I keep a $1,000 deductible on my car insurance which saves me several hundred dollars a year. However when my windshield needed replacing I couldn't just call up Speedy Glass and have the Comprehensive policy take care of it. Out of insurance cost from Speedy was going to be C$450 so I looked around. Found Glass America south of the border. For US$218 they arranged to meet me in Niagara Falls near the Fashion Mall. They actually beat me there, used original equipment glass, and did an outstanding job. Highest recommendation.
Replacing Car Windshield in Buffalo
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You may get away with a new windshield, but do not try that with tires. I know a guy that got nabbed.
Somebody told me Canada Customs has informers in U.S. border towns watching for Canadian cars at tire shops.
Many years ago a Canadian had an accident in the U.S. with his car and travel trailer. He got the car fixed in the U.S. but not the trailer. When he got to the border the customs agent commented on the damage to the trailer. The guys buddy said,"that's nothing, you should have seen this car!" The car owner had to pay duty on the value of the repairs, all because his friend did not know enough to keep his mouth shut.
This guy bragged that he would often go to the US for a few hours and get things of $30-50 value and would be allowed to go back into Canada without paying duties. He would regularly go through with $80 of groceries duty free. On one of his excursions he went to the US to get groceries and had the intention of buying tires. The shiny black tires with the new balancing weights caught the attention of the border guard. He had to pay duty and fines as well as get his name on a watch list.
That makes sense - the customs officer was vigilant and the guy pushed his luck - I always declare everything
I went through the same thing last year with Speedy. They quoted me $450 and I called around in Ontario. Found a place in Oshawa just off the 401 and the cost was $250, installed, warranty, etc. It was the exact same as the original windshield.
Speedy is a rip off.
The guy said the Customs agent had a picture of his car on the hoist at the tire shop.
This is incredible - that they have this much time on their hands - do you believe the story? What's in it for the guy who would send them the picture?
Unless the agent showed him the pic, maybe he's bluffing, but he's probably right about his hunch if the tired look new.
There are dozens of business' in the GTA that will come to your driveway to replace your windshield for $250/$300
Check out Kijiji ads here and call a few with your make and model. Tell them you don't want to go through insurance and will pay cash so are looking for the best price.
https://www.kijiji.ca/b-automotive-services/gta-greater-toronto-area/windshield/k0c142l1700272
