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- What is windscreen cover insurance?
- Is windscreen cover included in my car insurance as standard?
- Why is windscreen cover insurance important?
- How much does it cost to repair a windscreen?
- What are the most common causes of windscreen chips and cracks?
- If I make a claim, will I have to pay for excess?
- Can I drive with a cracked windscreen?
- Will my cracked windscreen be repaired or replaced?
- Compare cheap car insurance
Does your car insurance policy include windscreen cover?
Windscreen cracks or chips are common on the UK’s hectic roads, posing a safety risk and incurring expensive repair costs. Learn how to add windscreen cover to your car insurance policy.
What is windscreen cover insurance?
Windscreen cover insurance is a type of car insurance that protects drivers from the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged windscreen. This cover is especially important for drivers who live in areas with high levels of road debris or frequently drive on rough roads, as a cracked or chipped windscreen can not only obstruct a driver’s view but also pose a safety hazard.
In many cases, windscreen damage is not covered by a standard car insurance policy and requires drivers to pay out of pocket to repair or replace their windshield. This can be a costly expense, especially if the damage is significant. By purchasing windscreen cover insurance, drivers can be confident that they will be protected against these expenses.
When purchasing windscreen cover insurance, drivers can choose between a standalone policy or one that is added as an optional extra to their existing car insurance policy. Standalone policies typically provide comprehensive cover for windscreen damage, including the cost of repairing or replacing the windscreen, as well as the cost of any additional repairs that may be necessary.
Windscreen cover insurance is a valuable investment for drivers who want to protect themselves against the cost of windscreen damage. With this cover, drivers can enjoy peace of mind on the road, knowing that they are protected against the costly expenses associated with a damaged windshield. If you’re looking for an insurance policy that will protect you against windscreen damage, be sure to add it to your insurance policy when getting an insurance quote.
Is windscreen cover included in my car insurance as standard?
Windscreen cover is not always included as standard in comprehensive car insurance policies. It is essential to check with your insurance provider to ensure that your windscreen is covered. If you do not have specific windscreen cover insurance, then you may be responsible for paying the full excess and potentially losing your no-claims bonus in the event of damage to your windscreen.
The cover for windscreen damage can vary widely between insurance providers. Some insurance companies offer windscreen cover as a standard feature of their comprehensive insurance policies, while others may include it as an optional extra that can be added to your policy for an additional cost. On the other hand, some insurance providers may not offer windscreen cover at all.
It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy, as well as the small print, to fully understand what is and is not covered. Different insurance companies may have different definitions of what constitutes windscreen damage, as well as different limits on the amount of cover provided for windscreen repairs or replacement.
In summary, whether windscreen cover is included in your car insurance policy as standard or not will depend on the policy you have chosen and the insurance provider you have selected. It is important to understand your cover and to consider purchasing windscreen cover insurance if it is not included in your policy to protect yourself against the cost of windscreen damage.
Why is windscreen cover insurance important?
Windscreen cover insurance is an important type of insurance for drivers because it protects them from the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged windscreen. Even a small chip in the windscreen can quickly turn into a crack, which can spread and eventually cause the entire windscreen to shatter. A damaged windscreen can not only pose a safety hazard but also be a costly expense for drivers.
Having windscreen cover insurance means that the cost of any necessary repairs or replacements will likely be covered by the insurance policy, although the policyholder will still be responsible for paying the excess for each claim. The excess for windscreen claims is usually much lower than the full amount that would need to be paid for a standard car insurance claim, making windscreen cover insurance a valuable investment for drivers.
It’s important to note that the terms and conditions of windscreen cover insurance can vary between insurance providers. It’s essential to carefully review your policy and understand what is and is not covered in the event of windscreen damage.
In conclusion, windscreen cover insurance is an important type of insurance for drivers who want to protect themselves against the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged windscreen. By purchasing windscreen cover insurance, drivers can enjoy peace of mind on the road and be confident that they are protected against the expenses associated with a damaged windscreen.
How much does it cost to repair a windscreen?
Windscreen damage can be a costly problem for drivers. Even a small chip in the windshield can quickly turn into a crack that requires a full windscreen replacement. According to AutoAdvisor, as of January 2021, the cost of repairing a small chip in the windshield is around £50. However, if the damage is larger than the size of a £2 coin, a full windscreen replacement is typically required, with costs ranging from £200 to £250.
