A rock chip or cracked windshield happens fast, especially on Canadian roads. Whether it’s flying gravel, hail, or winter debris, auto glass damage is one of the most common vehicle repairs across the country.
The first question most drivers ask is simple: Is auto glass repair covered by insurance?
The answer is not quite as simple, and it depends on your coverage type, deductible, and how severe the damage is. Some glass repairs are fully covered, while others might require you to pay a deductible or pay out of pocket.
At Craftsman Collision, we’ve spent over 40 years helping drivers across Western Canada repair windshields, side glass, and mirrors safely, and guiding them through insurance claims along the way.
Here’s what you need to know:
When Auto Glass Repair Is Covered by Insurance
Most windshield and auto glass repairs fall under comprehensive insurance coverage. This covers non-collision damage to your vehicle, including:
- Road debris (like flying gravel or stones)
- Vandalism or break-ins
- Falling branches or ice
- Hail, storms, or other weather events
If your policy includes comprehensive coverage, your insurer usually pays for the repair or replacement, minus any deductible.
If you have liability-only insurance, glass damage isn’t covered. Those policies only cover damage you cause to other vehicles, not your own.
Some insurers or provinces offer optional glass endorsements, which remove or reduce the deductible for windshield repairs and replacements.
Covered Damage Examples:
- Small rock chips in windshield
- Cracks caused by hail or debris
- Damaged glass from vandalism or theft
Not Covered:
- Pre-existing damage
- Cosmetic scratches or tint issues
- Damage from an at-fault collision (unless under collision coverage)
At Craftsman Collision, our technicians inspect your glass, photograph the damage, and help you confirm coverage before any repair begins. Book your repair now.
Auto Glass Repair vs Replacement
Not every glass issue means a full replacement.
- Repairs fix small chips and minor cracks that don’t reach the edge of the glass or block the driver’s view.
- Replacements are needed for long cracks, edge damage, or any break affecting sensors or camera systems.
Insurers often prefer repairs because they’re quicker, cheaper, and preserve the original factory seal. But safety comes first, and if the damage compromises visibility or the integrity of the windshield, replacement is required.
Typical differences:
- Repair: Low cost, often no deductible, 30–60 minutes to complete.
- Replacement: Covered under comprehensive coverage, may involve a deductible, takes a few hours.
Our shops assess each case and handle insurer approvals directly to keep your vehicle safe and compliant with your coverage. Learn more about our services.
Deductibles and Glass Coverage
A deductible is the amount you pay before your insurer covers the rest of the repair.
Many comprehensive policies in Canada include zero-deductible glass repairs, meaning you pay nothing for small chip or crack fixes. However, full windshield replacements typically require you to pay your comprehensive deductible, often between $200 and $500.
Some drivers choose to add a glass endorsement, an optional upgrade that removes or lowers the deductible for any glass claim. It’s common in provinces with harsh winters or gravel-heavy highways.
When in doubt, check your policy or ask your insurer about your specific comprehensive deductible and glass options.
Will a Glass Claim Affect Your Insurance Rates?
This is a common worry, but in most cases, no, a glass claim does not raise your premiums.
Glass claims fall under comprehensive coverage, which covers events outside your control. Most insurers in Canada don’t penalize drivers for a single glass claim.
However, frequent claims, especially multiple in one year, might lead to higher rates or the removal of your zero-deductible option.
Craftsman Collision works with all major insurers and can advise whether filing a claim makes sense for your situation.
Find a location near you and get expert help today.
How the Insurance Claim Process Works in Canada
If your windshield or window is damaged, follow these steps:
- Assess the damage — Check whether it’s a small chip or a spreading crack.
- Contact your insurer — Ask if your policy includes glass coverage and confirm your deductible.
- Visit a repair shop — A technician will inspect the damage and recommend repair or replacement.
- Submit your claim — Many shops, including Craftsman Collision, can handle the paperwork directly.
- Get it repaired — Most repairs take under an hour; replacements take a few hours to complete.
We coordinate with insurers daily, streamlining the approval and payment process so you’re back on the road quickly and safely.
When Paying Out of Pocket Makes Sense
Sometimes it’s simpler to skip the claim.
If your deductible is higher than the repair cost (for example, a $100 chip repair with a $300 deductible), paying out of pocket avoids unnecessary paperwork.
You might also choose to pay directly for small cosmetic damage or if you’re planning to sell your car soon.
Our team will always give you an honest recommendation based on your safety, cost, and coverage details. Learn more about our services.
Common Misconceptions About Auto Glass Insurance
“Any crack is covered.”
Many drivers assume any crack is covered by auto glass insurance, but coverage depends on what caused the damage and what coverage you carry. Auto glass insurance usually falls under comprehensive coverage, so it often covers cracks from road debris, weather, vandalism, or falling objects, but it usually will not cover damage outside those covered events or damage tied to wear and tear.
“Claims always raise rates.”
People often think glass claims always raise your insurance rates, but many insurers treat a single glass claim differently than an at-fault collision claim. A glass claim can still affect your premiums if you file several in a short period, if your insurer sees a pattern of frequent claims, or if the claim is bundled with other damage from a larger loss.
“You must use the insurer’s shop.”
You do not have to use the insurer’s shop for windshield repair, even if they recommend a preferred provider or direct you to one. Most policies let you choose your repair facility, but it’s smart to confirm the shop will follow insurer procedures for approval, documentation, and billing so the claim stays smooth.
Get Professional Advice Before You Decide
If your windshield or window is damaged, it’s best to get an inspection before filing a claim. Repairs are faster and cheaper when handled early, and visibility and safety should always come first.
Craftsman Collision’s team of glass repair specialists can help you understand your coverage, coordinate your claim, and get your vehicle safely repaired. Contact us today.
Common Questions About Auto Glass Insurance
What does insurance cover for a cracked windshield?
Insurance coverage for a cracked windshield usually depends on your coverage type, but in many cases comprehensive insurance covers a cracked windshield when the damage comes from road debris, weather, vandalism, or a falling object. If insurance covers a cracked windshield under comprehensive, you pay your deductible if your policy has one, and the insurer covers the rest. Some policies also encourage repairs over replacement, so a small chip repair might be handled differently than a full crack.
What does $500 deductible with full glass mean?
A $500 deductible with full glass means you have a $500 deductible for most comprehensive claims, but you also have glass coverage that changes how windshield claims are handled. In some policies, full glass coverage reduces the deductible for windshield repair or replacement, and in others it waives it for repairs but keeps it for replacement, so the exact meaning depends on your insurer’s wording.
Does insurance cover windshield replacement in Canada?
Yes, insurance covers windshield replacement in Canada if you carry comprehensive coverage or you have a glass endorsement, since collision-only coverage usually will not cover glass damage. When insurance covers windshield replacement in Canada, the insurer pays the approved cost and you pay your deductible, unless your policy includes glass coverage that lowers or removes the deductible for glass claims.
Stay Safe and Informed
Book a free glass damage inspection at Craftsman Collision or talk to our team before filing an insurance claim.
