Insurance Claims: How Small vs. Large Cracks Are Evaluated Differently

Discover how small vs. large windshield cracks are handled differently by insurance, and learn why Burlington drivers trust Speers Auto Glass for quick, cost-effective repairs backed by expert assessments and mobile service. Book your repair today.

Nestled between the dynamic urban sprawl of Toronto and the natural majesty of the Niagara Escarpment, Burlington, Ontario, offers a unique balance of metropolitan charm and scenic beauty. With a population hovering around 200,000, it’s not just a commuter’s paradise—it’s a destination in its own right. This lakeside city sits on the northwestern edge of Lake Ontario, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families who crave green space without sacrificing urban convenience.

Burlington boasts a lively cultural calendar. From the famed Sound of Music Festival—Canada’s largest free music festival—to the Lakeside Festival of Lights, there’s no shortage of reasons to get outside and explore, regardless of the season. The downtown waterfront bustles with eateries, artisan boutiques, and galleries that keep both locals and tourists engaged year-round.

The weather in Burlington varies dramatically throughout the year. Hot summers (with temperatures often reaching 30°C) contrast sharply with brisk, snowy winters that demand safe driving and clear visibility at all times. It’s no surprise that windshield damage becomes more frequent here, especially during rapid temperature changes or after a sudden hailstorm.

For residents of Burlington, life moves fast. And when it does, things like a cracked windshield can feel like more than a minor inconvenience—they’re a safety hazard and, often, an insurance question. That’s where Speers Auto Glass comes in, offering trusted, fast, and transparent windshield repair Burlington services starting at just $60. 

Speers Auto Glass, Burlington: Quality Installation, Every Time

If you’ve ever spotted a crack spidering across your windshield, your first thought might be: Will my insurance cover this? The answer depends not just on your policy—but on the size, depth, and location of the damage. Small vs. large cracks are evaluated differently by insurers, and understanding how that process works can save you both time and money.

Small cracks—those under 6 inches or the size of a dollar bill—are often considered minor and may not even require a deductible to be paid, especially if your policy includes comprehensive coverage. Many insurance providers in Burlington will waive the deductible altogether if the damage is repaired instead of replaced. That’s why timely attention matters. At Speers Auto Glass, auto minor crack sealing services are swift, affordable, and can often be processed through insurance in a single call.

Large cracks, on the other hand, present a different story. Cracks exceeding 6 inches, stretching across the driver’s line of vision, or affecting both layers of laminated safety glass typically require full windshield replacement. Insurers scrutinize large cracks more closely, often requesting visual documentation or an expert windshield assessment before approving the claim.

Speers Auto Glass takes the headache out of this by managing the auto insurance claims process directly for you—handling deductible reimbursement up to 100% and filing claims efficiently to avoid delays. Their deep familiarity with Ontario's insurance protocols ensures you're back behind the wheel faster, with less paperwork and zero surprises. 

The Role of Windshield Assessment in Determining Repair vs. Replacement

Every chip tells a story. Whether it’s a rogue pebble on the 403 or a flying ice chunk during a January freeze, not all damage is equal. The first step toward resolving any auto glass issue begins with a windshield assessment—a careful inspection by a glass repair specialist who evaluates the size, depth, location, and severity of the damage.
Smaller chips, especially those that don't penetrate the inner layer of the laminated safety glass, can often be treated with a high-quality Windshield Repair Resin. This type of repair is minimally invasive and preserves the original factory seal—an important safety factor in modern vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Larger cracks, especially those that originate from the edges of the windshield or show signs of branching, raise red flags. In such cases, the glass repair tools used at Speers Auto Glass help technicians determine whether a quick glass repair process can be performed or if replacement is necessary. If a replacement is called for, Speers uses windshield high-strength adhesive to ensure structural integrity, combined with professional auto glass resin curing processes that meet OEM standards.
Best of all? Every repair or replacement includes a car glass repair warranty that lasts for the lifetime of the vehicle—so you're not just fixing a problem, you're gaining long-term peace of mind.

Speers Auto Glass

Why DIY Crack Repair Risks Can Cost More Than You Think

Tempted to buy a DIY windshield crack filler kit from the local auto store? You’re not alone. With kits widely available for under $30, many car owners opt to patch small cracks themselves. But here’s the thing—DIY often means "Do It Twice," and that second time usually involves a professional undoing the damage caused by your first attempt.

