Windscreen damage, whether it’s a small chip or a significant crack, is a common headache for drivers. These issues often arise unexpectedly from flying stones and road debris. A key question that immediately comes to mind when you notice windscreen damage is: “Does my car insurance cover windscreen repair?”. Understanding your car insurance policy in relation to windscreen damage is crucial for peace of mind and managing repair costs effectively.
Why Prompt Windscreen Repair is Essential
Ignoring a windscreen chip might seem like a minor issue, but it can quickly escalate into a larger crack. Repairing windscreen damage promptly offers several key advantages:
- Safety First: A damaged windscreen can impair your vision, creating a driving hazard. Prompt repairs ensure clear visibility and safer driving conditions.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Repairing a chip is significantly cheaper than replacing the entire windscreen. Addressing damage early prevents it from worsening and requiring more expensive replacements.
- Environmental Responsibility: Windscreen repair is a more environmentally friendly option compared to replacement. The replacement process generates considerably more carbon dioxide, making repair the greener choice.
- Convenience and Speed: Windscreen chip repairs are typically quick, often taking less than an hour. Many repairs can even be done at your home or workplace, minimizing disruption to your day.
Windscreen cracks, on the other hand, can develop from various factors including sudden impacts from potholes or curbs, temperature fluctuations causing stress on the glass, or direct object strikes.
Windscreen Cover: Is it Included in Your Car Insurance?
Many comprehensive car insurance policies offer windscreen cover as a standard feature. However, it’s not always a given, especially with basic or third-party policies. To determine if you’re covered, you should:
- Review Your Policy Documents: The most reliable way to know is to carefully check your car insurance policy wording or schedule. Look for specific mentions of “windscreen cover” or “glass cover”.
- Contact Your Insurer: If you’re unsure after reviewing your documents, call your insurance provider directly. They can clarify the specifics of your policy and whether windscreen damage is included.
- Comprehensive vs. Third-Party Policies: Windscreen cover is most commonly found in comprehensive policies. If you have a third-party fire and theft or third-party only policy, windscreen cover might be an optional add-on, if available at all.
Understanding Windscreen Cover Excess
If your policy includes windscreen cover, it’s important to understand the excess you’ll need to pay when making a claim. The excess is the amount you contribute towards the repair or replacement cost, and the insurer covers the rest.
- Excess for Repair vs. Replacement: Typically, the excess for a windscreen repair is lower than for a replacement. For example, you might have a £25 excess for a repair and a £75 to £100 or more excess for a full windscreen replacement.
- Check Your Policy Schedule: Your policy schedule will clearly state the exact excess amounts applicable to windscreen repair and replacement. These amounts can vary between insurers and policy types.
Steps to Take if Your Windscreen is Damaged
If you discover a chip or crack in your windscreen and you believe you have cover, follow these steps:
- Assess the Damage: Determine the type and severity of the damage (chip or crack, size and location).
- Check Your Policy: Confirm you have windscreen cover and understand your excess.
- Contact Your Insurer: Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible about the damage. They will guide you through the claims process.
- Approved Repairer Network: Many insurers have a network of approved windscreen repair companies. Using their approved repairer can often simplify the process and ensure quality service. Your insurer will provide details of approved repairers in your area.
- Arrange Repair: Schedule an appointment with the approved repairer or follow your insurer’s instructions for getting the damage assessed and repaired.
ADAS and Windscreen Recalibration: A Modern Consideration
Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These systems rely on sensors and cameras, often integrated into the windscreen, to provide safety features like lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot detection.
- ADAS Recalibration After Replacement: If your vehicle has ADAS features and your windscreen needs replacement, recalibration of these systems is crucial. Windscreen replacement can affect the alignment of sensors and cameras, requiring professional recalibration to ensure the ADAS features function correctly.
- Factor in Recalibration Costs: When dealing with ADAS windscreen replacement, be aware that recalibration might be necessary and could be part of the overall claim process. Discuss this with your insurer and repairer.
Other Important Points to Consider
- Using Approved Repairers: While you may have the option to use your own repairer, insurers often have preferred or approved networks. Using non-approved repairers might lead to limitations on the amount your insurer will pay.
- Chip to Crack Progression: A seemingly small windscreen chip can worsen into a crack over time due to temperature changes and vibrations. Prompt repair prevents this escalation.
- Damaged Windscreen and Vehicle Safety/MOT: Driving with a severely damaged windscreen can be illegal if it significantly impairs your vision. It can also cause your vehicle to fail its MOT (Ministry of Transport) test in some regions.
Preventing Windscreen Damage: Proactive Tips
Taking preventative measures can help minimize the risk of windscreen damage:
- Weather Awareness: In frosty conditions, use a windscreen cover to protect against ice formation.
- Avoid Harsh Defrosting Methods: Never use boiling water or sharp objects to defrost your windscreen as this can cause thermal shock and damage. Use de-icer and a scraper gently.
- Maintain Washer Fluid: Keep your washer fluid topped up and use a winter blend with antifreeze to prevent freezing and ensure effective cleaning.
- Replace Worn Wipers: Regularly inspect and replace your windscreen wipers when they show signs of wear. Worn wipers can scratch your windscreen and reduce visibility.
- Secure Your Vehicle: While seemingly unrelated, preventing car theft can indirectly protect your windscreen by avoiding situations where thieves might damage it during attempted break-ins (further reading: how to prevent car theft).
Conclusion
Understanding whether your car insurance covers windscreen repair is essential for responsible car ownership. By reviewing your policy, acting promptly when damage occurs, and taking preventative measures, you can navigate windscreen issues effectively and maintain your vehicle’s safety and roadworthiness. Always prioritize checking your specific insurance policy details and contacting your insurer for accurate and personalized advice regarding your windscreen cover.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information regarding car insurance and windscreen cover. Policy details and coverage can vary significantly between insurers. Always refer to your specific policy documents and consult with your insurance provider for accurate information related to your coverage.
