If you have comprehensive auto insurance with ICBC, you’re sitting on a free benefit many BC drivers don’t fully understand: covered windshield chip repairs at zero cost. This guide walks you through the entire ICBC claims process, helping you maximize this valuable coverage.
Understanding ICBC Auto Glass Coverage
ICBC provides several types of glass coverage depending on your insurance policy type. Understanding what you have is the first step to getting free repairs.
Comprehensive Coverage (Glass Repair)
Comprehensive insurance includes specific coverage for windshield damage:
What’s Covered:
- Rock chip repairs (up to 3 damaged areas per claim)
- Windshield cracks (if repairable)
- Side window damage
- Rear window damage
- Some sunroof damage
Cost to You:
- $0 deductible
- $0 claim impact
- $0 premium increase
- Completely free
Key Features:
- No need to file ICBC claim first
- Take directly to any ICBC Glass Express Facility
- Unlimited repairs possible (but max 3 areas per repair claim)
- Works for any vehicle damage level
- Available even with pending collision claims
Collision Coverage
If you have collision coverage, it may cover:
- Glass damage from accidents
- Glass damage from hit-and-run incidents
- Glass damage from vehicle collisions
Cost to You:
- Your deductible applies ($500-$1,000 typical)
- More restrictive than comprehensive glass coverage
Full Glass Replacement
If your windshield requires replacement (not just repair):
- Comprehensive coverage covers 100% minus your deductible
- Deductible is typically waived for glass-only claims in some cases
- OEM glass is standard
How to Verify Your ICBC Glass Coverage
Before heading to an auto glass shop, confirm you have glass coverage.
Step 1: Find Your Insurance Papers
Locate your ICBC insurance policy documents. You’ll typically find them:
- In a folder in your vehicle
- Sent by mail when policy renews
- Available online through your ICBC account
- In emails from ICBC
Step 2: Check the Coverage Page
Look for the page titled “Coverage Summary” or “What’s Covered.” This page lists all your coverage types.
Step 3: Look for “Comprehensive” or “All Perils”
You need to see one of these terms:
- “Comprehensive Coverage”
- “All Perils Coverage”
- “Specified Perils including Glass”
If you see “Comprehensive,” you’re covered.
Step 4: Note Your Deductible
Even though comprehensive glass repairs are usually free, know your deductible for potential replacement needs:
- Typical deductible: $250-$500
- Some policies waive deductible for glass
- Check your specific policy
Step 5: When in Doubt, Call ICBC
If you’re unsure about your coverage:
- Call ICBC directly at 1-800-665-4642
- Have your policy number ready
- Ask specifically about glass coverage
- Ask about deductibles
Or: Call Expert Auto Glass at 604-809-9709. We verify coverage regularly and can usually confirm your benefits quickly over the phone.
The ICBC Claim-Free Glass Repair Process
Here’s the beautiful part: For windshield chip repairs with comprehensive coverage, you don’t even need to file a claim. It’s completely separate from your normal claim process.
No-Claim Glass Repair Process
Step 1: Recognize You Have Damage (5 minutes)
- You notice a rock chip in your windshield
- It’s the size of a dime to a quarter
- You want it repaired before it spreads
Step 2: Call ICBC Glass Express Facility (5 minutes)
- Call Expert Auto Glass: 604-809-9709
- Or visit us at: 1185 Grant St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2J6
- Tell us it’s an ICBC repair
- No need to call ICBC first
Step 3: Bring Vehicle for Inspection (15 minutes)
- Drive to our Vancouver location or
- We come to you (mobile service available)
- Technician assesses if chip is repairable
- Confirms your comprehensive coverage
Step 4: Professional Repair (15-30 minutes)
- Chip is cleaned and dried
- Specialized resin is injected
- Resin is allowed to cure
- Repair is completed same-day
Step 5: Drive Away Safe (0 minutes)
- Your windshield is repaired
- No deductible charged
- No claim filed
- No impact on your record
- You keep your phone number
That’s it. No paperwork, no claims, no impact on your insurance.
ICBC Claims Process if Replacement is Needed
If your windshield is too damaged to repair and requires replacement, the process is slightly different.
Step 1: Confirm Coverage with ICBC
Call ICBC or your broker to confirm:
- You have comprehensive coverage
- Replacement is covered
- Your deductible amount
- Whether deductible is waived for glass
Step 2: Choose an ICBC Repair Network Facility
ICBC has a network of approved shops. Expert Auto Glass is a certified ICBC Repair Network facility, which means:
- We’ve been vetted by ICBC
- We use OEM quality glass
- We meet ICBC standards
- We can process claims directly
Step 3: Bring Vehicle and Insurance Information
You’ll need:
- Vehicle keys
- Proof of insurance (policy card)
- Driver’s license
- Any ICBC claim reference number (if you already filed a claim)
Step 4: Shop Processes Claim with ICBC
We handle this directly:
- We verify your coverage
- We submit documentation to ICBC
- We get approval for the replacement
- You’re only responsible for deductible
Timeline: Usually approved within 24-48 hours
Step 5: Replacement is Performed
Once approved:
- New windshield is ordered if needed
- Replacement is scheduled (usually 1-2 days)
- Installation takes 1-3 hours
- We send documentation to ICBC
Step 6: You Pay Deductible Only
- You pay your deductible (or $0 if waived)
- Insurance covers the rest
- You receive lifetime warranty on glass
- Repair is documented for insurance
ICBC Repair Network vs. Non-Network Facilities
What’s the Difference?
