While driving in British Columbia, you will face all kinds of road conditions, from gravel roads to busy highways. And when you drive on gravel roads frequently, getting a rock chip on your windshield is not uncommon. It usually happens when a small stone gets kicked up by another vehicle and hits your glass. At first, it might just look like a tiny mark, but over time, that small chip can grow into a long crack that’s much harder and more expensive to fix.
That is why it is important to fix the rock chip as soon as possible. But many people wonder how much it will cost to fix, especially in British Columbia, where insurance rules and repair prices can be a bit different than other places. If your car’s windshield is chipped and you are wondering how much rock chip repair costs, read this blog by Aim Auto Glass, the best auto glass repair shop in British Columbia, Canada.
What Affects the Cost of Rock Chip Repair?
Not all chips or cracks can be fixed at the same price. The cost to fix a chip in British Columbia depends on a variety of factors. Some are as follows:
- Size of the Chip: A small chip is usually cheaper to fix. If the chip is big or has cracks spreading out, it might cost you more.
- Number of Chips: If you have more than one chip in your windscreen, it will cost you extra to repair each one.
- Location of the Chip: If the chip is near the edge of the windshield or in the driver’s line of sight, it may be harder to fix and cost a bit more.
- Type of Vehicle: Some windshields are made with special glass or sensors. If your vehicle has this, repair costs may be higher.
- Where You Go for Repairs: Different repair shops charge different prices. Some may offer free repairs if you have insurance, while others charge a flat fee.
Average Cost of Rock Chip Repair in BC
In British Columbia, fixing a rock chip usually costs between $80 and $150 for one chip. The good news is, ICBC may cover the full cost of repairs or replacement if you have comprehensive insurance. You won’t have to pay anything out of pocket for windshield repairs or windshield replacement. To learn how to make an ICBC windshield replacement claim, you can read our blog post on a similar topic.
Even if you don’t have insurance coverage for windshield repair or replacement, get the windshield chip fixed early. Otherwise, the chip may spread, and it spreads more quickly than you realize. And once it spreads out or deepens, you cannot get it repaired and will require windshield replacement.
Should You Repair or Replace the Windshield?
When someone has a crack or chip in their car’s windshield, they often get confused about whether to get the damage repaired or opt for windshield replacement . If you are also wondering what to do, go through the points below to make an informed choice:
Repair the windshield if:
- The chip is smaller than 2.5 cm.
- There are only a few small chips.
- The crack is short (under 15 cm).
- The crack is not impacting the driver’s view.
- The damage is not at the windshield’s edge.
Replace the windshield if:
- The crack is long or spreading quickly.
- There are too many chips or deep damage.
- The damage is near your windshield’s edge.
- The chip is in a spot that blocks the driver’s view.
On the Final Note
Windshield cracks and chips aren’t uncommon in areas like British Columbia. But the thing that’s most common is people not being aware of how to deal with these issues and how much the repair work costs. The cost of repairing a chipped windshield is between $80 and $150.
However, most people procrastinate going to an auto glass repair shop until the damage becomes irreparable, and then they have to get the whole windshield replaced, which costs thousands of dollars. To avoid expensive repairs, get your chipped windshield repaired as soon as possible by an experienced technician.
FAQs
Q. Does ICBC cover rock chip repair?
Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage. No deductible or cost if it’s repairable.
Q. How long does the repair take?
It usually takes 30 minutes or less.
Q. Can you drive with a rock chip in British Columbia?
Not for long. It can spread into a crack quickly.
Q. What if I don’t fix the chip?
It may turn into a large crack, leading to full windshield replacement, which costs more.
