A rock thrown by a truck on the highway, a chip of ice in winter, or an unexplained crack: windshield damage is a common issue for drivers. But faced with the repair or replacement bill, a crucial question arises: does your auto insurance policy cover windshield damage?
The short answer is: yes, but it entirely depends on the options you chose when purchasing your policy.
Here's everything you need to know to understand your coverage in case of windshield damage.
1. Basic liability insurance is not enough
In Canada (whether in Quebec, Ontario, or British Columbia), the law requires every driver to have at least liability insurance.
What it covers: Property and bodily damage you may cause to others in an accident for which you are responsible.
What it does NOT cover: Damage to your own vehicle, including glass or windshield breakage. To be protected, optional coverages must be added.
2. Optional coverages that cover the windshield
For your windshield replacement or repair to be covered by your insurer, you must have subscribed to one of these protections:
The "Glass Breakage" coverage (specific endorsement): Many insurers offer a targeted option specifically for windows (windshield, side windows, rear window, sunroofs). It generally covers breakage caused by a direct impact without necessarily affecting your accident record (according to the contracts).
The "All Risks" or "Collision and Upset Risks" coverages (or "All Perils Except Collision"): If you have a comprehensive "All Risks" or "Collision and Upset" policy, damage to the windshield caused by a projected object, vandalism, or collision is generally covered.
3. Should you report a windshield breakage to your insurer?
Before contacting your insurance company, it's important to weigh the pros and cons:
The deductible amount: This is the number one factor. If your deductible is $500 and replacing a windshield costs $400, insurance will pay nothing, and the bill will be entirely yours. However, for recent vehicles equipped with advanced calibration cameras (ADAS systems), a windshield can easily cost between $1,000 and $2,000, making insurance very useful.
The impact on your record and premiums: Nowadays, many insurers offer no-deductible or record-penalty protection for a simple impact repair (resin injection), as it avoids the need to replace the entire windshield. On the other hand, too frequent claims for full replacements can sometimes affect the renewal premium.
In summary
Golden rule: Always check the wording of your insurance policy or contact your broker to know if you have a glass breakage endorsement or an all risks protection. If the impact is small (the size of a quarter), consider getting it repaired quickly by a specialist (like Lebeau, UniglassPlus, or Speedy): many insurers cover 100% of the impact repair without a deductible to prevent the crack from spreading.
Sources used
Financial Markets Authority (AMF): Regulations on auto insurance policies.
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC): Explanations on optional coverages and deductibles.
CAA-Quebec & CAA Club Group: Practical advice on windshield impact repair.