Is It Free to Replace a Windshield in Maine?

It really seems like it happens more in Maine than anywhere else, and this is coming from someone who not only does a lot of driving, but has driven halfway across the country multiple times without incident. But in Maine? It seems like it happens on the reg.

Chipped or cracked windshields.

Maine Illegal Windshield Crack

Need proof? Just look around the parking lot when you coast into your spot at a large store like Walmart or a grocery store -- odds are, there's at least one or two cars with some windshield chips or full out cracks.

Which, by the way, can actually be illegal according to state law depending on how big the crack actually is.

So, if your goal is to stay on the right side of the law and not get pulled over, ticketed, and fined for having a crack being enough to be deemed illegal in the state, the quick choice is to get it repaired or replaced -- but at what cost?

Maine Windshield Replacement

According to Progressive, while there are certain states that are considered "zero-deductible states" -- meaning they will straight up replace a windshield for free -- and other states that are "optional zero-deductible states," Maine doesn't fit into either category.

However, it is still possible for your windshield replacement to be absolutely free of charge in Maine, and it's partially in your control, but not fully.

Maine Car Insurance

There's two things you need to know when it comes to possibly having your windshield replaced for free in Maine: 1) Make sure you have comprehensive coverage through your car insurance, and 2) While most insurance companies will fully cover windshield repair for free and no deductible, it won't necessarily be free for a full windshield replacement.

Case in point, I just needed my windshield replaced in my truck. I filed a claim through my insurance company, and originally I was told that while insurance would cover it, I'd still be charged a $100 deductible for the replacement (which is a hell of a lot better than the $700+ quote I originally received for the replacement.)

When I went to pick up my truck, I was told that my insurance company covered the full replacement, including the deductible, meaning I didn't have to drop one penny on the replacement. And while it won't necessarily always work out like that, at the end of the day, it's up to the insurance company on whether they charge you the deductible or not.

And while AutoInsurance.org mentions there are certain criteria that insurance companies look at when it comes to how glass coverage/windshield replacement is handled, at the end of the day, I feel like possibly the fact I haven't had to report a claim in forever, which means I haven't cost my insurance company any money, it's possible that could've been the deciding factor in them eating the $100 deductible and cutting me a break.

But don't quote me on that, there's a solid chance it was all just pure luck and at the end of the day, sometimes you just take the win and move on.