Does My Insurance Cover My Windshield? What Every Ontario and Calgary Driver Should Know
You’re driving home and you hear it — that sharp crack as a rock hits your windshield. You pull over and there it is. A chip. Maybe a crack already starting.
The first thought most clients have is: how much is this going to cost me?
Here’s what I’ve been telling clients for over 30 years: before you assume you’re paying out of pocket, call us. In most cases, your insurance covers it — and it costs you nothing.
Let me explain exactly how it works.
The Short Answer: Yes, Most Insurance Policies Cover Your Windshield
In Ontario and Alberta, most comprehensive auto insurance policies include glass coverage. That means windshield rock chip repairs and, in many cases, full windshield replacements are covered — sometimes with a zero-dollar deductible.
The problem is that most clients don’t know this. They see a chip, they assume it’s coming out of their pocket, and they put it off. Then the chip becomes a crack. Then the crack spreads. And what could have been a simple repair becomes a full replacement.
That’s the most expensive version of the story. And it’s completely avoidable.
The Questions Our Glass Experts Hear Every Day
Will making an insurance claim raise my premium? For glass claims specifically, most insurance companies in Ontario and Alberta do not raise your premium. Glass claims are typically treated separately from collision or at-fault claims. That said, every policy is different — our Client Service team recommends confirming with your provider before proceeding. In most cases, the answer is no.
How do I know if my policy includes glass coverage? Look for ‘comprehensive coverage’ on your policy. If you have it, glass is almost always included. If you’re not sure, call your insurance provider or call us — our Client Service team deals with insurance companies every day and can help you understand what’s covered before you book.
Do I have to call my insurance company first, or do I call you? Call us first. Our Glass Experts will assess your windshield, confirm what’s needed, and handle the insurance process on your behalf. We work directly with your insurance company so you don’t have to make multiple calls or navigate the paperwork yourself. One call to All-Brite is all it takes.
What if I only have a small chip — is it worth claiming? Almost always yes. A chip repair is fast, inexpensive, and in most cases fully covered. More importantly, a chip that goes unrepaired will spread — especially when temperatures drop. What costs nothing today can become a full windshield replacement if you wait. Our Glass Experts recommend getting chips assessed as soon as you notice them.
How long does the whole process take? A windshield rock chip repair typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, with no appointment necessary. A full windshield replacement usually takes 2 to 3 hours. In both cases, our Glass Experts aim to get you back on the road the same day. For insurance claims, we handle all the paperwork directly — your role is simply to show up.
Do you handle ADAS calibration after a windshield replacement? Yes. If your vehicle has a camera, lane assist, or other driver assistance systems mounted to the windshield, calibration is required after any replacement. Our Glass Experts are trained to handle ADAS calibration and will advise you on whether your vehicle requires it at the time of your reservation.
What if I want to pay directly instead of going through insurance? That is always your choice. Our Client Service team will give you a clear total investment before any work begins. There are no surprises and no hidden consultation fees. We’ll explain both options — insurance and direct payment — so you can make the decision that works best for you.
Summer Roads Are Hard on Windshields — Don’t Wait for Fall
Summer is road trip season. Highways, gravel roads, construction zones — your windshield takes more hits between May and September than at any other time of year.
Here’s what most clients don’t realize: a chip that forms in July becomes much harder to repair by October. Cold temperatures cause the glass to contract, and any existing damage spreads faster. What is a simple, covered chip repair today can become a full out-of-pocket replacement by November.
The best time to get your windshield assessed is right now — while the weather is warm, the repair is simple, and the cost to you is most likely zero.
What Happens When You Call All-Brite
- Our Client Service team assesses your windshield and confirms what’s needed
- We contact your insurance company on your behalf and confirm your coverage
- Our Glass Experts complete the repair or replacement — rock chip repairs in 15 to 20 minutes, replacements same day
- If your vehicle requires ADAS calibration, we handle that too
- You drive away with a clear windshield and zero paperwork on your end
We’ve been doing this since 1992. We know every insurance provider, we know the process, and we know how to get it done right the first time.
Reserve Your Appointment — It Costs You Less Than You Think
If you have a chip or crack in your windshield, don’t wait. Call our Glass Experts today and we’ll tell you within minutes what your insurance covers and when we can get you in.
Call 1 (877) 776-6996 or visit allbriteglass.ca to reserve your appointment Kitchener · Waterloo · Guelph · Woodstock · Calgary
Frequently Asked Questions — Windshield Insurance
Does insurance cover windshield replacement in Ontario? Yes. If you have comprehensive coverage, windshield replacement is typically covered under your auto insurance policy in Ontario. The deductible amount varies by policy — contact your provider or call All-Brite and our Client Service team will help you confirm your coverage before you reserve your appointment.
Does insurance cover windshield replacement in Alberta? Yes. Comprehensive auto insurance in Alberta typically includes glass coverage. In many cases, rock chip repairs are covered with no deductible. Our Glass Experts in Calgary handle insurance claims daily and can walk you through your options.
How many windshield claims can I make per year? Most insurance policies do not limit the number of glass claims you can make per year. However, some providers may apply different terms after multiple claims. Our Client Service team recommends confirming your specific policy details with your provider.
Can I choose my own glass repair shop for an insurance claim? In most cases, yes — insurance companies generally can’t require you to use a specific repair shop, and you’re free to choose your own provider. Rules can vary by policy, so it’s worth confirming with your insurer if you want certainty for your specific situation. Either way, All-Brite Glass & Tint works directly with all major insurance providers, regardless of who you’re insured with.
What information do I need when I call about a windshield insurance claim? Have your insurance policy number ready, along with your vehicle’s year, make, model, and VIN or plate number. Our Client Service team will handle the rest from there.
Is windshield rock chip repair free with insurance? In many cases, yes. Chip repairs are often covered with a zero-dollar deductible under comprehensive policies. Full replacements may involve a deductible depending on your provider and plan. Call us and we will confirm what applies to your specific policy before any work begins.
Written by Terry Aivaliotis Founder, All-Brite Glass & Tint Terry founded All-Brite Glass & Tint in 1992 with one truck and one mission: to help people see clearly through glass. Over more than three decades, they have personally overseen thousands of windshield repairs and replacements across Ontario and Calgary. When clients ask about insurance, Terry’s answer is always the same — call us first. We handle it.
All-Brite Glass & Tint — Trusted Since 1992. Fast, Safe, Reliable.