If you’ve got a cracked windshield or damaged auto glass in Saskatchewan, you’re probably wondering how the insurance claim process works, how much you’ll pay, and what steps you need to take. The short answer: for most windshield damage, you don’t need to do much at all. The auto glass shop handles the claim with SGI on your behalf.
This guide breaks down everything Saskatchewan drivers need to know about SGI auto glass claims — from coverage types and deductibles to the step-by-step process for each type of glass damage.
The Key Fact Most Drivers Don’t Know
For windshield replacements and stone chip repairs, you do not need to call SGI or file a claim yourself. The auto glass shop contacts SGI directly, verifies your coverage, files the claim on your behalf, and bills SGI for the balance after your deductible.
SGI’s own eClaim documentation instructs customers not to file glass-only claims through their online portal. The shop does it all. Your only job is to provide your registration information and show up for the appointment.
Understanding Your SGI Coverage
Every Saskatchewan driver has some form of glass coverage. Which type you have determines how much you pay out of pocket.
SGI Package Policy (Auto Pak)
A package policy is additional coverage purchased through an insurance broker, bundled with your basic plate insurance. For auto glass, this is the best coverage available:
- Glass deductible as low as $50 or $100
- Up to 3 free stone chip repairs per year with no deductible
- No claim filing required — the shop handles everything
- SGI is billed directly for costs above your deductible
Most Saskatchewan drivers who purchased insurance through a broker have a package policy. If you’re not sure, check your insurance documents or ask the auto glass shop to look it up — they can verify your coverage in minutes using your plate number.
What the shop needs from you: Policy number, customer number (from your vehicle registration), plate number, and the date the damage occurred.
Standard SGI Plate Insurance
Every registered vehicle in Saskatchewan has standard plate insurance. This provides baseline glass coverage with a $700 deductible. Key details:
- No claim filing required for windshield replacements
- You pay the first $700 of the replacement cost
- SGI covers everything above $700
- Worth filing when total cost exceeds $700
When does this make sense? For vehicles manufactured in 2018 or later, windshield replacement often includes ADAS calibration (recalibrating lane departure, auto-braking, and other sensor systems), which adds $300–$800+ to the total cost. When the total exceeds $700, filing saves you the difference.
For older vehicles without ADAS, the total cost may be close to $700, making out-of-pocket payment similar. A good auto glass shop will tell you honestly which option saves more.
What the shop needs from you: Customer number (from your registration), plate number, and date of loss.
Third-Party Insurance
Some drivers carry additional coverage through providers like Sandbox, CAA, or Cooperators. These policies bridge the gap between your deductible and SGI’s $700 standard deductible:
- Your deductible varies by provider and policy
- The shop coordinates billing with both SGI and your third-party provider
- Some providers require you to file a claim number before the shop can proceed — check with your provider first
What the shop needs from you: Third-party policy number, claim number (if required), SGI customer number, plate number, and date of loss.
The SGI Auto Glass Claim Process by Glass Type
Different types of auto glass follow different claim processes in Saskatchewan.
Windshield Replacement
This is the simplest and most common claim. No claim filing needed from the customer — the shop handles everything directly with SGI. You provide your registration info, the shop verifies coverage, replaces the windshield, and bills SGI. You pay your deductible only.
Stone Chip Repair
Same process as windshield replacement — the shop files directly. If you have a package policy with a $50 or $100 road hazard deductible, chip repairs are free. Up to 3 per year, no deductible, no cost to you.
Door Glass and Quarter Glass
An SGI claim typically needs to be submitted upfront by the customer. In many cases, the replacement cost is less than the $700 standard deductible, making out-of-pocket payment cheaper. A claim makes sense when there’s additional damage (broken regulator, motor, or property loss from a break-in).
You can also pay out of pocket first and file a claim afterward if more damage is discovered. Keep your receipt and take photos.
Back Glass (Rear Window)
An SGI claim must be filed before the shop can begin work. Back glass typically requires an adjuster to review and approve the claim. The cause of damage determines whether it’s covered and which deductible applies.
Alternatively, you can pay out of pocket and submit the invoice to SGI for reimbursement if the claim is approved.
Will a SGI Auto Glass Claim Affect My Insurance Rates?
No. This is the most common concern Saskatchewan drivers have about filing a glass claim, and the answer is clear.
SGI’s Safe Driver Recognition program — the system that determines your insurance premiums — only penalizes drivers for at-fault collisions and traffic convictions. A windshield hit by a rock on the highway is classified as a road hazard. It is not an at-fault incident.
Filing a glass claim does not affect your safety rating, your insurance premiums, or your driving record. This applies whether you file through a package policy, standard plate insurance, or a third-party provider.
ADAS Calibration and Insurance Claims
Vehicles manufactured from approximately 2018 onward typically have Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) — lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and rain-sensing wipers. These systems use cameras and sensors mounted to the windshield.
After any windshield replacement, these sensors need professional recalibration. This calibration costs $300–$800+ and is a major factor in whether filing through SGI makes financial sense.
When you file through SGI, ADAS calibration is included in the claim at no additional cost. This is one of the primary reasons newer vehicle owners benefit from filing even with the $700 standard deductible — the total cost with calibration frequently exceeds $700.
How Long Do I Have to File?
SGI allows auto glass claims to be filed up to 2 years from the date of loss. However, waiting is rarely advisable. In Saskatchewan’s climate, temperature swings cause chips to spread into cracks and small cracks to grow, turning a minor repair into a full replacement.
What to Have Ready
Before contacting an auto glass shop, gather the following information from your vehicle registration card:
For package policy claims: Policy number, customer number, plate number, date of loss.
For standard plate claims: Customer number, plate number, date of loss.
For third-party claims: All of the above plus your third-party policy number and claim number (if your provider requires one).
Tip: Your vehicle registration card contains most of the information needed. Take a photo of it or bring it with you to your appointment.
Choosing an Auto Glass Shop
You are not required to use any specific auto glass shop for SGI work. You can choose any SGI-approved shop. When selecting a shop, consider:
- Whether they file the claim on your behalf (not all shops do this — at Showtime Auto Glass, we handle the entire process)
- Whether they offer same-day service
- Whether they perform ADAS calibration in-house
- Whether they provide a warranty on installations
- Whether they offer mobile service or vehicle pickup
Summary
For most auto glass damage in Saskatchewan, the process is simpler than you think. The shop files the claim, verifies your coverage, replaces the glass, and bills SGI. You pay your deductible and drive away. No calling SGI, no filing paperwork, no impact on your insurance rates.
If you’re in Saskatoon and need auto glass service, call Showtime Auto Glass at (306) 952-3580. We handle everything with SGI on your behalf — start your claim here.