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ICBC offers free rock chip windshield repair

ICBC hoping to cut costs through policy and replace fewer windshields.

Driving Cariboo roads has left many a driver frustrated after a quick moving vehicle throws a piece of gravel onto their windshields leaving a hefty chip or crack in its place.

The price to fix that chip can leave a driver as much as $70 behind.

Starting this spring, ICBC is reinstating a policy that will allow customers with its optional comprehensive coverage to fix chips in their windshield for free — without having to pay their deductible.

ICBC is hoping to cut down on costs through the policy.

"Windshield repairs cost significantly less than replacements, which will help ICBC reduce its material damage costs while improving service for more than 2.5 million customers across the province," said Todd Stone, the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, in a release.

Under the current policy, drivers with comprehensive coverage have to pay out of pocket to fix a rock chip. If the windshield is in need of serious repair, drivers pay their deductible and ICBC replaces the entire window.

In 2016, the average cost of a windshield replacement was $820. ICBC estimates it will save $8 million a year through the policy.

For drivers in the Interior where winters are harsher than in the Lower Mainland, that's a relief.

Windshield repairs make up about 30 per cent of business in the winter time at 100 Mile Glass, says owner Ronald Belcourt.

Fixing rock chips immediately is important for customers, he says. "They are harder to repair after a certain length of time because they fill with dirt and moisture and it just blocks the resin from going in properly."

He thinks the new policy will help drivers.

"A lot of people want to do them, but either they can't afford to do them at the time, or they say, 'Well, I'm just going to get another one,' so they don't bother. If it is something that ICBC is willing to fix for them right away, it's definitely going to make a difference."