Windscreens are not always covered by motor insurance
Make sure you are covered should you get a chip or a crack
Make a claim without affecting your no-claims
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You're driving down a particularly busy street and another car accidentally kicks up dirt that chips your windscreen. You're faced with a difficult decision - pay out of pocket for the repairs yourself, or contact your insurer and risk losing your no claims. Stand-alone windscreen cover can make that decision easier, allowing you to claim for minor repairs without affecting your main car insurance policy. But is windscreen insurance really worth it?
It's common practice for insurers to offer separate windscreen cover as part of a comprehensive car insurance policy. However, this standard cover will mean you'll have to pay the full excess even if you only have a tiny chip (excess being the contribution you need to pay towards that claim).
It can be better value to take out windscreen cover as an optional extra, like you would with breakdown cover if it's not included on your main policy. You will simply pay an excess for each claim making it a considerably cheaper option. It should also not affect your no claims bonus (how many years you haven't made a claim on your car). Whereas if you don't have the separate cover, you'll have to pay the full excess and possibly lose your no claims bonus.
Windscreen damage is a regular claim as the tiniest of chips could eventually cause more significant damage. It's important to not assume windscreen cover is included in your standard policy. It's worth double-checking your policy and considering purchasing separate windscreen cover if you are buying a new car insurance policy.
Accidents can happen, below are some of the typical ways in which your windscreen could end up damaged. But whatever happens, as soon as you notice a small chip it's best to get it fixed straight away so it doesn't expand or get worse and you end up having to shell out more money then you needed to.
In icy conditions, you wouldn't be blamed for thinking the best thing to do to ensure visibility out of your windscreen would be to use hot water to de-ice the glass. However, this could risk severe damage to your windscreen, possibly leading to glass replacement . If the inside of your car is colder than the outside temperature, the glass could contract causing the glass to chip or crack.
One of the most common ways in which a windscreen cracks or chips is from stones or debris flying up from the road and hitting your car (particularly if the road has a lot of loose stone or there are road works going on). The best way to avoid this unwanted problem is to drive slowly where the road conditions aren't great or when you're driving past large vehicles like lorries that can pick up debris easily.
Just as extreme cold can cause cracks, extreme heat can also damage your windscreen. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to distortion or even windscreen replacement. To protect your car's windscreen, park in the shade or use a sunshade.
Driving with a cracked windscreen can lead to a motoring offence. You could face a fine and have points added to your license. Furthermore, if you’re involved in an accident and have a damaged windscreen, you might be charged with a more serious motoring offence. If you don’t have windscreen cover, this could mean that the cost of repairing or replacing your windscreen comes out of your pocket, which could have been avoided if you had windscreen insurance.
Windscreen replacement or windscreen repair is usually covered by a windscreen cover policy. However, without a separate policy, a windscreen replacement claim could count towards your overall claims count, potentially affecting your no claims bonus. Having windscreen cover insurance will ensure your windscreen repair or full windscreen replacement doesn’t affect your primary policy or no claims discount.
Windscreen cover can save you money in the long run. It protects you against costly repairs, such as windscreen replacement, and allows you to fix minor repairs without impacting your main car insurance policy. Whether you have cracked windows, side windows, or a damaged windscreen, having a windscreen cover policy can help keep your car in top condition without the added cost.
As with any other form of insurance, it’s important to compare prices for windscreen cover. Different insurers offer different levels of windscreen insurance cover, and shopping around ensures you get the best deal.
Before buying windscreen cover insurance, check if it’s already included in your comprehensive car insurance policy. If it’s not, consider adding it as an extra to avoid paying higher excesses for windscreen repairs.
Simple steps like keeping your car parked in a secure place or using a steering wheel lock can reduce the risk of windscreen damage and theft. Many insurers will offer discounts for vehicles with added security features.
