By Paul, Auto Glass Specialist at Famous Auto Glass · Published August 20, 2026 · Last Updated August 20, 2026 · 10 min read
Yes, most drivers with comprehensive coverage in Ontario have windshield replacement included in their coverage. Most windshield damage caused by road debris, rocks, falling objects, hail, vandalism and weather damage is generally covered in comprehensive (or all-perils) coverage. You typically will have a comprehensive deductible for a full windshield replacement, but many insurers will not require a deductible for a chip and small-crack repair. Basic liability coverage does not include windshield replacement.
Insurance claims are a fact of life on the road when it comes to replacing your windshield.Windshield replacement insurance claims are a daily occurrence that drivers have to deal with in Toronto, Oakville, and the GTA. We will confirm coverage, complete the paperwork, send it directly to the insurance company and deliver same-day mobile service with a lifetime guarantee. Only paying the deductible (if applicable).
Key Takeaways
- Windshield replacement insurance claims in Ontario must be dealt with comprehensively.
- In most cases, chip repairs will be eligible for $0 deductible, while full windshield replacement will require your comprehensive deductible (typically 250-500).
- A comprehensive claim for a windshield replacement is covered as not at fault and does not usually increase auto insurance rates.
- You have the legal right to select your own shop for windshield replacement with no obligation to the insurance company to go to a different windshield replacement company.
- Famous Auto Glass takes care of the insurance process, mobile service in GTA on the same day, and a lifetime warranty.
What Type of Insurance Covers Windshield Replacement in Ontario?
The replacement of the windshield is included in the comprehensive portion of an Ontario Auto Insurance policy (also known as “other than collision”) or in an all-perils coverage. Comprehensive covers against non-collision events like flying objects, missiles, vandalism, hail and falling debris. These perils are covered under the official Ontario Automobile Policy (OAP 1) and are covered as a comprehensive claim with a deductible on your Certificate of Automobile Insurance, such as a windshield that was broken by a tree.
Collision coverage only applies to a vehicle collision. Specified-perils are limited and may not cover rock chips from the ordinary. Most drivers in the GTA already have windshield replacement insurance protection as comprehensive is typically a requirement if you are financing or leasing your vehicle.
Does Basic Auto Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?
In Ontario, car insurance is required and consists of the following coverage: third party liability, accident benefits, Direct Compensation – Property Damage (DCPD), and uninsured automobile coverage. None of these pay for non-collision windshield replacement. Windshield coverage is only available on the optional loss-or-damage coverages (comprehensive, collision, specified perils or all perils). With just liability coverage, you’ll be on the hook for the whole expense of replacing your windshield.
Repair vs. Replacement: How Does the Deductible Work for Windshield Replacement Insurance?
The insurance companies in Ontario have different rules for repair and full windshield replacement. Often, small chips and short cracks are repaired with resin, and drivers don’t have to pay anything for it. Many companies do not require the extensive windshield deductible for these repairs since a timely repair is better than a major claim in the future for replacing the windshield.
When replacing the entire windshield, the standard comprehensive deductible is in effect. The standard deductible in Ontario is between $250 and $500, but can vary. Some insurance companies also provide glass coverage that has a low or no deductible. When the overall price of replacing the windshield (plus any ADAS recalibration) is below the deductible amount, it is typically wise to pay out of pocket. At Famous Auto Glass, you can count on them keeping you up-to-date on your out-of-pocket cost before we begin working.
Does a Windshield Replacement Insurance Claim Affect My Insurance Rates?
A comprehensive windshield replacement claim is considered a not-at-fault claim in Ontario. It won’t be a hit on your driving record, as a traffic accident, and in almost all situations will not raise your insurance policy premium. Several claims in quick succession may trigger a review and an insurer may even further limit coverage for glass in rare cases. We always suggest checking with your broker, but the majority of our customers find that one windshield replacement insurance claim does not affect their rates.
What is the cost of windshield replacement in Ontario (with and without insurance)?
The average price for windshield replacement in Toronto and GTA in 2026 is:
- Chip or small-crack repair: 60-150
- Hatchback or compact car: 350–450
- Mid-size SUV or crossover: 300–600
- Pickup trucks: 350–700
- Luxury or European or high-tech cars: 500-1,200+
Camera recalibration is almost always required after the replacement of windshields on a vehicle with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This adds 150–400 in most cases. When the windshield replacement is covered by insurance, the recalibration cost is normally included in the claim. Famous Auto Glass is a company that uses manufacturer-approved tools to complete static and dynamic calibration of ADAS.
