Frozen Engines and Cracked Windshields: Does Your Alberta Car Insurance Cover Winter Damage?
Alberta winters are famous for being tough. One day you are enjoying a warm wind, and the next, you are facing a -30°C deep freeze in Edmonton or Fort Saskatchewan. For anyone who drives, this extreme cold brings a lot of worry. You might wake up to a massive crack in your glass or a car that just won’t start.
The big question we hear at Farnese Insurance is: Does your car insurance cover winter damage? The truth is that not all damage is treated the same. Your protection depends on the type of policy you have. In this guide, we will explain what is covered, what isn’t, and how you can save money while staying safe on our icy roads.
Catchy Banner: Beat the Frost with the Right Coverage
- The 7°C Rule: Switch to winter tires when the temperature stays below 7°C. Summer rubber gets hard and slippery in the cold.
- The Chip Race: A tiny rock chip can turn into a huge crack the moment you turn on your heater.
- Expert Advice: Insurance is for sudden accidents, not for wear and tear.
- Local Support: We help drivers in Devon, Sherwood Park, and across Alberta stay protected.
1. Frozen Engines: Is It a Claim or a Repair Bill?
We have all been there. You forget to plug in your block heater on a freezing night. The next morning, the engine is frozen solid. You might hope that your car insurance will pay for the repairs or a tow.
In most cases, a frozen engine is seen as a maintenance issue. Insurance companies expect you to take care of your car. This means using the right oil, checking your fluids, and using a block heater. Because the damage happened due to the cold and not a “crash,” it is usually not covered.
When does insurance help?
Roadside Assistance: Many policies include a “Roadside” add-on. This will pay for a jump-start or a tow to a shop in Edmonton.
Indirect Damage: If a pipe in your garage bursts and ruins your engine, that might be covered under Comprehensive coverage.
Vandalism: If someone purposely damages your car, your car insurance should step in.
2. The “Alberta Salute”: Handling Cracked Windshields
If you drive on the Yellow head or Highway 15, you know the sound of a rock hitting your glass. In Alberta, we use a lot of sand and gravel for grip on the ice. This makes cracked windshields very common.
Whether your car insurance covers this depends on a special rule called the SEF 13D.
Full Glass Coverage: This is part of your Comprehensive insurance. It pays to fix chips or replace the whole windshield.
Limited Glass (SEF 13D): Many people in Alberta choose this to save money on their monthly bill. It means the insurance company will not pay for broken glass. You have to pay for it yourself.
With new cars having cameras and sensors in the glass, a new windshield can cost over $1,000. It is a good idea to talk to your broker at Farnese Insurance to see if “Full Glass” is the right choice for you.
3. Sliding on Black Ice: Who Pays for the Damage?
Black ice is a hidden danger for every Alberta driver. You might be driving carefully and still slide into a curb or another car.
If you hit something because of ice, this is covered by Collision Coverage. Even if the roads were terrible, insurance companies usually call this an “at-fault” accident. This is because drivers are expected to slow down when the roads are icy.
To get your car fixed after a slide, you must have Collision coverage. If you only have “Basic” or “Liability” insurance, you will have to pay for your own repairs.
4. Why Comprehensive Insurance Matters in Winter
While Collision covers you while you are driving, Comprehensive Coverage protects your car while it is parked. Alberta winters can be wild.
- Falling Ice: If a heavy tree branch breaks under the weight of ice and hits your car, that is a Comprehensive claim.
- Fire: If a faulty block heater cord starts a fire, that is covered.
- Animals: If you hit a deer near Sherwood Park or Devon, that is also a Comprehensive claim.
Alberta Winter Statistics: The Real Cost of Cold
Winter driving is getting more expensive every year. Data shows that weather-related claims are on the rise in our province. According to the Alberta Automobile Insurance Rate Board (AAIRB), the costs are jumping.
“In 2024, the cost of comprehensive auto insurance claims in Alberta surged by 143%. This was mostly due to severe weather. The average cost for a claim is now around $11,150. This reflects how expensive it is to fix modern cars today.” — Source: AAIRB 2025 Industry Report
Having the right car insurance is a vital way to protect your bank account from these high costs.
5. Easy Ways to Save and Stay Safe
- The Winter Tire Discount: Most insurance companies in Alberta give you a 5% discount if you use winter tires.
- Fix Chips Early: Many insurers will fix a small chip for free with no deductible. This prevents a small chip from becoming a big, expensive crack.
- Battery Power: A dead battery is the most common winter problem. Get yours tested before the first big cold snap hits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.Does car insurance cover a windshield that cracked because of the heater?
Yes, but only if you have Comprehensive Coverage and no glass exclusions (like SEF 13D). Extreme heat on a
frozen window often causes cracks.
2. Will my insurance price go up if I claim a rock chip?
No. Most glass and weather claims do not raise your monthly car insurance price.
Only at-fault crashes usually do that.
3. Is my car covered if it is stolen while warming up?
Yes, if you have Comprehensive coverage. But be careful—leaving your keys in the car makes it easy to steal.
A remote starter is a much safer choice.
4. Do I have to have winter tires in Alberta?
No, they are not required by law. However, they make you much safer, and they save you money on your
car insurance.
5. What does “Limited Glass” mean?
This is a choice to remove glass coverage from your policy to make it cheaper car insurance.
In Alberta, many people choose this because rocks hit windshields so often.
Conclusion: Get Your Policy Winter-Ready
Living in Alberta means we have to deal with the cold. From the streets of Fort Saskatchewan to the busy roads of Edmonton, winter damage is a real risk. You don’t want to find out you have the wrong coverage during a blizzard.
At Farnese Insurance, we are your local neighbors. We live here, we drive these roads, and we know what you need. We can help you find the best car insurance prices while making sure you are protected from frozen engines and cracked glass.
Don’t wait for the next big freeze! Contact Farnese Insurance today to check your policy. Let’s make sure you and your car are ready for whatever winter throws at us.
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