Home » Scratched Windscreen? Find Out If Your Car Insurance Has You Covered

Scratched Windscreen? Find Out If Your Car Insurance Has You Covered

Windscreen scratches can be a pesky problem for drivers, and unfortunately, it is a relatively common occurrence. While drivers may believe they are taking extra care, even the most attentive motorists may face minor cracks that could turn into scratches due to sudden changes in temperature or air pressure. Drivers may be annoyed or inconvenienced by this issue, but it is crucial that they take immediate action to prevent the problem from escalating.

One of the most frequently asked questions among drivers is whether they will have to foot the bill for this issue, or if it is covered by their car insurance policy. This is a valid question, and one that we aim to answer in this blog post. We will provide comprehensive information on the topic, including how windscreen scratches are covered by car insurance policies, what drivers need to know to claim compensation, as well as tips on how to prevent and repair windscreen scratches. By the end of this post, you will have all the necessary details to make an informed decision about how to handle this situation.

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Is Windscreen Damage Covered By Car Insurance?

When dealing with windscreen damage to your car, the level of coverage you receive from your insurance company is determined by the type of policy you have. A comprehensive policy often includes windscreen damage coverage, which means that if your windscreen is damaged, you won’t have to worry about paying for the entire repair on your own. Instead, you’ll only have to pay the excess amount that is specified in your policy. This can vary depending on your insurance provider and your individual policy, so it’s always a good idea to check before making any assumptions.

One of the benefits of having a comprehensive policy that includes windscreen damage coverage is that it won’t affect your no-claims discount. This is a discount that is awarded to policyholders who have not made any claims on their insurance for a certain period of time. The longer you go without making a claim, the more your no-claims discount will increase. Because windscreen damage does not count as a claim on a comprehensive policy, you can still enjoy the benefits of your no-claims discount even if you’ve had to make a windscreen repair.

If, however, you only purchased a non-comprehensive policy, such as a third party, fire and theft policy, your coverage for windscreen damage will be limited. These policies typically don’t include windscreen damage coverage, which means that if your windscreen is damaged, you’ll most likely have to pay for the full cost of repairs on your own. This can be expensive, so it’s important to consider the potential cost of repairs when choosing a car insurance policy.

What If My Policy Doesn’t Cover Windscreen Damage?

After conducting a thorough review of your car insurance policy, you have discovered that your policy doesn’t cover windscreen damage. Unfortunately, you’ll need to bear the costs of any repairs or replacements for any damage sustained by your windscreen, which could ultimately lead to significant expenses. The repair costs are dependent on the extent and type of damage done to your car windscreen. If a full replacement is required, expect to pay even more.

It’s highly recommended to purchase an insurance policy that offers coverage for windscreen damage to avoid such situations. Alternatively, you can opt to purchase a separate and additional windscreen cover as an extension to your standard insurance policy. Many insurance providers offer windscreen coverage add-ons, which cost less than what you’d typically pay for repairs or a replacement.

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How To Claim On Your Insurance

If you’re the owner of a car and you have noticed a scratch on your windshield, it’s important to take action promptly. The first thing you should do is to confirm whether or not your car insurance policy covers windscreen damage. This can usually be checked online, through your policy documents, or by contacting your insurance provider directly.

Once you have confirmed that your policy covers windscreen damage, you should contact your insurance provider to start the claim process. During this process, your insurer will likely ask you for some additional details, such as your policy number, the extent of the damage, and the circumstances surrounding the damage. It’s important to have this information ready before you make contact to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Once your insurance provider has all the details they need, they will review your claim and advise you on your next steps. This might include informing you whether your claim is valid or not, advising you on which repairer to use to ensure that the policy stays valid, and letting you know how much excess you will need to pay. It’s important to note that paying an excess fee might be required to process your claim. Your insurer will also inform you if your no-claims discount will be affected by the claim.

