There are many reasons for opening a glass claim such as vandalism to comprehensive claims such as stone chips, to collision such as wildlife or driving into something that just causes glass damages.
A windshield is essential for safe driving, yet many drivers overlook small chips or cracks until they become a bigger problem. When eligible for a windshield repair it’s a quick, cost-effective solution that can restore the strength and reduce the visibility of the chip damage to your glass while preventing further damage.
In this article, we’ll explore how Glass claims work in general and how windshield repair works, when it’s the right choice, and what you can expect from the process.
Repair it or replace it?
Damaged tempered glass which is typically a side window or back window shatters when damaged where the only option is to replace. A damaged windshield should be repaired when minor damage exists such as a chip to prevent further damage. Eligible chip repairs will only be authorized for repair, unless specific criteria shared below has been met. The decision to repair or replace is with MPI and will align with the Highway Traffic Act Regulations in Manitoba which means the vehicle is deemed safe and will pass a Manitoba certification of inspection safety.
The windshield damage is eligible for a windshield repair if:
- This is new damage, meaning the crack or a chip hasn’t been previously repaired.
- Maximum of four chips anywhere and a maximum of two chips in the driver’s critical viewing area when the chips are greater than one inch.
- Chips smaller than a loonie coin (1 inch) don’t count towards the maximum count allowed.
- There are no exposed sharp edges of glass.
- No damage through both layers of glass or missing glass exposing the laminate.
- The crack is up to 12 inches in length and its edges do not meet the edge of the windshield.
- If equipped the damage is not over a heated windshield element area or any sensor or camera system.
- When cracks are longer than 2 inches a customer can request a replacement or a repair.
| Did you know? Windshields repair claims will not impact your insurance premiums of future deductions. |
Not sure what glass coverage you have? Please refer to the following resources table.
What is the difference between a chip and a crack?
A chip is a small spot where a piece of glass has impacted the windshield, often caused by a rock or debris. It usually looks like a tiny pit or star-shaped mark and can sometimes have the start of a crack being less than an inch. While a crack is a line that runs across the glass and can grow over time.
Chips that are up to 1 inch big (about the size of a loonie coin) and cracks that are less than 12 inches long can usually be safely repaired. Chips are generally quicker to fix, while longer cracks may need more attention or even a full windshield replacement which may require a wheel alignment and recalibration of your vehicles Advance Drivers Assistance Systems if they are too large.
Is it safe to repair my windshield?
Repairing small windshield damage, like chips or cracks, is an acceptable repair option if done properly by a professional. The repair helps stop the damage from spreading and restores the strength of the glass. After the repair, you might still see a small mark or faint outline where the damage was, and less noticeable than before. It’s possible that during or sometime after the repair that the chip can crack further. When that happens customers should contact the shop who completed the repair and they will work with MPI to convert the original claim to a replacement claim.
How does it work?
- Find a participating glass repair shop.
- Call or go directly to the participating glass shop of your choice to report your glass claim.
- Repair shops will ask a series of questions to understand if the damages are eligible for repair or replacement. Photos may be required of you to assist in that determination.
- If the damaged glass was caused by vandalism and occurred in Winnipeg, in order to repair your damage and determine whether to collect your deductible you must complete an online report with the Winnipeg Police Service. Outside of Winnipeg, contact local police where the damage occurred to file a report.
Most glass claims can be handled by dealing directly with a participating repair shop, however there are some instances when you need to contact MPI first:
- Vehicles covered under Manitoba Public Insurance’s Rental Vehicle Insurance
- Plate transfers from a currently registered vehicle to a newly acquired vehicle (seven-day transfers)
- Lay-up policies (with no plate)
- Vehicles with temporary permits
- Vehicles with Dealer Plates or Repairer Plates
- Work paid for in advance of reporting the claim, for which MPI has agreed to reimburse the policyholder
- Motorcycles, mopeds and mobility vehicles
- All off-road vehicles
- Tractors and trailers
For these exceptions, please call Manitoba Public Insurance at 204-985-7000 or toll free at 1-800-665-2410 to report your glass claim.
Have this information ready when you call:
- The driver’s licence document number of the registered vehicle owner. (If the registered vehicle owner does not have a driver’s licence, you may use the customer number located on the vehicle registration).
- The vehicle registration.
- The date/approximate time of day the original damage occurred.
- The vehicle’s licence plate number and Autopac policy number, along with the details about any other insurance you may have and your customer number.
If the vehicle is registered to a company, you will need to provide the customer number located on the vehicle registration.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Calibration is the process of “teaching” a component where it is in relation to the body of the vehicle and where it should be “looking”. ADAS calibration may include static and/or dynamic calibration and typically involves the use of an electronic scan tool to initiate the calibration procedure.
Examples of ADAS components may include Automatic braking, Blind spot warning, Forward collision warning, Rear cross traffic Camera, 360-degree view, Adaptive cruise control, Night vision and Rearview camera.
Driver support systems are only supplementary aids – they cannot handle all situations in all conditions. The driver always bears the responsibility that the vehicle is driven safely and that applicable road traffic rules and regulations are followed.