DIY kits often lack the professional-grade resin required to bond seamlessly with laminated safety glass, especially in Burlington’s fluctuating weather conditions. Improper application may result in cloudy blemishes, reduced Safe Driving Visibility, or incomplete bonding that allows the crack to spread. That’s especially risky in colder months, when glass temperature fluctuation impacts how materials expand and contract.

Additionally, ADAS-equipped vehicles require Advanced Driver Assistance Recalibration after a windshield replacement or sometimes even after a chip repair near the camera. This step is non-negotiable—and something a DIY kit simply can't provide.

At Speers Auto Glass, experienced mobile windshield technicians not only use professional-grade materials and methods, they also offer full recalibration services to ensure your car’s safety tech continues to work as intended. It’s a level of precision and assurance that just can’t be bottled and sold in a kit. 

Speers Auto Glass
281 Speers Rd, Oakville,
ON L6K 2G1, Canada

Phone Number:
905-339-0339

Email:
sawah.r@hotmail.com

Our Website:

https://www.speersautoglass.ca/windshield-repair-burlington/

Advanced Techniques in Windshield Repair: From Resin to Recalibration

Windshield repair isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days of “just filling it in” and hoping for the best. Today’s top-tier repairs involve a detailed process that combines sophisticated tools, certified expertise, and advanced materials—each designed to preserve your windshield’s structural and visual clarity.

When you visit Speers Auto Glass—or request their windshield repair Burlington service on-site—the process begins with cleaning and vacuuming the damaged area. Then, using premium windshield repair resin that’s both optically clear and UV-resistant, the technician fills the chip or crack. Next comes the auto glass resin curing process, which uses a UV lamp to harden the resin for maximum durability.

After curing, the glass is polished and inspected for visual clarity and structural soundness. If the vehicle features cameras or lane-assist technology, Speers also provides Advanced Driver Assistance Recalibration to ensure your tech works like new.

All of this is done quickly, often within 30 minutes. The result? A near-invisible repair that restores both your clear car view restoration and confidence on the road. 

How Glass Temperature Fluctuation Impact Plays Into Crack Progression

In Burlington’s unpredictable climate, your windshield endures a lot. Blazing sun one day, freezing rain the next—and that’s just April. These glass temperature fluctuation impacts are more than a nuisance; they’re a key factor in whether a chip becomes a crack.

Glass expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Even minor chips can grow dramatically when subjected to these rapid shifts, especially if the damage isn’t treated quickly. It’s one reason why delaying a repair—even for a day—can make the difference between a $60 fix and a full replacement.

Speers Auto Glass educates customers on how to protect their windshield in extreme weather. For instance, gradually warming your car in winter (rather than blasting the defrost) can prevent thermal shock. Likewise, avoiding slamming doors or hitting potholes reduces stress on already weakened glass.

Timely repairs with high-quality windshield high-strength adhesive and resin not only stop the crack from spreading—they extend the lifespan of your existing glass and preserve your vehicle’s safety envelope. 

Cost-effective Windshield Repair Solutions from Mobile Technicians in Burlington


Time is money, and Speers Auto Glass gets that. Their cost-effective windshield repair services are designed with both speed and affordability in mind—starting at just CAD 60. Whether you're parked downtown near Spencer Smith Park or stuck roadside off the QEW, their mobile windshield technicians come to you, fully equipped and ready to handle chips and cracks on-site.

Same-day and emergency options are available, and with a price match guarantee, you’re assured the best deal in town. Even better? Minor repairs are often complementary if you’ve had previous work done or qualify under your insurance coverage.

Plus, every customer gets the reassurance of a car glass repair warranty—valid as long as they own the vehicle. It’s value that stretches beyond the repair itself, offering long-term protection and support you can count on. 

These FAQs help
clients learn about us

A Glass Repair Specialist will perform a Windshield Assessment to determine crack size, depth, and moisture infiltration. Generally, cracks under 3 inches with no delamination are repairable.

Yes. Moisture trapped in cracks expands during freezing and contracts in warmth, rapidly worsening the damage.

Not recommended. Even small cracks can impair Safe Driving Visibility and become larger quickly due to moisture and temperature changes.

The Quick Glass Repair Process at Speers Auto Glass takes around 30 minutes for minor chips and cracks.

In many cases, yes. Speers Auto Glass helps you navigate the Auto Insurance Claims Process and often covers up to 100% of your deductible.

VISIT US

Speers Auto Glass
281 Speers Rd, Oakville,
ON L6K 2G1, Canada

Phone Number:
905-339-0339

Email:
sawah.r@hotmail.com 

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