Automotive insurance is regulated at the provincial level in Canada, and coverage regarding windshields varies from one province to another. Here’s a brief rundown of windshield insurance considerations for each province:

1. British Columbia (BC):
   • ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) is the primary provider, but optional coverage can be purchased through private insurers.
   • Comprehensive coverage with ICBC or another provider generally covers windshield repairs or replacements.
2. Alberta:
   • Private insurers provide auto insurance.
   • Windshield coverage typically falls under comprehensive coverage.
   • Some insurers offer specific glass or windshield coverage or waivers for glass repairs.
3. Saskatchewan:
   • SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) provides basic auto insurance for all drivers.
   • Windshield repairs are generally covered without deductibles.
   • For full windshield replacements, the deductible applies unless additional coverage is purchased.
4. Manitoba:
   • MPI (Manitoba Public Insurance) offers basic insurance.
   • Comprehensive coverage or all-perils coverage will generally include windshield damage.
5. Ontario:
   • Private insurers provide auto insurance.
   • Windshield damage is typically covered under comprehensive or, in cases of collisions, collision coverage.
6. Quebec:
   • The province has a hybrid system. The SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec) covers bodily injury, while property damage is covered by private insurers.
   • Windshield repair or replacement is usually under comprehensive coverage offered by private insurers.
7. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador:
   • Auto insurance is provided by private insurers.
   • Windshield repairs or replacements typically fall under comprehensive coverage.
8. Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut:
   • Auto insurance is provided by private insurers.
   • Windshield damage is usually covered under comprehensive coverage.
9. Territories and Other Areas:
   • While the primary territories are mentioned above, it’s worth noting that in any remote or lesser-populated areas or territories, specifics of auto insurance might be unique. It’s always good to check with local regulations or insurance providers.

In all provinces and territories, the specifics of what is covered, under what circumstances, and for what deductible, can vary based on the insurer and the chosen policy. Always refer to the specific policy or speak with an insurance agent for detailed information.

Windshield Insurance in Ontario

In Ontario, Canada, whether a shattered windshield is covered by insurance depends on the type of auto insurance coverage you have and the circumstances surrounding the damage:

1. Comprehensive Coverage: If you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it generally covers damage to your car that is not caused by a collision. This includes events like theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and yes, a shattered windshield from things like a falling tree branch or flying rock. If the windshield is shattered due to a non-collision event and you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance may cover the repair or replacement.
2. Collision Coverage: If the windshield was shattered as a result of a collision with another vehicle or object, then it might be covered under your collision coverage, if you have one.
3. No-Fault Insurance System: Ontario operates on a no-fault insurance system, which means that regardless of who is at fault in an accident, everyone deals with their own insurance company. This system is meant to simplify the claims process.
4. Deductibles: Remember that deductibles apply. If your deductible is higher than the cost of the repair, it might not be worth it to make a claim. For instance, if your deductible is CAD 500 and the windshield repair is CAD 300, you’d be paying out of pocket anyway, and making a claim might affect your future premiums.
5. Direct Compensation – Property Damage (DC-PD) Coverage: This mandatory coverage is for situations where the damage is partly or wholly the fault of another driver who is insured by an insurance company licensed in Ontario. Under certain circumstances, this might apply to windshield damage, especially if another vehicle caused the damage.
6. Windshield Repair Waivers: Some policies in Ontario offer windshield repair waivers. This means that if your windshield can be repaired (as opposed to replaced), your insurance might cover the cost without you having to pay a deductible.
7. Policy Terms & Conditions: Always refer to your policy’s specific terms and conditions. While general guidelines apply, individual insurance companies might have specific clauses or conditions that vary.

If you’re unsure about your coverage, it’s always best to contact your insurance provider directly. They can give you a definitive answer based on your policy.

Will my insurance go up if I claim for a windshield?

