Is it Illegal to Drive With a Cracked Windshield in Ontario?

Imagine yourself driving along when suddenly, out of nowhere, a crack appears on your windshield that expands across most of it. While initially, it might not seem serious, cracks in windshields can become dangerous and break off easily over time; also, they could impair driver vision – an offense in many provinces; should this occur during a routine traffic stop, you could receive a ticket or be asked off the road immediately!

Answering this question can be complex as windshield laws vary significantly between Canada and other parts of the world. In general, driving with a cracked windshield is legal in most areas as long as the crack does not significantly impair your view while you are driving. The location also plays a factor; certain sections of your windshield play an integral part in vision when driving; to ensure this meets local regulations, consult your auto insurance provider on their requirements in your jurisdiction.

Most car insurance policies in Ontario will cover the cost of a new windshield provided that you have comprehensive or specified perils coverage. Simply call your insurer and follow their phone prompts until reaching their appropriate department or customer care agent, who will then direct you where to go for replacement or repair, depending on your policy.

A cracked windshield should typically be covered if your vehicle has comprehensive coverage. However, you may be subject to paying a deductible amount similar to when repairing or replacing other parts. Conversely, replacing windshields often costs less than other vehicle components like bumpers or seat belt buckles.

To reduce the likelihood of further windshield cracking, inspect it frequently for signs that its crack is expanding and avoid slamming doors – this may speed up cracking and chipping processes. If a crack appears to have begun spreading quickly, notify your insurance provider as soon as possible and arrange for repair or replacement immediately.