26/05/2009
Picture the scene. You’ve booked a fortnight off work, hired out a stunning car and are meandering through country lanes on a delightful little road trip across the UK or perhaps even abroad. As you’re driving, a car overtakes you and flicks up a stone. Hello, chipped windscreen. Those annoying accidents are never something you’d welcome, but they’re even more cumbersome when it happens to a vehicle you don’t own. While the price of hiring a car will often include cover for major crashes, you’ll typically be billed for the first £500 to £1,000 as an excess. Small damages, such as a chipped windscreen, however, will often have to be paid for in full. Whether you’re driving abroad or hiring a car in old Blighty, nothing quite dampens a holiday like unexpected excess charges. There are stories galore from drivers who’ve been taken for a ride with over-the-top fines from car hire companies – but these handy tips will help you avoid being overcharged and potentially ripped off.
Understanding the Rental Car Windscreen Dilemma
A chipped windscreen on a hire car presents a unique set of challenges compared to damage on your own vehicle. With your personal car, you decide whether to repair or replace, often with the support of your comprehensive insurance. For a hire car, however, the decisions aren't entirely yours, and the financial implications can be significant. The key lies in understanding the agreements you’ve signed and the coverages you have in place before you even turn the ignition.
Why a Chipped Windscreen is Serious
Beyond the financial implications, a chipped or cracked windscreen is a safety hazard. If it obstructs your line of sight while driving, you could be pulled over by the police, leading to fines and points on your licence. More critically, a small chip can quickly spread into a larger crack due to temperature changes, vibrations, or further impacts, compromising the structural integrity of the windscreen. The windscreen is a vital component of your vehicle's safety system, contributing to the roof's strength and the proper deployment of airbags. Therefore, it’s paramount to address any damage as soon as you notice it to prevent further deterioration and ensure your safety on the road.
Proactive Measures: Before You Drive Off
The best defence against unexpected charges for a chipped windscreen is thorough preparation and understanding your options before you even leave the hire car depot.
1. Arrange Your Own Insurance Cover
Returning a car with a chipped windscreen to a major international hire company will usually result in a fine, especially if you’ve not taken out insurance to reduce the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) excess to zero. Car hire companies will aggressively push you to buy their CDW, which covers an excess of around £500-£1,000, including the cost to fix cracked windscreen fittings. While it offers peace of mind, it’s often significantly overpriced.
There’s a much cheaper way to get covered, and that’s by arranging your own independent insurance. You can often save around £100 by swapping CDW insurance costs of up to £150 for around £30 for independent cover. These policies specifically cover the excess charges that hire companies levy for damages, including windscreen chips and cracks. They provide the same, if not better, level of protection at a fraction of the cost, making them an incredibly smart investment for any hire car journey.
2. Check for Damage Before You Drive
This step is absolutely critical. Before you leave the hire car lot, examine the car thoroughly and meticulously note any exterior or interior damage, no matter how seemingly insignificant it may be. This includes scratches, dents, scuffs on the wheels, interior stains, and crucially, any existing chips or cracks on the windscreen.
The best practice is to take a video or snap digital photographs (ensuring that dates and times are attached by your device) as undeniable proof in case you’re charged for any pre-existing damage. Walk around the entire vehicle, focusing on each panel, the roof, the wheels, and especially the windscreen and all windows. Don't forget to check the boot for a spare wheel or repair kit. Do this on returning the car, too, in the presence of a hire company representative if possible. If there’s a restricted mileage policy, record the mileage first. Also, make sure the fuel tank is full if the hire car’s policy limits usage or charges for refuelling.
Creating a detailed damage sheet, noting everything from tyre condition to windscreen chips, is a good idea. Ask someone at the rental desk to sign it before you set off for complete peace of mind, and always keep hold of any paperwork associated with your hire agreement and the vehicle’s condition. This diligence can save you hundreds of pounds and countless arguments later.
What to Do if Your Windscreen Gets Chipped
Despite your best efforts, accidents happen. If you find yourself with a chipped windscreen on your hire car, don't despair. Here's an action plan to minimise stress and cost.
Action Plan for a Chipped Windscreen on a Hire Car
- Assess the Damage Immediately: Determine if the chip is in your line of sight or if it's small enough to be repaired. A small chip (typically less than a 40mm diameter or the size of a £2 coin) can often be repaired, while larger cracks or chips in critical areas usually require replacement.
- Check Your Coverage Options: Review your hire agreement, your personal car insurance policy, and any credit card benefits you might have. Understand which type of coverage applies to windscreen damage.
- Inform the Hire Company About the Damage: While it might feel counter-intuitive, it's crucial to notify the hire company as soon as possible. Honesty is often the best policy, and delaying could complicate matters. They will outline their process and potential charges.
- Avoid Making Any Unauthorised Repairs: Unless explicitly permitted by the hire company or your independent insurance provider, do not attempt to repair the windscreen yourself or take it to an unapproved repair shop. This could void agreements or lead to further issues.