Adding windscreen cover insurance to your car insurance policy can help offset these costs and potentially result in significant savings. The cost of adding windscreen cover to your policy is typically between £20 to £30 per year. This investment can help reduce the excess you would need to pay in the event of a windscreen claim, potentially leading to substantial savings.
It’s important to consider the cost of repairing a windscreen and the benefits of having windscreen cover insurance when making decisions about your car insurance cover. By factoring in the potential savings, windscreen cover insurance can be a wise investment for drivers who want to protect themselves against the expenses associated with a damaged windshield.
What are the most common causes of windscreen chips and cracks?
Rocks and debris: A common cause of windscreen chips and cracks is rocks and debris kicked up by other vehicles on the road, such as gravel or stones. These objects can fly through the air and strike the windshield, causing chips and cracks to form.
Weather conditions: Weather conditions can also play a role in windscreen damage. Cold temperatures, for example, can cause stress cracks to form in the windshield, while extreme heat can cause the glass to expand and contract, leading to cracks.
Road hazards: Another common cause of windscreen damage is road hazards, such as potholes or other rough road conditions. These hazards can cause the vehicle to bounce and jostle, leading to chips and cracks in the windshield.
Vandalism: Vandalism is another potential cause of windscreen damage. If someone intentionally throws a rock or other object at your windshield, it can cause chips and cracks to form.
Improper installations: Improper installation of the windshield can also lead to chips and cracks. If the windshield is not installed correctly, it can cause stress points to form in the glass, making it more susceptible to chips and cracks.
Improper maintenance: Failing to properly maintain the windshield, such as neglecting to replace a damaged wiper blade, can also lead to chips and cracks. Dirt, dust, and other debris can become trapped under the wiper blade and scratch the windshield, causing chips and cracks to form.
If I make a claim, will I have to pay for excess?
Making a claim for windscreen damage on your car insurance policy may result in an excess payment. The amount of excess will vary depending on the specifics of your policy. Some car insurance companies may not charge an excess for small windscreen repairs such as chips or cracks, while larger repairs or replacements may require payment.
It’s important to check with your car insurance company before proceeding with any windscreen repairs to ensure that you understand the terms of your policy and any excess payment required. Additionally, make sure to use an approved repairer to carry out the work, as this may affect your policy and potential excess.
Can I drive with a cracked windscreen?
Driving with a cracked windscreen is not only dangerous, but it could also result in serious penalties. A damaged windscreen can obstruct your view while driving and compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle. This could lead to more serious consequences, such as a collapse of the windscreen while you’re driving, causing a serious accident.
In the UK, it is illegal to drive a vehicle with a windscreen that is cracked or damaged to the extent that it impairs the driver’s vision. In addition to this, most car insurance policies specify that you must maintain the vehicle in a roadworthy condition, meaning that you must have the windscreen repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Furthermore, driving with a damaged windscreen could invalidate your insurance policy, which could result in you having to pay for the cost of repairs or replacement out of your own pocket. This could be a significant financial burden, especially if you have to pay for a replacement windscreen.
If you have windscreen cover insurance, then you may be able to claim for the cost of repairs or replacement without paying an excess. However, it’s important to check with your insurance company first to understand the specifics of your policy.
In conclusion, it’s essential to have your windscreen repaired as soon as you notice any cracks or damage. Driving with a damaged windscreen could result in penalties, a potential invalidation of your insurance policy, and could also put you and other road users at risk.
Will my cracked windscreen be repaired or replaced?
If you want to protect your windscreen, here are some tips that can help:
Keep your distance: When driving on rough or uneven roads, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to reduce the risk of damage from flying debris.
Slow down: If you’re driving on newly-laid or resurfaced roads, reduce your speed to decrease the likelihood of damage from loose stones or other debris.
Monitor the weather: If overnight frost is forecast, protect your windscreen with a cover and avoid using hot water or sharp objects to defrost it.
Shelter your car: Keeping your car sheltered when it’s parked will reduce the risk of damage from flying debris or extreme weather conditions.
In most cases, you’ll be able to avoid a total replacement if:
- The windscreen chip or crack is shorter than 28mm, equivalent to a £2 coin
- The chip or crack is shorter than 10mm if it’s in the driver’s field of view
- The chip or crack is more than 7cm from the edge of the window
By taking these simple steps, you can help protect your windscreen and reduce the likelihood of it being damaged by chips or cracks. However, if you do find that you need to have your windscreen repaired or replaced, it’s important to use an approved repairer to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.
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