Windscreen Claims: Do They Affect Your Premium?

Windscreen Claims: Understanding the Impact on Your Car Insurance

It's a common scenario for car owners: a tiny chip appears on your windscreen, seemingly out of nowhere. Whether it's a rogue stone from a passing lorry or a minor impact, windscreen damage is a frequent occurrence. Many comprehensive car insurance policies now include specific cover for windscreens, often as a standard feature or an optional add-on. But what happens when you need to make a claim for a repair or a full replacement? This article delves into the intricacies of windscreen claims, addressing your most pressing questions about how they might affect your insurance premiums, no-claims bonus, and overall policy.

Does Claiming for Windscreen Damage Count as a Claim?

This is a crucial point that often causes confusion. Whether a windscreen repair or replacement is considered a 'claim' in the traditional sense depends heavily on your specific insurance policy.

Policy Structure: Comprehensive vs. Add-on Cover

If your car is covered by a fully comprehensive insurance policy, windscreen cover is frequently included. It might be integrated into the main policy or offered as a separate, optional add-on. Insurers often advise having windscreen cover as a separate add-on for several key reasons:

• Lower Excess: Typically, the excess payable for a windscreen claim made under a separate add-on policy is significantly lower than if you claim under the main comprehensive policy.
• No Claims Bonus Protection: Having separate windscreen cover usually means that making a claim for windscreen damage will not affect your hard-earned no claims bonus (NCB).

Even if you don't have a comprehensive policy, you can often add windscreen cover to third-party or fire and theft policies for a relatively small annual fee. Again, treating this as a separate policy component is generally the preferred route to protect your NCB.

Fact Alert!

Did you know that windscreen cover often extends to other glass on your vehicle, such as sunroofs and side windows? Always check your policy wording for the full scope of coverage.

Windscreen Claim Excess: What You Need to Know

When you make an insurance claim, you'll typically have to pay an 'excess'. This is a fixed amount that you contribute towards the cost of the repair or replacement. For windscreen claims, the excess amount can vary considerably between insurers and also depends on whether you need a repair or a full replacement.

Typical Excess Fees: A Comparative Look

The following table provides a general overview of excess fees for windscreen claims from various insurers (please note these figures are indicative and can change):

*Data as of April 2019. Always check your current policy documents for the most up-to-date information.

As you can see, some insurers, like Saga, offer zero excess for both repairs and replacements, which can be a significant benefit. For other insurers, the excess for a repair is substantially lower than for a replacement.

Will a Windscreen Claim Affect Your Renewal Premium?

This is perhaps the most common concern for drivers. The good news is that in the vast majority of cases, making a claim for a windscreen repair or replacement will not increase your car insurance renewal premium. Insurers generally view windscreen damage as a different category of claim, often due to external factors (like debris on the road) rather than driver fault.

The Exceptions to the Rule

While rare, it's important to be aware that there can be exceptions. A small number of insurers might factor in any claims made, regardless of type, when calculating your renewal premium. It's always advisable to review your policy documents and, if in doubt, contact your insurer directly to clarify their stance on windscreen claims and renewal pricing.

Declaration of Windscreen Claims

Do you need to inform your insurer about a windscreen repair or replacement? Yes, generally you do. If you've had a windscreen repaired or replaced within the last five years, it's usually a requirement to declare this to your insurer. However, as mentioned, this declaration typically should not impact your premium, especially if it was handled as a separate windscreen cover claim.

Repair vs. Replacement: When to Choose Which

If you don't have specific windscreen cover, or if your policy has a high excess, you might consider arranging a repair yourself. For minor chips, this can often be a more cost-effective solution than going through insurance.

Cost Considerations

• DIY Repair: For a small chip, a repair carried out by a specialist like Halfords can start from around £25.
• Professional Repair: Companies like Autoglass may charge more for a chip repair, potentially around £162.58 (including VAT).
• Windscreen Replacement: If a replacement is necessary, costs can range from £150 to £200, depending on the type of glass and vehicle.

Given these costs, if a replacement is needed, it might be more economical to use your insurance if you have adequate cover and a reasonable excess.

Factors Determining Repairability

Repairers assess whether a windscreen can be repaired or needs replacing based on two primary factors:

1. The Size of the Damage: There are guidelines for the maximum size of a chip that can be safely repaired.
2. The Location of the Damage: Windscreens are divided into different zones. Damage in Zone A (directly in front of the driver) has stricter repair limits. For example, a chip up to 10mm in diameter can be repaired in Zone A, while in Zone D (the outer edge), chips up to 45mm can often be repaired.

Heated Windscreens: Any Difference in Cost?

You might wonder if windscreens with heating elements are more expensive to repair or replace. The good news is that heated windscreens are now very common, and the process for repairing or replacing them is generally no more complicated or costly than for standard windscreens.

Is it Safe and Legal to Drive with a Damaged Windscreen?

Safety First: No, it is not safe to drive with a damaged windscreen, no matter how small the chip or crack may seem. Damage can spread rapidly, especially under stress from temperature changes or road vibrations. A compromised windscreen can affect your car's structural integrity and the proper deployment of airbags.

Legality: Driving with a damaged windscreen is illegal. It contravenes regulations concerning the condition of vehicles on the road, specifically relating to visibility. The Highway Code mandates that drivers must have a clear and unobstructed view of the road at all times. A damaged windscreen can lead to a failed MOT test.

MOT Failure Criteria

• A cracked or chipped windscreen will typically cause a vehicle to fail its MOT if the damage is 40mm or larger, irrespective of its location.
• If the damage is 10mm in size and located directly within the driver's line of sight (Zone A), it will also result in an MOT failure.

Can Windscreen Scratches Be Removed?

Minor scratches on a windscreen can sometimes be buffed out using household items. Toothpaste, when applied with a soft cloth and buffed, is rumoured to be effective. Adding a small amount of baking soda can reportedly enhance its cleaning power. For deeper or more extensive scratches, professional repair services are available, or you may need to consider a full replacement.

Conclusion: Peace of Mind for Your Windsceen

In summary, while windscreen damage is a common and often unavoidable issue, dealing with it through your insurance is generally a straightforward process. Making a claim for a windscreen repair or replacement, particularly when you have separate windscreen cover, is unlikely to negatively impact your renewal premium or your no-claims bonus. Always ensure you understand your policy's specifics, declare any work carried out, and prioritise safety and legality by addressing windscreen damage promptly. This ensures you maintain a clear view of the road and keep your vehicle roadworthy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Will a windscreen claim increase my car insurance premium?
In most cases, no. Insurers typically treat windscreen claims separately, and they are unlikely to affect your renewal premium, especially if you have dedicated windscreen cover.

Q2: Does claiming for a windscreen damage my no-claims bonus?
Not usually, if you have separate windscreen cover. If it's part of your main comprehensive policy without specific protection, it might be affected, so always check your policy details.

Q3: What's the difference between windscreen repair and replacement excess?
The excess for a windscreen repair is almost always lower than the excess for a full replacement. Some policies may even have a zero excess for repairs.

Q4: Can I claim for a cracked side window?
Yes, windscreen cover often includes side windows and sunroofs, but you must verify this with your insurer.

Q5: Is it illegal to drive with a chipped windscreen?
Yes, it is illegal. A damaged windscreen can impair your vision and compromise vehicle safety, potentially leading to an MOT failure or penalty.

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