Question 1

Will a windshield claim raise my insurance premium?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Windshield damage from rocks, road debris, weather, or vandalism is covered under your comprehensive coverage and is treated as a no-fault claim. It isn't an at-fault accident and doesn't go on your driving record, so a single glass claim usually has no effect on your rates. Every policy is different, and several claims in a short period can be treated differently, so if you're unsure, confirm with your insurer.

Question 2

Is it worth making an insurance claim for a cracked windshield?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes, especially for a full replacement. Replacement can cost several hundred dollars or more, and much more on newer vehicles with cameras, sensors, or heads-up displays that need ADAS calibration. With comprehensive coverage you usually pay only your deductible, and because a windshield claim is no-fault, it typically doesn't affect your premium. It may not be worth claiming if your deductible is close to or higher than the repair cost (often the case for small chip repairs if your insurer doesn't waive the deductible), or if you've made several claims recently. Not sure? Tell us your insurer and vehicle and we'll compare claiming against paying privately so you can decide.

Question 3

Can a windshield claim affect my claims-free discount?

Accepted Answer

It can with some insurers. Even when a glass claim doesn't raise your rate, a few insurers offer claims-free or loyalty discounts that any claim can affect. If you have one, check with your insurer or broker before filing. If paying privately makes more sense, we'll quote it.

Question 4

Does a windshield claim go on my driving record?

Accepted Answer

No. A windshield claim isn't a driving offence or an at-fault accident, so it doesn't go on your driving record. Like any claim, it may appear in your insurance claims history.

Question 5

Does my insurance cover windshield replacement?

Accepted Answer

If your policy includes comprehensive or all perils coverage, windshield replacement is usually covered. Comprehensive coverage is optional in Ontario, so if you only have the mandatory minimum coverage, glass damage may not be included. Not sure what you have? Tell us your insurer and we'll help you find out.

Question 6

What is my deductible?

Accepted Answer

Your deductible is the amount you pay toward a claim, and it's set by your policy, not by us. You'll find it in your policy documents or by asking your insurer or broker. Some policies include a lower or separate glass deductible. We'll confirm it with you before any work starts so there are no surprises.

Question 7

What does "$500 deductible with full glass" mean?

Accepted Answer

It means your policy has a $500 deductible for most claims, but "full glass" coverage removes the deductible for glass damage. If your windshield is cracked or broken, your insurer covers the full cost and you typically pay $0 out of pocket. Without full glass coverage, you'd pay the first $500 and your insurer would cover the rest. In Ontario, insurers may call this a glass endorsement, a glass deductible waiver, or a separate glass deductible, and not every policy has it. Check your policy documents or ask your broker, or tell us your insurer and we'll help you find out.

Question 8

Do I need to call my insurance company first?

Accepted Answer

No. Just contact us. We deal with your insurance company directly and handle the claim, the billing, and all the paperwork for you. In the rare case your insurer needs to hear from you personally, we'll tell you exactly what to say. It usually takes just a couple of minutes, and we take care of everything after that.

Question 9

Do you bill my insurance company directly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We bill your insurer directly and handle all the paperwork. You only pay your deductible, if your policy has one, and the insurer covers the rest of the approved claim.

Question 10

Will you waive or pay my deductible?

Accepted Answer

No. Your deductible is part of your insurance contract, and we don't waive, cover, or rebate it. What we do is make sure you pay only the deductible your policy sets, with no surprise charges on top.

Question 11

Do you work with my insurance company?

Accepted Answer

We work with all major Ontario insurers, including Intact, Aviva, Desjardins, TD Insurance, The Co-operators, Definity/Economical, Belair Direct, RBC Insurance, Wawanesa, Allstate, CAA Insurance, Sonnet, and more. We're an independent shop, so you can choose us no matter who your insurer is.

Question 12

Can my insurance company make me use a specific glass shop?

Accepted Answer

Insurers may recommend shops, but in most cases you have the right to choose who repairs your vehicle, subject to your policy. Just let your insurer know you'd like Windshield Toronto Replacement to do the work, or let us tell them for you.

Question 13

What if I don't want to go through insurance?

Accepted Answer

No problem. We also do private-pay windshield replacement and chip repair, and we still come to you. If your deductible is higher than the cost of the repair, paying privately can make more sense, and we'll give you a straight quote so you can decide.

Question 14

Is comprehensive or collision the coverage that pays for a cracked windshield?

Accepted Answer

Usually comprehensive. It covers damage that isn't from a collision, such as rocks, debris, hail, falling objects, and vandalism. If your windshield broke in a collision, the claim would normally go under collision coverage instead, and different rules can apply.

Question 15

I only have basic mandatory insurance. Am I covered?

Accepted Answer

Probably not. Ontario's mandatory coverage doesn't include damage to your own vehicle from things like rocks, weather, or vandalism. That's covered by optional comprehensive or all perils coverage. If you don't have it, we offer straightforward private-pay pricing.

Question 16

Is chip repair covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Many Ontario insurers cover windshield chip and small crack repair under comprehensive coverage with no deductible, because fixing a chip early is much cheaper than replacing the whole windshield. Check with your insurer, or ask us and we'll find out for you.

Question 17

Does a windshield chip repair count as an insurance claim?

Accepted Answer

It's usually handled differently from a full replacement. Many Ontario insurers cover chip repairs with no deductible. Depending on your insurer, it may still be recorded on your file as a glass claim. Ask us and we'll check how your insurer handles it.

Question 18

Why would my windshield claim be denied?

