Your Insurance Likely Covers This at $0
Most CU Boulder students driving a car registered to their parents are covered under their parents' comprehensive auto insurance. That means windshield chip repair is free -- you just don't know it yet.
How Insurance Works for CU Students
Here's what most CU students don't realize about their auto insurance coverage when it comes to windshield damage.
You're Likely on Your Parents' Policy
If you're under 26 and the car is registered to a parent, you're almost certainly still covered under their auto insurance. This is true even if you're living in Boulder full-time and the car is parked here.
Comprehensive Coverage Pays for Glass
Most family auto policies include comprehensive coverage, which covers windshield damage from road debris (rock chips, gravel, etc.). If your parents have comprehensive, your chip repair is covered.
Colorado's Zero-Deductible Option
Colorado law (CRS 10-4-613) requires insurers to offer zero-deductible glass coverage. If your parents have this endorsement, chip repair and even full windshield replacement costs you $0 out of pocket.
It Won't Affect Your Parents' Rates
Glass claims are filed under comprehensive coverage and are considered not-at-fault. Filing a chip repair or windshield replacement claim will not increase your parents' premium. This is a common misconception that causes students to pay out of pocket unnecessarily.
How to Check Your Coverage (5 Minutes)
Find your insurance card
It should be in your glove box or your parent's file. You need the insurance company name, policy number, and phone number. Many insurers also have mobile apps where you can pull up your card digitally.
Text your parent a quick question
"Hey, does our car insurance have comprehensive coverage? And do we have zero-deductible glass?" -- That's all you need to ask. Or just send them the insurance card info and tell them you got a rock chip.
Or just call us
Give us your insurance info and we'll check your coverage for you in minutes. We do this dozens of times a day -- we know exactly what to look for. Call (720) 918-7465.
We Come to Campus
No need to miss class or drive somewhere with a cracked windshield. Our mobile technician comes to wherever your car is parked.
Lot 308 (Williams Village)
Lot 436 (Research Park)
Euclid Auto Park
Regent Drive Parking
Lot 359 (East Campus)
University Hill streets
Your apartment parking
Pearl Street area
Anywhere in Boulder
How It Works for Students
- 1.Call or book online. Tell us where your car is parked.
- 2.We verify your insurance (takes about 15 minutes).
- 3.Technician arrives at your car. Chip repair takes 20-30 minutes.
- 4.You don't even need to be there. Just leave the car accessible.
Common Questions from CU Students
I got a rock chip on Highway 36 driving back from Denver. Is that covered?
Yes. Road debris damage is covered under comprehensive insurance. Highway 36 is the #1 source of rock chips for Boulder County drivers. If your parents have comprehensive coverage, the repair is likely $0.
Will filing a claim get me in trouble with my parents?
Glass claims don't raise insurance rates in Colorado. Your parents won't pay more, and most parents prefer that you get the chip fixed before it becomes a $400 crack. A quick text heads-up is all you need.
What if I'm not sure who my insurance company is?
Check your glove box for an insurance card, look in your parent's files, or check the registration paperwork. Many insurers also have apps (GEICO, State Farm, Progressive) where your parent may have added you. Or call us and we'll help figure it out.
I rent a car or have my own policy. Am I still covered?
If you have your own policy with comprehensive coverage, yes. If you're driving a rental or borrowed vehicle, the owner's insurance applies. Either way, call us and we'll verify the coverage before doing any work.
Can you fix it on campus between my classes?
Absolutely. Chip repair takes 20-30 minutes. Book a morning slot, tell us which lot or street you're parked on, and we'll handle it while you're in class. You'll come back to a repaired windshield.
What if the chip has already started to crack?
If the crack is under 6 inches, we may still be able to repair it. If it's longer, you'll need a full replacement. Either way, comprehensive insurance covers both. Call us and we'll assess it for free.
Don't Ignore That Chip
Boulder's temperature extremes (hot sun to freezing overnight, especially in spring and fall) cause small chips to spread into full cracks within days. A $0 chip repair today prevents a $300-$600 replacement next month.
Colorado state law also requires a clear, unobstructed windshield. A large crack could get you a fix-it ticket in Boulder.
Your Chip Repair Is Probably Free
We come to campus, check your insurance, and fix the chip -- usually at $0. Takes 20-30 minutes. You don't even need to miss class.