Every week we take calls from Ontario drivers who put off a windshield repair for months because they assumed it would come out of their own pocket. In most cases, it wouldn’t have. Ontario’s auto insurance policies are surprisingly generous on glass — you just have to know what to ask for.
This guide walks through exactly what your policy likely covers, how the "zero-deductible" glass endorsement works, and how filing a glass claim differs from a regular collision claim.
Does your Ontario policy cover glass?
Standard Ontario auto insurance is broken into several coverage sections. Glass damage is covered under the "comprehensive" (or "all perils") section — not the collision section. If your declaration page shows comprehensive coverage with any deductible amount, you have glass coverage.
How much you pay out of pocket depends on two things: your deductible, and whether you have a glass-specific endorsement.
The default: your comprehensive deductible
Without a glass endorsement, a windshield replacement is treated like any other comprehensive claim. If your deductible is $500 and the replacement costs $600, you pay $500 and the insurer pays the rest. Not great for a routine claim.
The upgrade: the "glass" or "zero-deductible glass" endorsement
Most Ontario insurers offer an add-on — typically $15–$40 per year — that waives the deductible for glass-only claims. With this endorsement:
- Chip repair (resin injection) is covered at 100% — you pay $0.
- Full windshield replacement is covered at 100% — you pay $0.
- The claim usually does not affect your renewal premium (glass is considered a "no-fault" event).
Even if you don’t remember adding this endorsement, check your policy — many Ontario insurers now include it by default on new policies. It’s often listed as "Full Glass Coverage" or "Glass Endorsement OPCF 44R" on your declaration page.
How to check your coverage in 60 seconds
- Log into your insurer’s app or web portal.
- Open your policy declaration page (the summary of what you’re insured for).
- Look for a line labelled "Glass", "Full Glass", or "Comprehensive – Glass Waiver".
- If it says "included" or shows a $0 deductible for glass, you’re covered end-to-end.
If you can’t find it, call your broker or insurer and ask: "Do I have a glass endorsement or zero-deductible glass coverage on my policy?" One-minute call, no obligation, and no impact on your policy just for asking.
How to file a claim (the easy way)
You have two options. The first is the traditional route: call your insurer, get a claim number, then bring that number to any glass shop. The second — and the one most Ontario drivers pick — is to let the glass shop handle it directly.
When you book with A+ Auto Glass:
- You tell us your insurance company and policy number.
- We verify your coverage in real time with the insurer.
- We open the claim on your behalf, invoice the insurer directly, and (for eligible claims) you never see a bill.
- You get a copy of the calibration report and workmanship warranty for your records.
This is the same "direct billing" arrangement your dentist or physio clinic uses — it just isn’t as widely known for auto glass.
Common questions
Will my premium go up?
For a glass-only claim under a zero-deductible endorsement, the answer is almost always no. Glass claims in Ontario are treated as no-fault events. That said, filing multiple glass claims in a short period (three or more in twelve months, for example) can occasionally trigger a review — so it’s worth timing them together if possible.
What if I have a leased vehicle?
Leased and financed vehicles must be repaired using OEM or OEE glass and — for ADAS-equipped vehicles — must be recalibrated to factory spec. Both are things any professional shop should be doing anyway, but be sure to ask.
What if the damage was caused by vandalism?
Comprehensive coverage covers glass damage regardless of cause — road debris, vandalism, animal impact, hail, or something falling out of a truck ahead of you. You do not need to identify the party at fault to file a claim.