In summary, if you notice any scratch or damage to your windscreen, be sure to check your insurance policy cover, then contact your provider as soon as possible. Have all the required information handy and follow the steps outlined by your insurer to ensure a smooth and successful claim process.

Do I Need To My Windscreen Repaired?

As a car owner, it is essential to take every bit of damage on your vehicle seriously. Many people tend to overlook small scratches on their windscreen, considering them harmless and insignificant. However, the truth is that these scratches can pose a significant safety risk if ignored, especially if they develop into something more dangerous. What appears as a small scratch now can easily escalate into something more serious, which may result in costly repairs, or worse, a full windscreen replacement.

For this reason, it is advisable to have even minor scratches looked at by a professional. Seeking the services of a windscreen repair professional is not as expensive as you might think, particularly if your insurance covers it. Many insurance policies can help cover the cost of repairs.

One important thing to note is that even the smallest of scratches can be more severe than they look, particularly if they are situated in a dangerous spot on the windscreen. For instance, a scratch on the driver’s line of sight or the windscreen’s edge can lead to severe damage, which may necessitate the complete replacement of the windscreen. Such a replacement can take more time and money.

Therefore, when considering your insurance options, you should take this possibility into account. Depending on your policy, your insurance could cover the cost of a full replacement. This highlights the critical role insurance can play in covering unexpected costs, particularly if the damage was not your fault. Overall, it’s crucial to consider the potential consequences of ignoring a minor scratch on your windscreen and seeking professional help to mitigate further harm.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, windscreen scratches may seem like a minor inconvenience initially, but they can lead to more significant safety risks and costly repairs. It is crucial to take immediate action to prevent the problem from escalating. The level of coverage you receive from your insurance company for windscreen damage is determined by the type of policy you have.

A comprehensive policy often includes windscreen damage coverage, which means that you won’t have to worry about paying for the entire repair on your own. If you only have a non-comprehensive policy, such as a third party, fire and theft policy, your coverage for windscreen damage will be limited. It is advisable to purchase an insurance policy that offers coverage for windscreen damage, or you can opt to purchase an additional windscreen cover as an extension to your standard insurance policy.

It’s crucial to note that even minor scratches can be more severe than they look, particularly if they are situated in a dangerous spot on the windscreen. Therefore, seeking the services of a windscreen repair professional is not as expensive as you might think, particularly if your insurance covers it.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What causes windscreen scratches?

Windscreen scratches can be caused by a variety of factors, such as debris on the road, dirt and sand particles, wiper blade wear and tear, and improper cleaning techniques.

Q. Can scratches be prevented?

Yes, scratches can be prevented by regularly cleaning your windscreen, using quality wiper blades, and avoiding driving on gravel roads or areas with loose debris.

Q. Is it safe to drive with a scratched windscreen?

Minor scratches typically do not affect your visibility and can be safely driven with. However, larger scratches or cracks should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid compromising the integrity of the windscreen.

Q. How can I remove minor windscreen scratches?

Minor scratches can be removed by rubbing them out with toothpaste, baking soda, or a microfiber cloth and a glass polish kit.

Q. Can I use vinegar to clean my windscreen?

No, vinegar can damage your windscreen and cause it to become blurry.

Q. What should I do if a scratch is too deep to buff out?

If a scratch is too deep, it may require professional repair or replacement of the windscreen.

Q. Can I use a DIY repair kit to fix a scratch?

DIY repair kits can be effective for minor scratches, but for larger scratches or cracks, it is best to seek professional repair services.

Q. Will my insurance cover windscreen repairs?

Many insurance policies cover windscreen repairs, but it is best to check with your provider to see what your coverage is.

Q. How long does it take to repair a windscreen scratch?

The time it takes to repair a windscreen scratch depends on the severity of the damage and the repair method used. Minor scratches can be repaired in as little as 30 minutes, while larger scratches or cracks may take several hours or even require a replacement windscreen.

Q. How often should I clean my windscreen to prevent scratches?

It is recommended to clean your windscreen at least once a week and to regularly check your wiper blades for wear and tear.

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