not have noticed otherwise. This will allow you to have your windshield repaired immediately instead of waiting until a crack forms, causing a costly repair or RV windshield replacement. 

1. Clean Your Windshield Often

Clean your RV windshield thoroughly after every trip. Get rid of dust, sap, road grime, and any remnants of bug splatter.

Sap and bug guts can harden over time and cause damage to your windshield surface.

2. Repair Small Damage Immediately

At the first sign of any type of chip, get it repaired immediately. Always seek a professional opinion for windshield chips and have it repaired sooner than later.

3. Inspect and Maintain Your Windshield Seal

All RV windshields are sealed with a rubber gasket around the edges. Over time, this gasket collects dirt, dust, and who knows what else. This can dry out and weaken the seal causing leaks inside your RV. 

Over time, rubber gaskets can shrink and crack, too. Make cleaning and inspecting your windshield gasket a part of your windshield cleaning routine. 

4. Protect Your Windshield While Parked

Use an exterior RV windshield cover to protect your RV windshield while parked. A cover will provide privacy and insulation inside your RV. It will protect your glass too. 

A windshield cover is great for protecting from debris and hail storms. You always want to be prepared for the unexpected like the errant rock from the campground lawnmower, and more. 

Final Words About RV Windshield Coverage

RV windshields are expensive – there’s no way around it. Don’t be left without the proper glass coverage in your RV insurance policy. 

If you haven’t already, check your policy and coverage as soon as possible. At the very least, check with your insurance provider before your next RV trip. 

Ensuring you have RV windshield replacement coverage can make all the difference. Paying a few hundred dollars of a deductible for a new windshield could save your RV vacation versus several thousand if you don’t have coverage.

Related Reading:

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– How Much Does RV Insurance Cost?
– 10 Best RV Windshield Covers Reviewed
– Protecting Your Travels with RV Warranties
– How to Repair Cracked RV Graphic Decals

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