According to Section 74(1) of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, every vehicle must maintain unobstructed visibility through its front and side windows while operating on a highway. This law implies that driving with any windshield damage exceeding 12mm in diameter is illegal, regardless of whether a police officer notices the damage.
Unfortunately, some car owners would wait for their windshield damage to get worse before opting for repairs, thinking it’s more cost-effective to fix everything in one go rather than repairing small damages as they occur. This often backfires, resulting in higher overall costs and potential safety hazards.
It’s best to have your vehicle’s windshield repaired immediately, especially if you have a policy with comprehensive coverage or a special endorsement relating to glass coverage.
Does Car Insurance Cover Glass Damage?
Generally, there are two types of coverage that protect drivers against the costs of windshield damage. Comprehensive coverage, which includes a deductible and basic protection for cracked windshields, and full auto glass coverage, which offers more extensive protection without a deductible, covering even minor chips and cracks that can be repaired quickly to prevent further damage.
Comprehensive insurance typically requires paying a deductible before claims are covered. Opting for a no-deductible option significantly raises premium costs, while a higher deductible can reduce them. Keep these factors carefully when selecting your policy.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive car insurance in Canada provides coverage for a range of damages unrelated to collisions. This encompasses losses from theft, vandalism, fire, adverse weather conditions such as hail and windstorms, and interactions with animals.
There is typically a deductible involved, which you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurer covers the remaining costs. The premiums for comprehensive insurance depend on various factors, including your geographic location, vehicle make and model, and driving record.
Does Insurance Cover Windshield Crack
If your windshield crack is caused by road debris or a sudden impact, your comprehensive car insurance typically covers the repair or replacement costs. However, you may need to pay a deductible based on your policy terms.
It’s important to review your policy or speak with your insurance agent to understand any limitations or exclusions that might affect coverage. Some policies might not cover damages perceived as a result of negligence (like driving behind a construction vehicle without keeping a safe distance).
How to File a Claim
Filing a windshield claim quickly is essential, as many insurers cover minor repairs with no deductible, which can prevent the need for more costly replacements. Additionally, timely reporting is often necessary to comply with insurance terms, and failure to do so could result in a denied claim.
The good news is that filing a windshield claim is relatively simple. All it usually requires is a quick call to your insurance agent or a visit to the insurer’s website to fill out a claim form. You’ll need to describe the damage and how it happened and upload pictures. From there, your insurance provider will guide you through the next steps to get your windshield fixed as soon as possible.
Insurance covers repair or replacement costs up to your policy limit only. Windshield chips can often be fixed without a deductible, typically costing between $50 and $300. If replacement costs exceed your limit, you’ll pay the difference out-of-pocket.
Note that comprehensive car insurance may cover your windshield even without a specific repair add-on, depending on how the damage occurred.
Cost To Replace Windshield Without Insurance
There are several factors that can affect the cost of your windshield replacement in Canada, including the make and model of your vehicle, the type of glass used, and whether your vehicle has special features like sensors or heating elements.
For standard vehicles without special features, windshield replacement typically costs between $200 and $400. In contrast, luxury vehicles or those with advanced technologies such as rain-sensing wipers or heads-up displays can see costs soar above $1,000. These higher costs are due to the sophisticated nature of the glass and the complexity of the installation.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Windshield
To minimize the risk of windshield damage, maintain a safe gap between your vehicle and larger vehicles, particularly trucks that can stir up stones that crack your glass.
Auto glass experts would also advise car owners to use a covered garage for parking to shield their windshields from harsh weather like hail or windstorms and prolonged sun exposure that can degrade the glass.
Make sure to change your windshield wipers annually, as this helps prevent scratches caused by old, worn blades that could permanently damage your auto glass. Don’t forget to refill your windshield wiper fluid and ensure that you have enough fluid to clean the windshield effectively, as it can remove salty residue in winter or sticky tree sap in summer.
How Long Does it Take to Repair or Replace a Windshield?
A windshield repair is usually faster than a windshield replacement. At Auto Glass Zone Milton, we can repair your damaged windshield in under 30 minutes. We can also come to your location on the same day you booked our service.
Although a windshield replacement typically takes longer, our windshield replacement services can be completed in as fast as an hour, depending on the severity of the damage. We will also handle your insurance claims for you and ensure you have a hassle-free windshield repair or replacement experience.
Avoid delaying the repair. Cracked windshields can reduce your visibility and can be a safety hazard. Your vehicle’s structural integrity could be compromised and provide less protection if you are involved in an accident.
