Here are the key things drivers should know about using insurance to replace a windshield.
- Windshield Damage Is Usually Covered Under Comprehensive Insurance.
Windshield damage is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision with another vehicle.
Examples of damage covered under comprehensive insurance include:
- Rocks or debris hitting your windshield
- Falling objects (branches, construction debris, etc.)
- Vandalism
- Weather events such as hail or severe storms
- Animal impacts
Because most windshield damage happens from road debris, it almost always falls under comprehensive coverage. However, you must have comprehensive coverage on your policy for the repair or replacement to be covered. If a driver only carries liability insurance, windshield damage will not be covered.
- Your Deductible: Is it Even Worth Making a Claim?
Always check with Vision Glass Toronto for the latest promotions. People commonly think it is not worth it to go through insurance because their deductible is too high. However, Vision Glass Toronto offers additional savings up to 100% off of your deductible in most cases! Ask our “Customer Service Representative” for all the details.
What is a Deductible?
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest.
Typical comprehensive deductibles are:
- $300
- $500
- $1,000
Example:
- Windshield replacement cost: $1800
- Deductible: $500
- Insurance pays: $1300
- You pay: $500 (this is where Vision Glass Toronto can save you money $$$)
- Filing a Glass Claim Does NOT Affect Your Driving Record, or Your Premiums.
A windshield claim is considered a comprehensive claim, not an at-fault accident claim. This means that the claim:
- does not affect your driving record.
- does not add demerit points.
- does not impact your claims-free driving history the same way a collision claim does.
- usually does not affect your premiums (unless you are making multiple claims).
Insurance companies still track all claims, so making multiple claims in a short period of time may affect your insurance profile.
- Repair Is Often Preferred Over Replacement
If the damage is small, most insurance companies prefer to repair the windshield instead of replacing it. In fact, the insurance company will pay the entire cost of a repair, knowing it will save them having to pay for a replacement later. Repairs are faster and cheaper. A windshield can usually be repaired if:
- The chip is smaller than a quarter
- The crack is shorter than about 2 inches
- The damage is not directly in the driver’s line of sight
- The damage is not at the edge of the windshield
Repairs typically take 30-45 minutes and help restore the structural strength of the glass. The repairs process simply fills the microscopic core of the damaged area with a special bonding resin, preventing the damage from splitting into a larger break. After the repair, there will always be a remnant of the original damage. If the damage is too large or located in a critical area, the windshield must be fully replaced.
- You Have the Right to Choose Your Auto Glass Shop
You are not required to use the repair shop recommended by your insurance company. Drivers have the legal right to choose the shop they trust. Insurance companies often suggest preferred vendors because they have pricing agreements, but customers can still choose the repair shop of their choice.
- Modern Vehicles Often Require ADAS Recalibration
Many newer vehicles have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) connected to the windshield. Examples include:
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Traffic sign recognition
These systems use cameras mounted behind the windshield. When the windshield is replaced, the camera may need recalibration to ensure the safety systems work correctly. Recalibration can be:
- Static (done in a shop with calibration equipment)
- Dynamic (done while driving the vehicle)
Insurance policies cover recalibration if it is required as part of the windshield replacement.
- OEM vs Aftermarket Glass
When replacing a windshield, there are usually two types of glass available: (1) OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer: this is the same glass brand the vehicle came with from the factory. Most Insurance companies will agree to replace your windshield with an OEM replacement as long as your car is 2 years of age or newer. (2) With older cars, insurance companies opt to save money by only offering an aftermarket replacement.
- The Claims Process Is Usually Simple
Step 1: Contact us at Vision Glass Toronto by Phone: (416)726-3320 or visit our website: visionglasstoronto.com. You can book your appointment online! Have your pink insurance slip handy, as well as the following information:
- Licence Plate
- Odometer reading
- Date of loss
- Contact phone number
Step 2: Coverage Verification
Vision Glass Toronto will confirm:
- Comprehensive coverage
- Deductible amount
- Deductible Discount $$$
Step 3: Claim Approval
We submit the claim directly to the insurance company through our “claims processing portal”.
Step 4: Repair or Replacement
The repair or replacement is completed.
Step 5: Payment
- Insurance pays the shop directly
- The customer only pays the deductible (if applicable after the discount is applied)
Most customers never have to call their insurance company themselves.
- Driving with a Damaged Windshield Can Be Unsafe
Even small cracks can spread quickly due to:
- Temperature changes
- Road vibration
- Pressure on the glass
A damaged windshield can affect:
- Driver visibility
- Structural integrity of the vehicle
- Proper deployment of airbags
In modern vehicles, the windshield contributes up to 30% of the vehicle’s structural strength in a rollover accident. For this reason, it’s recommended to repair chips early before they become larger cracks.
- Ontario Safety Standards Require an Undamaged Windshield
In Ontario, vehicles must meet provincial safety standards. A windshield will fail a safety inspection if it is cracked or improperly installed.
- Timing Matters
If you notice a chip or crack, repairing it quickly can save money. Small chips can usually be repaired cheaply. Once a crack spreads, replacement becomes the only option, which is significantly more expensive. Most insurance policies fully cover chip repairs with no deductible, making early repair the best option.
- Mobile Service Is Available
Vision Glass Toronto offers:
- free shuttle service
- pick up and drop off
- mobile windshield replacement when the service does not compromise the quality and safety of the installation.
These options make the process much more convenient, especially for people with busy schedules.
Final Thoughts
Windshield damage is extremely common on Ontario roads due to gravel, construction, winter sanding, and highway debris. Fortunately, most drivers with comprehensive insurance have coverage for repairs or replacement.
If you are unsure whether your windshield damage is repairable or covered by insurance, Vision Glass Toronto can inspect the damage and verify your coverage in just a few minutes.
