Recently I paid almost $600 to have the windshield replaced on my 2017 Lincoln SUV. It got me wondering if it’s worth the expense to buy a glass coverage insurance policy. Some reports say that Alberta in general, and Calgary in particular is the windshield replacement capital of Canada because of all the gravel laid down on the roads for better winter traction. Glass insurance policies start at around $250 a year so it seems like a smart investment. According to some insurance agents, that’s not always the best idea.
Many agents suggest that if you are driving a standard North American or Asian built vehicle, a replacement windshield costs anywhere from $200 to $350 so they recommend that you self-insure and simply pay to have a replacement instead of filing a claim.
On the other hand, if you’re driving a luxury vehicle, especially those that may include rain sensors or an on-screen heads-up-display, a new windshield can cost well over $1000 and as much as $2500. Many of these vehicle also have sunroofs, which are also expensive to replace if broken.
So deciding on whether to buy glass replacement insurance really depends on the type of vehicle you drive and the replacement cost. Check with your insurance agent on what may be best for you.