What About ADAS Calibration During Windshield Replacement?
Cameras or sensors are found near the windshield on most vehicles produced since 2016-2018. Once you’ve replaced the windshield, those systems need to be adjusted to ensure that safety features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are working properly. Systems that are not calibrated can be unreliable. Correct ADAS calibration on all eligible cars, and notify your insurance company that the calibration is covered by your windshield replacement claim.
How Does the Windshield Replacement Insurance Claims Process Work at Famous Auto Glass?
At Famous Auto Glass, we make windshield replacement through insurance simple, fast, and completely stress-free. From the moment you contact us, our team handles everything—checking your coverage, getting approval, scheduling a convenient mobile appointment, and completing the work with certified technicians—so you don’t have to deal with paperwork or follow-ups. Here’s how the process works:
Contact Us & Notify Your Insurer
Give us a call at 647-513-0423 or get a free quote at famousautoglass.ca. Let the insurance company know that you are replacing your windshield.
We Handle Insurance Approval
We call our insurance company, check coverage and deductible and we get approval from them for you.
Schedule Your Mobile Appointment
We arrange for a mobile appointment the same day or the next day at your convenience, at your home or at work, or anywhere in the GTA.
Expert Installation & ADAS Calibration
Our certified tech installs high quality glass and proper adhesive to replace the windshield and conducts any necessary ADAS calibration.
Direct Billing & Lifetime Warranty
The insurance company is billed directly. Only the deductible is charged (unless there is one). Materials and workmanship come with a lifetime warranty.
When Should I Pay Out of Pocket Instead of Using Windshield Replacement Insurance?
Calculate the total expense to replace the windshield (including ADAS if applicable) and compare that with your deductible. Paying cash is easier if the job is below the deductible. In the case of minor chips which can still be repaired, the first step is almost always a no-deductible repair. We do the honest thing on either side and will not claim insurance if it is not needed.
Can I Choose My Own Shop for Windshield Replacement?
Yes. Under Ontario insurance regulations you are free to choose the repair shop you want to go to for windshield repairs. Your insurance company will not ask you to go with a preferred vendor. Famous Auto Glass is known for our same day service, lifetime warranty, direct insurance billing and the quality of our results in Toronto, Oakville, North York, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and the entire GTA.
Special Cases for Windshield Replacement Insurance.
- Comprehensive covers for hail, falling objects and road debris.
- Vandalism is covered under comprehensive.
- Damage to glass in a collision is insured by collision coverage (or DCPD if another party is insured).
- Certain policies contain glass limitations or limited glass endorsement which may bar claims involving rock chips. We check your specific wording before starting any windshield replacement.
- Insurance does not comply with any gradual pitting or wear and tear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Windshield Replacement Insurance
Is windshield chip repair free with insurance in Ontario?
In many cases yes. Most policies will have a deductible, but if the damage is considered repairable, the deductible is waived so that the damage can be repaired before it becomes a total windshield replacement.
Does comprehensive insurance cover side windows and the rear windshield?
Yes. With comprehensive coverage, there is coverage for all vehicle glass, with the same rules as in windshield replacement.
Will my insurance cover OEM glass for windshield replacement?
Typically, policies call for restoration to the “pre-loss” condition. We provide good windshield replacement options that are both aftermarket and OEM equivalent and state what your insurance company will pay to replace with.
What if I only have liability insurance?
Windshield replacement will be your responsibility as the customer. We still provide transparent pricing and same-day mobile service.
How soon should I get a chip fixed?
As quickly as possible. The temperature changes and vibration of the roads in the GTA can cause a small chip to break into a long crack and need full windshield replacement within days.
Conclusion: Get Your Windshield Replacement Covered by Insurance the Smart Way
Most Ontario drivers with full coverage insurance are covered for windshield replacement. This part of your policy covers rock chips, cracks caused by road debris, falling objects, hail and vandalism. With most collision repairs, there is no deductible and a comprehensive insurance coverage deductible is typically required for a full windshield replacement. If you make these claims, they are considered not at fault and, in almost all cases, won’t impact your insurance costs.
We observe these trends daily throughout Toronto, Oakville, North York, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan and the surrounding GTA. Verifies your windshield replacement insurance, gets the approval and makes the appointment to replace your windshield the same day, performs ADAS calibration if necessary, and bills the insurance company directly. Only pay deductible (if applicable) and enjoy a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship.