- Repair the Chipped Windscreen Before You Return the Car: This is often the most cost-effective solution. Rental hire charges for windscreen damage will almost always be higher than the general cost to fix cracked windscreen fittings – you’re looking at figures in the hundreds for the hire company's charge versus typically much less for a professional repair. A windscreen repair vs replacement is significantly cheaper than the excess for a windscreen replacement. If you’ve arranged your own independent insurance cover, you might even be able to avoid the car windscreen crack repair cost altogether (depending on your insurer’s terms). Find a reputable company that fixes chips speedily. In the UK, many mobile services or dedicated centres can turn around chipped windscreen repairs in as little as 20 minutes, allowing you to avoid missing out on valuable holiday time. Many offer a 100% repair guarantee, ensuring quality work.
- File a Claim Yourself (if no CDW): If you did not opt for the hire company’s CDW and the cost is not covered by your personal insurance or credit card, you may need to file a claim with your independent hire car excess insurance provider.
Who Pays for a Chipped Windscreen on a Hire Car?
The question of who foots the bill for a chipped windscreen on a hire car is multifaceted and depends entirely on the coverage options you've selected.
Coverage Options for a Chipped Windscreen on a Hired Car
Here’s a breakdown of the common coverage options:
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) from the Hire Company
The major benefit of a CDW is its foolproof protection against any financial liability that can happen to the car you have hired. Therefore, this agreement will typically not charge you for windscreen repairs, administrative costs, loss of use, towing, or diminished value if your hire car is damaged. However, as mentioned, CDW is often significantly more expensive than third-party alternatives and may have specific exclusions, so always read the fine print.
Coverage From Your Personal Car Insurer
Your existing car insurance policy might extend to cover your hire car. However, this usually only applies if you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal vehicle, and not with basic liability-only coverage. Review your policy documents or contact your insurer to confirm the extent of this coverage for hire vehicles, particularly regarding windscreen damage.
Credit Card Coverage
Many credit cards, particularly premium ones, offer complimentary hire car insurance benefits, which can include coverage for physical damage to the vehicle, such as a chipped windscreen. However, the terms and coverages vary significantly with each credit card. Depending on the card, you may be responsible for hidden fees like administrative costs, towing, or 'loss of use' charges, which some credit card policies do not cover. Always check with your credit card provider before you travel.
Non-Owner Car Insurance
If you frequently depend on hire cars and don't own a personal vehicle with comprehensive insurance, then non-owner car insurance can protect you against the expenses that might arise while driving a hired car, including windscreen damage.
Travel Insurance
Some travel insurance policies include coverage for hire car excess. A travel insurance policy might cover costs if your hired car gets a chipped windscreen, but it’s absolutely essential to study the terms and conditions for the specific coverage, as exclusions and deductibles can apply.
Comparison of Windscreen Damage Coverage Options
| Coverage Type | Cost (Typical) | Windscreen Coverage | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hire Company CDW | £15-£30 per day | Often covers excess/full cost | Convenient, immediate cover | Very expensive, may have exclusions |
| Independent Excess Insurance | £30-£60 per year | Covers excess (including windscreen) | Significantly cheaper, comprehensive | Requires claim process, not direct repair |
| Personal Car Insurance (Comprehensive) | Included in policy | Often covers hire cars (check policy) | No extra cost if already covered | May affect your No Claims Bonus, deductibles apply |
| Credit Card Coverage | Often free with card | Varies, check terms | No direct cost, convenient | Limited coverage, may exclude fees (e.g., loss of use), often secondary |
| Travel Insurance (with excess cover) | Varies (part of travel policy) | Varies, check terms | Convenient if already buying travel insurance | Specific exclusions, may only cover excess, not full repair |
Frequently Asked Questions About Chipped Hire Car Windscreens
What happens if a hire car gets a chip in the windscreen?
If you have purchased a damage waiver from the hire car company, or independent excess insurance, the minor damage to your windscreen should be covered. If not, your personal auto insurance coverage or credit card benefits might cover the damage, or you will be liable for the repair or replacement cost.
Does the car manufacturer's warranty cover a chipped windscreen?
No, typically, such damage is not covered within the manufacturer’s warranty. Manufacturer warranties cover defects in materials or workmanship, not damage caused by external factors like stone chips or accidents.
Are windscreen repairs typically guaranteed?
Many reputable windscreen repair companies, especially those specialising in chip repairs, offer a guarantee on their work, often a 'lifetime repair guarantee' or a guarantee for the duration of your ownership of the vehicle. This means if the chip spreads or the repair fails, they will either re-repair it or contribute towards a replacement. Always ask about the guarantee before proceeding with a repair.
How does damage to a hire car typically work regarding payments?
If you are liable for the damage, you will usually have to pay the deductible or the full repair cost directly to the hire company. If you have independent excess insurance, you will pay the hire company first, then file a claim with your insurer for reimbursement. Your insurance company will then follow up with the party at fault (if applicable) and speed up the reimbursement process for you.
Can I just ignore a small chip on the windscreen?
Ignoring a chip, even a small one, is not advisable. As mentioned, it can quickly spread, compromising safety and potentially leading to a much more expensive replacement rather than a simple repair. Furthermore, driving with a damaged windscreen, especially if it impairs your view, could lead to legal penalties.
Conclusion
A chipped windscreen on a hire car is undoubtedly an unwelcome surprise, particularly when you're trying to enjoy a well-deserved break. However, by understanding your options and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the stress and financial burden. Arranging your own independent insurance cover, meticulously checking the vehicle for pre-existing damage, and being prepared to arrange a swift repair if necessary are your best lines of defence. Don't let a tiny stone chip turn into a massive headache; a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your road trip remains as delightful as planned.
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