A vehicle obviously brings several benefits and comforts, however, it can also be a ridiculous expense when you have small accidents that can end up totalling a decent amount of cash needed to repair parts, especially when you didn’t expect it.
One of the most common small accidents for cars in Canada is a broken windshield, this can happen from a tiny crack that eventually gets worse or it can shatter completely.
In this article, we will explain how much it costs to replace or repair your windshield and what you should consider in relation to that and your car insurance.
Common Causes of Windshield Damage
The windshield of your car is an essential element in the safety of the vehicle and, for this reason, it is important to keep it in an optimal condition without damage or flaws that could limit your vision.
- Excessive cold: During Winter, it’s common to experience really extreme frosts and this can greatly affect your windshield. The extreme temperature changes cause the glass to expand and contract, which can lead to small cracks.
- Sunlight: The heat can cause an increased likelihood of chips on the windshield, especially in summer. Extreme heat intensity causes this glass to fracture.
- Flying rocks or debris in road transit: This factor represents one of the most obvious and recurring instances. Since small rocks are quite common, especially on roads or streets that are in permanent construction, these solid elements simply bounce and damage the car windows.
- Severe weather: Any adverse natural phenomenon. Whether its a huge storm that raises debris, or hail hitting the windshield, all of these are unavoidable situations where your windshield may be damaged.
- Structural vulnerability: Windshields have great security value. These are incorporated with a strong adhesive to protect passengers from possible collisions but windshields can eventually crack under pressure, natural wear and durability of the glue.
- Collisions: This point refers to direct crashes between one car and another.
Can I Get a Fine for Driving With a Cracked Windshield?
A small or chip crack can jeopardize the safety and effectiveness of the windshield, driving with a cracked windshield in Canada can be very risky.
In Canada, windshields must be in “good condition.” This means that they cannot have any cracks or breaks. If a police officer pulls you over and sees that your windshield is cracked, they may give you a ticket. The fines for driving with a cracked windshield vary from province to province. In Ontario, for example, the penalty is $110.
| CRACKED WINDSHIELD FINES BY PROVINCE | |
|---|---|
| ONTARIO | $110 |
| ALBERTA | No specific fine |
| BRITISH COLUMBIA | $70 |
| SASKATCHEWAN | $115 |
| MANITOBA | $113 |
| QUEBEC | $200 |
| NEW BRUNSWICK | $85 |
| NOVA SCOTIA | $176 |
| NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR | $100 |
| PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND | $75 |
Tips for Protecting Your Windshield
The windshield is undoubtedly the most important glass in your car, that’s why we want to share some tips for caring for your windshield.
- Watch out for cracks: In winter or summer, temperature changes can quickly deteriorate the glass, so pay attention to any crack in the glass or a blow to the windshield.
- Operational wipers: The windshield wipers are “the eyelids” of our windshield, thanks to them we can afford to enjoy vision if we are in the rain or something has damaged the glass.
- Windshield fluid: In hot climates, it is very important to check the windshield fluid reserve, this is useful to support the wiper blades and better remove dirt. In addition to avoiding leaving scratches on the glass.
Windshield Replacement vs Repair
When a windshield car is damaged, professionals usually choose to repair the windshield and if it is not possible, they proceed to change it to a new one. Whenever it is feasible, try to repair the windshield instead of replacing it with a new one.
This decision is obviously because repairing the glass instead of replacing it, will save you the cost of a new windshield. In addition, repairing the windshield contributes to the protection of the environment.
For example, scratches can be repaired in some cases making a polish with special equipment. But if the scratch is very deep, it cannot be polished and the glass will have to be replaced. The damage caused by small rocks or chips that jump to the glass on the roads is also usually repaired. Keep in mind that it should be done quickly so that the breakage does not spread.
If the repair is impossible, there will be no choice but to change the windshield. Some types of cracks are not able to be repaired, for example you cannot repair the star-shaped breaks. You have to be careful with this type of breakage because they usually extend quickly when there are sudden changes in temperature or you drive over a pothole, so something to be mindful of here.
How Much Does a Windshield Replacement Cost?
A windshield replacement typically costs between $100 and $500, including labour, with the average cost around $220, there are some exceptions though, luxury vehicles can cost upwards of $1,500. When determining the cost of a windshield replacement, there are several things to consider like your vehicle’s make, year, and model, sensors and wipers, the type and location of the damage, the type of glass used, and your chosen brand of service.
Does My Car Insurance Cover a Windshield Replacement?
Depending on the type of car insurance you have, the insurance may cover windshield replacement, most people only have mandatory insurance, which does not cover this type of incident. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, can cover this, but you must make sure that it is included in the policy. Some of the perils included in this coverage are fires, hail, windstorms, lightning, theft, vandalism, falling objects, explosions, rising water, and riots, among other types.
If the cost of your windshield replacement exceeds the coverage limit, you will need to pay the remaining balance out-of-pocket. The impact on your premium depends on whether you make a claim and how many claims you have. If your windshield is cracked, chipped, or pitted and you aren’t sure whether your insurance covers the cost of replacing it, contact your insurance provider.