Does my car insurance cover a cracked windshield?

Rock flies up and hits your windshield on the highway, neighbours kid hits a baseball onto your car, your friend who claims to be good at golf, shanks one so far left it ends up in the parking lot, and you guessed it, on the windshield of your car. No matter how your windshield is chipped or cracked we want to make sure you know the ins and outs of how to get it repaired and if your insurance will cover it. Lets dive in to what you need to do with a chipped or cracked windshield shall we?

What is windshield insurance?

The first thing you need in order to get your windshield repaired through insurance is comprehensive coverage. This coverage is an add on to a basic liability policy and usually comes with a deductible (the standard is $500). Without this coverage you may not be able to cover the damage to your windshield through your insurance, instead you would need to pay out of pocket. Double check with your broker as sometimes the comprehensive coverage on your policy is lumped together with collision coverage and called all perils on your policy documents.

When should I replace or repair my windshield through my insurance?

There is not a clear cut yes or no answer to this question. However, there are some general guidelines that can inform your decision on when to repair a chipped or cracked windshield through your insurance.

Chipped windshield repair

If your windshield is chipped, you should act fast. Most insurance companies will waive your comprehensive deductible if your windshield is just chipped and not cracked. The reason being is a chip costs far less to repair and will help reduce the chance of the windshield cracking further down the road. If you take your vehicle to a glass repair shop and provide them with your insurance policy and proof of comprehensive coverage, they will bill the insurance company on your behalf and remove your deductible so there is no cost to you. This is subject to each insurance provider but is typically how the process works. It is always best to check with your broker if you are unsure.

Cracked windshield replacement

If your windshield is cracked you will need to replace the entire windshield. In this case your comprehensive deductible will apply, so you will need to pay that amount. A cracked windshield is more expensive than a chipped windshield and in some cases might be more expensive than your deductible, depending on the type of vehicle you drive or the deductible amount you have selected on your policy (some people choose to carry a higher deductible to lower their premiums). If the cost to repair is higher than your deductible, then it likely makes sense to go through your insurance and pay your deductible. If the cost to repair is lower than your deductible, then it makes sense to just pay the total for the repair out of pocket.

Does a windshield insurance claim impact your insurance rates?

If your windshield was damaged by a flying object (hail, rock, etc) or vandalism then the claim will be covered under your comprehensive coverage and does not impact your driving record or rates. If your vehicle was hit by an at-fault third party driver and your windshield was damaged your rates will not go up and your deductible will be waived. If you drive into an object (such as a road sign) or another vehicle and it cracks your windshield, you would be making a claim through your collision coverage. In this situation your deductible would apply and your rates may increase as a result of the claim.

Did you know that in Ontario, driving with a cracked or damaged windshield is something you can get ticketed for? That is why it is always best to act quickly when you have a damaged windshield. This helps protect you and others on the road. If you have any questions about your auto insurance coverage please contact your broker.