Tesla owners in the U.S. will soon have to pay a little more to protect one of the most vulnerable—and expensive—pieces of their vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2026, Tesla is increasing the monthly price of its Windshield Protection Plan for Model 3 and Model Y owners from $12 to $16, a 33% jump.
The price adjustment was shared with subscribers via email on Monday, catching many off guard, considering the program was only launched just six months ago.
What The Plan Includes
Tesla introduced the Windshield Protection Plan in June 2025 as a budget-friendly way for owners to insure against rock chips and cracks—issues that can be particularly costly on vehicles equipped with advanced driver-assistance cameras located just behind the glass.
The plan offers unlimited chip and crack repairs and one full windshield replacement per year at no additional cost. For owners who end up needing more than one replacement, Tesla charges a $100 deductible for each subsequent claim.
Pricing varies by model, and while the increase currently impacts only the Model 3 and Model Y, Tesla’s original pricing set the plan at $15/month for Model S and $23/month for Model X. Those prices remain unchanged—for now.
Who Is Eligible
When the program launched, only new vehicles within 30 days of delivery could be enrolled. Tesla later confirmed that existing owners could join starting July 20, 2025, provided their vehicle passes a quick inspection. Enrollment is handled entirely through the Tesla mobile app.
Canadian owners are still waiting, as the program has not yet expanded north of the border, however there’s a likely reason why – Canadian insurance policies already cover most of what Tesla is selling—often more affordably.
Across Canada, comprehensive auto insurance typically includes chip and crack repair at little to no cost, and full windshield replacements are usually available with either a low deductible or optional $0 deductible glass riders. Public insurance systems like ICBC in B.C. and MPI in Manitoba even offer free repairs and streamlined replacements through major glass repair networks, making Tesla’s subscription less compelling to Canadians.
Why It Is Still A Good Deal For U.S. Customers
For Tesla owners in the U.S., the Windshield Protection Plan fills a real gap left by traditional insurance. Unlike Canada, many owners face high deductibles for windshield replacements, limited chip repair coverage, or no glass protection at all unless they pay for an expensive add-on as U.S. insurance varies widely by state and provider.
That’s where Tesla’s subscription becomes attractive. With unlimited chip and crack repairs and one full replacement included every year, the plan offers predictable, affordable protection for one of the most costly components to repair on a Tesla. Even after the January price increase, the monthly fee is often lower than what many insurers charge for full-glass riders, especially when factoring in the additional expense of camera recalibration on Tesla windshields.
