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Not every damaged windshield needs to be replaced.
Small chips may sometimes be repaired before they spread, while longer cracks, edge damage, deep impact points or damage affecting the driver’s view may require complete windshield replacement.
The correct service depends on several factors:
Our team examines the glass before recommending repair or replacement. We do not assume that every chip requires a new windshield, and we do not recommend repairing damage when replacement would be the safer and more durable option.
A windshield chip may be repairable when it is relatively small, has not spread into a long crack and is located away from critical edges or areas that could affect the driver’s view.
Common repairable damage may include small stone chips, bullseye-shaped chips, star-shaped impact marks, combination chips with short surface cracks and minor impact damage that has not reached the windshield edge.
Windshield replacement may be recommended when the damage is too extensive for a reliable repair.
Replacement may be necessary when a crack has spread across a large part of the glass, reaches the edge, affects the driver’s view, involves several impact points, damages the inner layer, or affects a camera or sensor location.
A damaged windshield is not only a cosmetic problem. The windshield helps provide a clear view of the road and contributes to the vehicle’s overall structure.
Repairing an eligible chip early is usually less disruptive than waiting until the windshield requires replacement.
We begin by examining the chip or crack from inside and outside the vehicle.
If the damage meets the appropriate repair criteria, we explain the windshield chip repair process.
For a repairable chip, the affected area is cleaned and prepared.
A specialized resin is introduced into the damaged area to stabilize the chip.
The repaired area is checked before the vehicle is returned. We review the result and provide any relevant aftercare instructions.
When repair is not appropriate, the damaged windshield must be removed and replaced.
The vehicle should not be driven until the adhesive has reached the appropriate safe-drive-away stage. The required time can vary based on the product, vehicle and environmental conditions.
Many newer vehicles have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, commonly called ADAS.
A forward-facing camera or sensor may be installed near the top of the windshield and used by features such as lane-departure warnings, lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition and automatic high beams.
Replacing the windshield can change the position or view of a windshield-mounted camera. Depending on the vehicle and manufacturer requirements, calibration may be needed after installation.
Before replacing the glass, we identify equipment connected to the windshield and explain whether calibration must be completed or coordinated as part of the service.
Your ICBC coverage may help pay for eligible windshield repair or replacement.
Customers with qualifying Comprehensive coverage may be eligible for chip repair without paying a deductible when the damage meets ICBC’s requirements. If the windshield must be replaced, the applicable deductible and coverage depend on the individual policy and claim.
For more information about accident-related claims, visit our ICBC claim assistance page.
ICBC makes final decisions about claim eligibility, deductibles and coverage.
You can also arrange windshield service without making an insurance claim.
We assess the damage first and explain whether repair or replacement is the more practical option.
Windshield damage caused by a collision may be connected to other vehicle damage. Cerna Collision can inspect the visible glass damage and determine whether the vehicle may also require auto body repair in Surrey.
Loose gravel and road debris can strike the windshield without warning. Temporary clear tape may help keep surface dirt away from the chip until it can be inspected, but it is not a repair.
Some short cracks may be assessed for repair, but repairability depends heavily on their length, depth and position. Do not wait for a crack to cross the entire windshield before seeking help.
Water entering around a windshield does not always mean the glass itself is cracked. The source should be identified before deciding whether the windshield needs to be resealed, removed or replaced.
The correct windshield must match the vehicle’s equipment. Our team checks the vehicle information before recommending replacement glass.
A straightforward chip repair can generally be completed more quickly than a complete windshield replacement, but the exact timeline depends on the vehicle and service required.
Cerna Collision is located at:
11987 Old Yale Road
Surrey, BC V3V 3X4
Our location is convenient for drivers from Newton, Whalley, Bridgeview, Guildford, Fleetwood, Bear Creek, North Surrey, Cloverdale, South Surrey, New Westminster and nearby Greater Vancouver communities.
If you are searching for windshield chip repair near you, cracked windshield repair in Surrey or help with an ICBC glass claim, contact our team to arrange an inspection.
Many small windshield chips can be repaired when they have not spread, reached the edge or deeply damaged the glass. The chip’s size, depth, location and condition must be inspected before repairability can be confirmed.
Arrange an inspection as soon as reasonably possible. A chip can collect dirt and moisture or spread because of road vibration and temperature changes.
Eligible repairs may be covered without a deductible when you have qualifying ICBC Comprehensive coverage and the damage meets ICBC’s repair criteria.
The required process depends on the type of damage and claim. Contact Cerna Collision or ICBC with your policy and vehicle information to confirm the correct next step.
The decision depends on the chip or crack’s size, depth, location and distance from the windshield edge. Damage in the driver’s view or around sensors may also affect the recommendation.
Long cracks, edge cracks and cracks affecting multiple layers are more likely to require replacement. An inspection is necessary before confirming the appropriate service.
A professional repair stabilizes the damage and can improve its appearance, but a faint mark may remain.
A small chip repair is generally faster than replacement, but the exact appointment time depends on the damage, number of chips and service requirements.
Replacement requires removing the old glass, preparing the opening, installing the new windshield and allowing the adhesive to cure.
It may. Vehicles with windshield-mounted cameras or sensors often have manufacturer-specific calibration requirements.
Yes. We can inspect collision-related windshield damage and check whether surrounding body parts, pillars, mouldings or sensor systems may also require attention.
Windshield replacement may be available for luxury and manufacturer-specific vehicles. The correct glass must match the vehicle’s cameras, sensors, heating elements and other installed features.
That depends on the crack’s location and severity. Do not drive when the damage obstructs your view, the glass appears unstable, the crack is spreading rapidly or the vehicle has related collision damage.
Contact our team with the location and type of damaged glass. Side and rear windows are constructed differently from laminated windshields and often require replacement rather than chip repair.
We can help with the repair-related information and documentation for eligible glass claims. ICBC makes the final decision about coverage, deductibles and claim approval.
Do not wait for a small windshield chip to become a larger crack.
Bring your vehicle to Cerna Collision for an assessment. We will inspect the damage, explain whether repair or replacement is appropriate and help you understand the next step for an ICBC or private-pay service.
