Damage to your windshield can be not only aesthetically unpleasing but also a safety concern to you and your passengers. It’s important to know the facts along with when and where to repair a chipped windshield. Taking a proactive approach to repairing windshield chips can potentially prevent replacing your windshield.
What is a Windshield Chip?
A chip in your windshield may look like tiny bullseyes, flower patterns, or stars, but the defining feature is a spot in the windshield with a physical depression compared to the surface of the rest of the windshield. The chips are often caused by small rocks or debris contacting the windshield while driving. Less likely but also known to be a cause for chips are small objects dropping on the windshield while parked.
Why Do Windshield Chips Need To Be Repaired?
Windshield chip repairs are intended to extend the life of your windshield and attempt to delay an unsightly crack from appearing. Windshield cracks and damage are also a safety concern, impacting the structural integrity of your vehicle. With a typical windshield chip repair requiring 30 minutes to complete, there is value in taking the time for the repairs.
Does Insurance Cover Windshield Chip Repairs?
Windshield chips repairs are covered by your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy. Due to the varying range of age, size, shape and placement of windshield chips, keep in mind not all will qualify for a repair.
The following conditions determine if your policy will cover a windshield repair:
- The damage is smaller than 26.5mm or 1”
- The repair is not in the driver’s line of vision or interfering with a safety system
- There are no pre-existing cracks or chips that do not qualify for a repair
- There are no more than 3 chips on your windshield
Source: icbc.com
One important fact is that repair windshield chips are still visible (a resign is injected into the chip) and your windshield may crack, during or sometime after the repair.
If your windshield is already cracked or does not qualify for repair, you will need to replace your windshield. Windshield replacements are covered under your comprehensive policy and an applicable deductible will apply.
Call Kirmac Collision & Autoglass for Windshield Repairs or Replacement
If your windshield is damaged, call Kirmac Autolgass at 604-464-5277 to arrange a virtual inspection or drop-in to one of our 18 Lower Mainland Locations. We will inspect your vehicle and determine if the damage qualifies for a repair or replacement. We will initiate a claim on your behalf, take photos of the damage and perform the repair or replacement when it is convenient for you.
