You're heading down Highway 1 toward Portage, a gravel truck passes, and you hear the crack. Now there's a chip or a line in your windshield. Don't panic: most chips can be repaired in under an hour, and for most Manitoba drivers the repair costs nothing. Here's exactly what to do.
Step 1: Look at the damage safely
Pull over when it's safe and take a close look. Note three things:
Type: is it a small chip (a dot or star shape) or a crack (a line)?
Size: compare it to a coin. As a general guide, chips smaller than a loonie and cracks shorter than about 15 cm can often be repaired.
Location: is it directly in front of the driver, or near the edge of the glass?
Take a photo. It helps when you open your claim.
Step 2: Stop the damage from spreading
Until it's fixed:
Put a piece of clear packing tape over a chip to keep out dirt and water.
Avoid blasting the defroster or AC directly at the glass.
Don't wash the car at a high-pressure car wash.
Close doors gently and avoid rough gravel roads where you can.
Step 3: Repair or replace?
Repair is usually possible when the damage is small, isn't in the driver's direct line of sight, and hasn't reached the edge of the glass. Replacement is usually needed when:
The crack is longer than about 15 cm or keeps growing.
The damage is right in front of the driver, where even a good repair can leave a blemish that distorts vision.
The crack touches the edge of the windshield, which weakens the glass's structure.
There are several chips close together.
A certified technician makes the final call. Read more in our guide to windshield repair vs replacement.
Step 4: Check what it will cost
Find the "ALL PERILS" line on the white portion of your vehicle registration. Check Your MPI deductible.
On the $1,000 basic deductible, paying cash may cost less than a claim. We'll give you a free quote and an honest comparison. Glass claims don't affect your MPI rates, premiums or Driver Safety Rating.
Step 5: Open your claim with an MPI accredited shop
You don't need to call MPI or wait on hold. As an MPI accredited glass shop, AA Auto Glass opens and manages the claim for you. You'll need:
Your contact information.
A photo of your vehicle registration.
A description or photo of the damage.
Open your claim online in about 2 minutes. We bill MPI directly, so you only pay your deductible.
Step 6: Get it fixed without rearranging your day
We offer mobile service, so we can come to your home or work, and free vehicle pickup and drop-off in Portage la Prairie. A windshield replacement usually takes 2–3 hours; vehicles with cameras for lane-assist or emergency braking also need ADAS calibration, which we handle in the same visit.
Every repair and replacement comes with our lifetime workmanship warranty.
Cracked windshield? Call AA Auto Glass at 431-244-9606 or start your claim online.