Accepted Answer

The most common reasons: the policy doesn't include comprehensive coverage; the policy has a glass endorsement that excludes damage from flying rocks or debris (some drivers choose this to lower their premium); the damage was reported long after it happened; or the damage existed before the policy started. If your claim is denied, we can still replace your windshield privately.

Question 19

Is there a time limit for filing a windshield claim?

Accepted Answer

Policies require you to report damage promptly. Waiting weeks can raise questions about when the damage happened, and a small chip can spread into a crack that needs a full replacement. Contact us as soon as you notice the damage.

Question 20

Do I need a police report for a windshield claim?

Accepted Answer

Not for everyday damage like a rock chip or a crack that spread. If your windshield or window was smashed in a break-in or vandalism, your insurer may ask you to report it to police first. We'll tell you what your insurer needs.

Question 21

A truck kicked up a rock and cracked my windshield. Who pays?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, your own comprehensive coverage. It's very hard to prove which vehicle a rock came from, so these are handled as no-fault comprehensive claims. If another identified driver was at fault in a collision that broke your windshield, the claim may be handled differently, and your insurer will advise.

Question 22

Is ADAS camera calibration covered?

Accepted Answer

If your vehicle has a windshield-mounted camera for lane-keeping, collision warning, or adaptive cruise control, the camera needs to be recalibrated after a new windshield goes in. When it's required, calibration is normally part of the insurance claim. We'll confirm it with your insurer.

Question 23

Will insurance pay for a heated, rain-sensor, or heads-up display windshield?

Accepted Answer

Yes, insurance typically covers replacing your windshield with the same type of glass your vehicle came with, including heated, rain-sensor, acoustic, and HUD glass, plus any required ADAS camera calibration.

Question 24

Is my rear window or side window covered too?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under comprehensive coverage, back glass, door glass, and quarter glass are usually covered the same way as the windshield, typically with your comprehensive deductible.

Question 25

Will my insurance pay for OEM (dealer) glass?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your policy. Some insurance policies cover OEM glass, the same brand of glass your vehicle came with from the factory. Others only cover aftermarket glass, which is made by a different manufacturer to fit your vehicle and meet the same safety standards. Some policies cover OEM glass only in certain cases, such as newer vehicles or vehicles with ADAS cameras. If your policy only covers aftermarket glass and you'd prefer OEM, you can usually choose to pay the difference. We'll check what your insurer approves and walk you through your options before we start.

Question 26

What's the difference between OEM and aftermarket windshield glass?

Accepted Answer

OEM (original equipment manufacturer) glass is made by the same manufacturer that supplied your vehicle's original windshield and usually carries the automaker's logo. Aftermarket glass is made by a different manufacturer to fit your vehicle and must meet the same safety standards. Both are safe when properly installed. OEM glass can matter more on vehicles with ADAS cameras, heads-up displays, or other built-in features, where an exact match helps the camera calibrate and the display project correctly.

Question 27

What kind of glass do you use?

Accepted Answer

We install OEM or high-quality aftermarket glass that meets the same safety standards as your original windshield, depending on what your insurance policy covers and what you prefer. We always match your vehicle's features, including rain sensors, heated glass, heads-up displays, and acoustic glass.

Question 28

Do you come to me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We come to your home or workplace anywhere in Toronto and replace your windshield on the spot. You can also bring your vehicle to our shop if you prefer.

Question 29

How long does a windshield replacement take?

Accepted Answer

The replacement itself usually takes about [REPLACEMENT TIME, e.g. 60–90 minutes]. If your vehicle needs ADAS camera calibration, allow extra time for that.

Question 30

How soon can I drive after a windshield replacement?

Accepted Answer

The adhesive needs time to cure before the vehicle is safe to drive. This is usually about [DRIVE-AWAY TIME, e.g. 1 hour], depending on the adhesive and the weather. We'll tell you the exact safe drive-away time before we leave.

Question 31

How soon can you replace my windshield?

Accepted Answer

We offer same-day or next-day appointments in most cases, depending on glass availability for your vehicle.

Question 32

Can my windshield chip be repaired instead of replaced?

Accepted Answer

Small chips and short cracks can often be repaired if they're caught early and aren't in the driver's direct line of sight. Larger cracks, or damage near the edge of the glass, usually need a full replacement. Send us a photo and we'll tell you which one you need.

Question 33

Do you offer a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our workmanship is covered by a [WARRANTY DETAILS] warranty against leaks and installation defects.

Question 34

What information do you need from me?

Accepted Answer

Your name, phone number, vehicle year, make, and model (the VIN helps), your insurance company, when and how the damage happened, where you'd like us to come, and a photo of the damage if you have one. If you've already opened a claim, send us the claim number too. We handle the rest.

Question 35

How much does windshield replacement cost in Toronto without insurance?

Accepted Answer

Typically between a few hundred dollars and over $1,000. It depends on your vehicle, whether you choose OEM or aftermarket glass, the type of glass (heated, rain sensor, HUD), and whether ADAS camera calibration is needed. Contact us for an exact quote for your vehicle.

Question 36

Is it illegal to drive with a cracked windshield in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

It can be. Ontario's Highway Traffic Act requires your windshield to give you a clear view of the road. If a crack or chip blocks your view, you can be ticketed (the set fine is $85, plus surcharges). Beyond the ticket, a damaged windshield is weaker and may not protect you as well in a crash, which is one more reason we come to you instead of having you drive in.

Question 37

Can a cracked windshield affect airbags and safety?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The windshield helps support the roof in a rollover and helps the passenger airbag deploy correctly. A cracked windshield, or one that's poorly installed, may not perform the way it's designed to. That's why proper installation and cure time matter.

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Windshield insurance claim FAQ

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