Windshield Replacement Free? 5 Simple Steps Insurance Pays For
Driving here in Alberta, especially around Edmonton and Sherwood Park, means facing our unique roads and weather. It’s super common to hear that loud CRACK! A rock flies up and hits your windshield. A damaged windshield isn’t just annoying. It can be unsafe. It could even get you a fine if it blocks your view.
Good news! Your car insurance can often pay for windshield replacement. Sometimes it can feel almost “free.” This depends on your coverage and deductible. At Reliant Insurance Brokers, we know how frustrating auto glass damage is. We are here to help you through it.
Car Insurance in Sherwood Park.
Is Windshield Replacement Really Free? Let’s Find Out.
Wouldn’t it be great if windshield replacement was always free? Well, it really depends on your car insurance policy. In Alberta, having comprehensive coverage is key. This coverage pays for damage to your vehicle from things other than crashes. Things like:
- Rocks or stuff flying up
- Hailstorms
- Someone damaging your car on purpose (vandalism)
- Theft
- Things falling on your car
If you have comprehensive coverage, your policy will usually cover windshield replacement or fixing a chip. But you will probably have a deductible. This is the amount you pay yourself before your insurance pays the rest. So, the full cost isn’t always $0. But your insurance can pay for most of it. This makes paying for a windshield replacement much easier than paying for all of it alone.
For small chips, many insurance companies won’t make you pay your deductible for a repair. Repairs cost a lot less than replacements. They also stop the damage from getting worse. This saves the insurance company money later. This is when it can truly feel “free”!
When Does Insurance Pay for Windshield Damage?
Like we said, comprehensive coverage usually pays for windshield replacement from rock chips, hail, or other non-crash events. If your windshield broke because you hit another car or object, that’s usually covered by collision coverage.
Knowing your policy is important. When you work with Reliant Insurance in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, we explain your coverage. We show you how your deductible works for glass claims. This way, you are ready and know what to do if damage happens.
5 Steps Insurance Pays For Your Windshield Replacement
Dealing with a cracked windshield is stressful. But using your insurance doesn’t have to be hard. Here are the steps when your insurance helps pay for windshield replacement:
- Check the Damage: Look closely at the damage. Is it a small chip? (Usually fixable if it’s smaller than a loonie coin and not in your main view). Or is it a big crack? Big cracks usually mean you need a full windshield replacement.
- Call Your Insurance Broker (That’s Us!): This is where Reliant Insurance Brokers helps. Contact our team in Edmonton or Sherwood Park. We will look at your policy. We will check your coverage for windshield replacement. We will help you start the claim process. We work for you to make sure your claim goes smoothly.
- Start the Claim: We can help you file the insurance claim. You’ll tell them how and when the damage happened. Your insurance company will give you a claim number.
- Pick a Good Auto Glass Shop: Your insurance company might suggest repair shops. But in Alberta, you can often pick your own shop. Choose a trusted auto glass shop in Edmonton or Sherwood Park. Tell them you are using insurance. Give them your claim number.
- The Shop Works with Insurance: The auto glass shop will usually talk to your insurance company directly. They will check your coverage and handle the billing. You will pay your deductible (if you have one) to the shop. The insurance company will pay the rest of the approved cost for the windshield replacement.
At Reliant Insurance, we want to make this easy for you. We want to get you back driving safely and quickly after a windshield replacement.
Why Windshield Damage Happens a Lot in Alberta
It seems like windshields break often in Alberta. It’s true! Our tough winters mean we use gravel (“pickle”) on the roads. This helps cars drive safely. But this gravel often causes rock chips and cracks.
Some people who study this say the large amount of gravel used on Alberta roads causes more windshield damage. This is especially true in winter. When the weather changes temperature a lot, small chips can quickly become big cracks. Then you need a full windshield replacement. Fixing chips fast can stop them from getting worse. This can help you avoid a more expensive windshield replacement later.
Did you know: Windshield repair and replacement claims are a significant and costly issue for insurers. For instance, data from British Columbia’s public insurer, ICBC, shows they paid over $100 million each year for rising windshield claims, handling more than 216,000 windshield repairs and replacements in 2022 alone. This highlights just how common this issue is for drivers across Canada. The large amount of gravel used on Alberta roads, especially during winter, directly links to more windshield damage. When the weather changes temperature a lot, small chips can quickly become big cracks. Then you need a full windshield replacement. Fixing chips fast can stop them from getting worse. This can help you avoid a more expensive windshield replacement later.
Source: Vancouver Sun
Picking the Right Shop Matters
Even when insurance pays, pick a good auto glass shop for your windshield replacement. Find shops with certified workers. Make sure they use good quality glass and glue. A good installation keeps your car strong and safe. It also makes sure safety cameras built into the windshield (like for staying in your lane) work right after the windshield replacement.
Why Choose Reliant Insurance in Edmonton & Sherwood Park?
Handling insurance, like for a windshield replacement or just finding car insurance in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, is easier with local help. At Reliant Insurance Brokers, we are part of your community. We know the driving conditions here. We work hard to find you the best coverage. We aim for good Edmonton car insurance rates and Sherwood Park car insurance rates.
We do more than just sell policies. We give you personal help. We answer your questions. We are here when you need to make any claim, even for a windshield replacement. We can help you see how different coverage and deductibles affect your auto insurance premiums and total costs. Let us help protect your vehicle and give you peace of mind.
Questions About Windshield Replacement & Insurance?
Q: Will claiming a windshield break raise my car insurance premiums?
A: Usually, one claim for windshield replacement won’t raise your rates much. It’s less likely than a crash where you were at fault. But many claims in a short time could affect your rates later.
Q: Is fixing a chip covered the same as a full windshield replacement?
A: No, often it’s different. Many insurers don’t make you pay your deductible to fix a chip. This saves them money later. A full windshield replacement usually means you pay your comprehensive deductible.
Q: How long does it take to replace a windshield?
A: The work itself takes about 1-2 hours. But the glue needs time to dry before you drive. Ask the shop the safe time to drive your car.
Q: Do I have to go to a certain shop for windshield replacement?
A: In Alberta, you can usually choose your repair shop. Your insurance might suggest shops. But you can often pick the one you like.
Q: What if my deductible costs more than the windshield replacement?
A: If the cost for the windshield replacement is less than or about the same as your deductible, it might be cheaper to pay yourself. You don’t have to make an insurance claim.
Ready to Talk Car Insurance?
Do you need a windshield replacement now? Or do you want to make sure you have good coverage for the future? Reliant Insurance Brokers is ready to help. We offer strong car insurance options in Edmonton and Sherwood Park. We want to give you clear, expert advice.
Don’t let a cracked windshield stress you out. Contact Reliant Insurance Brokers today. Let’s talk about your windshield replacement and insurance questions.
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