At Associated Windshield Specialists, we help Myrtle Beach drivers navigate their insurance coverage every day. Here’s everything you need to know about South Carolina’s windshield insurance laws.
South Carolina’s Zero-Deductible Windshield Law Explained
South Carolina is one of several states with laws that protect drivers from paying out of pocket for windshield damage. Under SC Code of Laws Section § 38-77-280(B), insurance companies are required to waive the deductible for glass claims when you have comprehensive coverage on your auto policy.
According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance:
“There is no ‘free’ glass coverage in South Carolina; however, if an insured has comprehensive coverage on their auto policy, in accordance with South Carolina law (SC Code of Laws Section § 38-77-280(B)), the deductible for glass coverage is waived. You must have comprehensive coverage on that vehicle for the insurer to replace the windshield. In that case, the deductible for comprehensive claims will be waived.”
What this means in plain English: if you carry comprehensive coverage, your windshield replacement is covered with $0 deductible. You don’t pay anything out of pocket—your insurance covers the full cost.
What You Need to Qualify for Zero-Deductible Coverage
To take advantage of South Carolina’s windshield law, you must have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy. This is sometimes called “other than collision” coverage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against damage from things outside your control: theft, vandalism, weather events, falling objects, animal strikes, and—importantly for this discussion—rock chips and cracked windshields from road debris.
Do you have comprehensive coverage?
- If you’re financing or leasing your vehicle, you almost certainly do—lenders require it
- If you own your car outright, check your policy declarations page or call your agent
- If you carry only liability insurance, windshield damage unfortunately won’t be covered
The deductible waiver applies specifically to glass claims. Your regular comprehensive deductible still applies to other types of claims like theft or hail damage.
Will Filing a Windshield Claim Raise My Insurance Rates?
This is the question we hear most often, and we understand the concern. Nobody wants to use their coverage if it’s going to cost them more in the long run.
Here’s the reality: comprehensive claims, including windshield claims, typically do not raise your insurance rates in South Carolina.
Why? Because comprehensive claims are considered “not at fault” incidents. You didn’t cause the rock to hit your windshield—it was random bad luck. Insurance companies recognize this and generally don’t penalize drivers for filing comprehensive claims.
Our advice: don’t let fear of rate increases stop you from using coverage you’re already paying for. South Carolina law specifically protects you with zero-deductible glass coverage. That’s literally what your premiums are for.
How to File a Windshield Insurance Claim in South Carolina
Filing a windshield claim is simpler than most people expect. Here’s how the process works when you choose Associated Windshield Specialists:
Step 1: Call Us First
Before calling your insurance company, give us a call at 843-626-1960. We’ll ask a few questions about your vehicle and damage, then explain your coverage options based on your insurer.
Step 2: We Contact Your Insurance Company
Here’s where we make your life easier. We handle the insurance call for you. We work with every major insurance provider—State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, Nationwide, USAA, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, and more. We know what information each company needs and can typically get claim approval within minutes.
Step 3: We Schedule Your Replacement
Once the claim is approved, we schedule your windshield replacement at a time that works for you. We offer same-day service in most cases and can come directly to your home or office anywhere in the Myrtle Beach area.
Step 4: We Bill Your Insurance Directly
After the work is done, we bill your insurance company directly. Thanks to SC Code § 38-77-280(B), your glass deductible is waived—you pay $0.
That’s it. No paperwork headaches, no phone tag with adjusters, no waiting for reimbursement checks, and no out-of-pocket expense.
Insurance Coverage for Windshield Repair vs. Replacement
South Carolina’s deductible waiver applies to both windshield repair and replacement. Whether you have a small chip that can be fixed in 30 minutes or a crack that requires full replacement, your comprehensive coverage handles it with no deductible.
That said, addressing damage quickly is still important. A small chip that could be repaired today might spread into a larger crack tomorrow—especially with Myrtle Beach’s temperature swings. While both are covered, why let damage get worse when you can fix it for free?
What About ADAS Calibration? Is That Covered?
If your vehicle has Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)—features like lane departure warning, forward collision alert, or automatic emergency braking—the windshield replacement includes recalibration of these systems.
The good news: ADAS calibration is covered by your comprehensive insurance as part of the windshield replacement. It’s considered a necessary component of returning your vehicle to pre-loss condition.
When we submit your claim, we include the calibration cost. Your insurance company pays for both the glass and the calibration under the same zero-deductible glass claim.
What If I Don’t Have Comprehensive Coverage?
If you carry liability-only insurance, South Carolina’s deductible waiver doesn’t apply because you don’t have comprehensive coverage to begin with. You’ll need to pay for windshield replacement out of pocket.
But that doesn’t mean it has to break the bank. At Associated Windshield Specialists, we offer:
- Competitive pricing on all auto glass services
- Free estimates with no obligation
- Honest assessments—if repair will work, we’ll tell you
- Payment options to fit your budget
We also recommend getting a quote before assuming you can’t afford it. Many drivers are surprised to find that windshield replacement costs less than they expected, especially for common vehicle models.
Common Insurance Questions from Myrtle Beach Drivers
“Can I choose my own auto glass shop, or does my insurance company decide?”
You have the right to choose any auto glass shop you want. Insurance companies may have “preferred” vendors, but they cannot require you to use them. Choose a shop you trust—not necessarily the one your insurer suggests.
“How long does the insurance claim process take?”
When you work with us, claim approval usually takes 15–30 minutes. We can often complete the replacement the same day you file the claim.
“Do I really pay nothing for windshield replacement in South Carolina?”
If you have comprehensive coverage, yes—South Carolina law (SC Code § 38-77-280(B)) requires your insurer to waive the deductible for glass claims. You pay $0 out of pocket.
“What if my insurance company says I have to pay a deductible?”
They may not be aware of SC law, or there may be confusion about your coverage. Contact the South Carolina Department of Insurance if you believe your insurer isn’t complying with state law. We can also help clarify coverage when we process your claim.
Get Your Windshield Replaced for Free Today
Stop worrying about that crack spreading across your windshield. If you have comprehensive coverage in South Carolina, getting it replaced costs you nothing thanks to state law.
Associated Windshield Specialists has been helping Myrtle Beach drivers navigate auto glass insurance claims for over 33 years. We work with every major insurance company and handle all the paperwork so you don’t have to.
Call us at 843-626-1960 to verify your coverage and schedule your replacement. We’ll have you back on the road with a clear view—without spending a dime.