The impact of a windshield claim on your insurance premiums can vary by province due to the differing regulations and practices of insurance companies in each jurisdiction. Generally, a comprehensive claim (which a windshield claim typically falls under) is less likely to result in a significant premium increase compared to an at-fault collision claim. However, the specifics can vary. Here’s a general overview province by province:

1. British Columbia (BC):
   • Managed by ICBC, in most cases, a single comprehensive claim (like a windshield replacement) will not cause your premiums to increase. Multiple claims within a short period might affect your premiums.
2. Alberta:
   • With private insurers handling auto insurance, the impact of a windshield claim varies by company. Many companies might not raise rates for a single windshield claim but could reconsider if there are multiple comprehensive claims.
3. Saskatchewan:
   • Managed by SGI, typically, windshield claims under comprehensive coverage won’t affect your Safe Driver Recognition (SDR) rating or your premiums.
4. Manitoba:
   • Managed by MPI, comprehensive claims like windshield replacements generally don’t affect your Driver Safety Rating.
5. Ontario:
   • With private insurers, the impact of a windshield claim on your premiums varies. Some companies might overlook a single claim, especially if it’s just a repair, but your premiums might be affected by multiple claims.
6. Quebec:
   • The property damage portion of auto insurance is handled by private insurers. Generally, a single windshield claim might not lead to increased premiums, but this can vary by insurer.
7. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador:
   • Managed by private insurers. While a single windshield claim might not significantly affect premiums with some insurers, it’s always best to check with your specific company.
8. Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut:
   • Managed by private insurers. The effect on premiums after a windshield claim varies by company. Typically, a single claim might not result in a significant increase.
9. Deductibles and Minor Claims: Remember, even if a windshield claim doesn’t increase your premium, you still need to consider your deductible. If the cost of repair or replacement is close to or less than your deductible, it might not be worth making a claim.
10. Frequency of Claims: In many jurisdictions and with many insurers, frequency matters. While one claim might not affect your rates, multiple claims in a short time span might be viewed differently.

Before making any claims, it’s always advisable to speak with your insurance representative or broker to understand the potential implications for your premiums.

How to claim windshield insurance

If your windshield is damaged and you intend to claim it on your insurance, it’s vital to follow a structured process to ensure your claim is handled promptly and efficiently. Here’s a general step-by-step guide on how to claim windshield insurance:

1. Assess the Damage:
   • Before filing a claim, inspect the damage to decide whether it’s worth claiming. If the damage is minor and the cost of repair is less than or close to your deductible, it might be better to pay out-of-pocket.
2. Safety First:
   • If the damage impairs your visibility or compromises the structural integrity of the windshield, avoid driving your vehicle.
3. Gather Necessary Information:
   • Your insurance policy number.
   • Date, time, and location of the incident (if applicable).
   • Circumstances of the damage (e.g., was it from a rock while driving, vandalism, etc.).
   • Photos of the damage.
4. Contact Your Insurance Provider:
   • Call your insurance company or agent. They will guide you through the process of filing the claim. Some insurers might have mobile apps or online platforms where you can submit claims.
5. Choose a Repair Shop:
   • Your insurer might have a list of preferred or partnered windshield repair/replacement shops. In many cases, you can still choose your repair shop, but it’s crucial to ensure they’re recognized by your insurance.
6. Get an Estimate:
   • Depending on your insurer’s procedure, you might need to get a damage estimate. Some insurers will send an adjuster, while others might require you to get a quote from a repair shop.
7. Review Coverage and Deductibles:
   • Your insurance representative should provide details about your coverage, deductibles, and whether the repair/replacement is fully covered.
8. Repair/Replacement:
   • Once approved, proceed with the repair or replacement of the windshield.
9. Payment:
   • Depending on your arrangement with the insurer and the repair shop, the insurance company might pay the repair shop directly after you pay the deductible, or you might need to pay the repair shop and get reimbursed by the insurance company.
10. Documentation:

• Keep all receipts, invoices, and other relevant documents. This can be essential if there are any disputes or if you need to reference the claim in the future.

11. Inquire About Potential Premium Changes:

• Before finalizing your claim, it might be wise to ask your insurer if and how the claim will affect your future premiums.

12. Stay Informed:

• Ensure you understand all terms, conditions, and any potential costs you might incur. Some insurance companies might have a zero-deductible option for windshield repairs, so it’s worth asking.