ICBC Repair Network Facilities (Like Expert Auto Glass)
✓ Vetted and approved by ICBC ✓ Can process claims directly ✓ Use OEM or equivalent glass ✓ Must meet ICBC quality standards ✓ Have relationships with ICBC adjusters ✓ Know ICBC procedures intimately ✓ Claims processed faster
Non-Network Facilities
- May use lower-quality glass
- You may pay upfront and claim reimbursement
- Longer reimbursement process
- Less experience with ICBC procedures
- May require you to contact ICBC
We Recommend: Choose an ICBC Repair Network Facility like Expert Auto Glass for the best service and fastest claims processing.
Multiple Glass Claims: What You Need to Know
Limit on Repairs
ICBC’s comprehensive glass coverage allows:
- Unlimited windshield repairs (new programs)
- Maximum 3 damaged areas per individual repair claim
- No limit on number of repairs per year
- No impact on future claims
Example:
- You get 1 chip repaired (1 area)
- You get another chip repaired separately (1 area)
- You get a crack with 1 area repaired (1 area)
- Each is a separate claim with 3-area limit per claim
Switching Between Facilities
You can use different ICBC Glass Express Facilities for different claims:
- No penalty for changing facilities
- Each facility processes claims independently
- All are covered under same comprehensive coverage
- No impact on coverage limits
What If You Don’t Have ICBC or Comprehensive Coverage?
If you only have collision coverage:
- You need to file a standard collision claim
- Your deductible applies ($500-$1,000)
- Collision coverage is more restrictive
If you have private insurance (not ICBC): Check your policy or call your broker to understand:
- What auto glass is covered
- What your deductible is
- Whether glass is separate from collision
If you’re uninsured: Expert Auto Glass offers competitive rates for uninsured glass damage. Call for pricing.
Common ICBC Glass Coverage Questions
Q: Will a glass repair affect my insurance rates?
A: No. ICBC comprehensive glass repairs have zero impact on your rates, claims history, or future coverage.
Q: How many windshield repairs can I get?
A: Unlimited, with max 3 damaged areas per repair claim. If you have more than 3 areas, you need multiple claims (but there’s no penalty).
Q: Does the repair need to be done immediately?
A: No, but don’t wait. Chips spread quickly due to:
- Temperature changes
- Road vibrations
- Thermal stress
- Pressure changes
A small chip can become a non-repairable crack within days.
Q: Can I use any shop for ICBC repairs?
A: You can use any shop, but ICBC Repair Network Facilities (like Expert Auto Glass) provide:
- Faster claim processing
- Direct ICBC relationships
- Better quality assurance
- No upfront payment for authorized repairs
Q: What if I was hit by another vehicle?
A: This becomes a collision claim (not glass-only claim):
- Your collision deductible applies
- You may be entitled to compensation from at-fault driver’s insurance
- File a police report if hit-and-run
- ICBC can subrog against at-fault driver
Q: Do I need to file a claim for a free chip repair?
A: Not in the traditional sense. You don’t need to call ICBC beforehand. You simply:
- Visit an ICBC Glass Express Facility
- Verify you have comprehensive coverage
- Get repair done
- No claim filing needed
Q: How long does the repair take?
A: Usually 15-30 minutes for chip repair. You can often wait, or we offer mobile service where we come to you.
Why Choose Expert Auto Glass for Your ICBC Claim
When you bring your ICBC claim to Expert Auto Glass:
✓ Direct ICBC Relationship: We process claims in under 5 minutes ✓ No Upfront Payment: You pay only your deductible (if any) ✓ ICBC Certified: Approved repair network facility ✓ OEM Glass: Quality certified and ICBC approved ✓ Warranty: Lifetime guarantee on all glass ✓ Experience: 25+ years of auto glass and ICBC claims ✓ Convenience: Mobile service available for Vancouver area ✓ Same-Day Service: Most repairs completed same-day
Our Process for ICBC Claims
1. Verification (5 minutes) We confirm your ICBC coverage over the phone or in-person
2. Inspection (10 minutes) We assess the damage and determine repair vs. replacement
3. ICBC Processing (5 minutes) We submit your claim directly to ICBC
4. Repair/Replacement (15 minutes to 2 hours) We perform the work to ICBC standards
5. Documentation (5 minutes) We provide you with documentation for your records
Getting Your Free ICBC Repair Today
Don’t let that windshield chip spread. Get it repaired for free today.
Step 1: Confirm Comprehensive Coverage
Check page 2 of your insurance papers for “Comprehensive”
Step 2: Call or Visit Expert Auto Glass
- Phone: 604-809-9709
- Address: 1185 Grant St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2J6
- Online Booking: Schedule here
- Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Step 3: Bring Your Insurance Card
Have your ICBC policy card available
Step 4: Get Repair Done
We’ll have your windshield repaired within the hour, usually
Step 5: Drive Safe
Leave with a fully repaired windshield at zero cost
Additional Auto Glass Services
Beyond windshield claims, we handle:
- Windshield Repair (free chip repairs)
- Windshield Replacement
- Side Window Replacement
- Rear Window Replacement
- Side Mirror Replacement
- Sunroof Repair & Replacement
Maximum Benefit from Your ICBC Coverage
Taking advantage of ICBC’s comprehensive glass coverage is simple, free, and can prevent expensive repairs. Don’t delay—call Expert Auto Glass at 604-809-9709 for your free windshield chip repair today.