Many car owners frequently worry whether they have coverage for particular components of their vehicle, such the windscreen, while examining the numerous facets of auto insurance. Knowing if and how your windscreen is covered by your insurance policy is essential given its susceptibility to damage from stones, debris, accidents, or even vandalism.
What is Windscreen Cover?
Windscreen cover pertains to the insurance coverage specifically for the vehicle’s windscreen, as well as the other windows and sometimes even the sunroof. The primary purpose of this cover is to protect the policyholder from the high costs that can be associated with repairing or replacing a windscreen.
Is it a Standard Feature or an Add-On?
Comprehensive Coverage:
In many insurance policies, especially comprehensive covers, windscreen coverage is a standard feature. This means if your windscreen is damaged due to an accident, theft, or any other covered event, your insurer will typically cover the cost of repair or replacement.
Third-party, Fire, and Theft:
For those with third-party, fire, and theft policies, windscreen cover might not be a standard feature. It might be available as an optional add-on for an extra fee.
Add-Ons:
Many insurance providers offer windscreen cover as an additional option. The benefit of having it as an add-on is that if you claim solely for your windscreen, it generally doesn’t affect your no claims bonus.
Why is Windscreen Cover Important?
Here are several compelling reasons why a windscreen cover is important:
Safety Concerns:
A damaged windscreen can significantly compromise the safety of the vehicle. Even minor chips or cracks can reduce visibility and can lead to larger cracks over time, especially under thermal stress or pressure.
Cost of Replacement:
Windscrееn rеplacеmеnt is not inеxpеnsivе. Advancеd windscrееns can cost hundrеds or еvеn thousands of dollars to rеplacе, particularly thosе with built-in sеnsors or hеating componеnts. Insurancе covеragе can protеct against thеsе significant out-of-pockеt costs.
Maintaining Vehicle Integrity:
A windscreen plays an essential role in maintaining the structural integrity of a car, especially in the event of a rollover accident. It’s crucial to ensure that any damages are promptly addressed.
Limitations and Exclusions:
As with all insurance policies, there will be conditions attached:
Excess:
Some policies might require you to pay an excess for windscreen claims, while others might offer “excess-free” windscreen claims.
Limit on Claims:
There could be a limit to the number of times you can claim for windscreen damage within a year or the policy term.
Repair vs. Replacement:
Some insurers might insist on repairing a chipped windscreen rather than replacing it, if feasible. Repairs are less costly and can often be completed quickly.
Approved Service Providers:
Your policy might stipulate that you need to use an approved service provider to repair or replace your auto glass to be covered for the claim.
Type of Damage:
Not all damages might be covered. For instance, intentional damage or damage due to wear and tear might be excluded.
Factors Affecting Windscreen Cover Premiums:
The premium for windscreen cover, just like other insurance policies, is determined by several factors that assess the risk and potential cost associated with replacing or repairing the windscreen. Here are some of the primary factors that can affect windscreen cover premiums:
Type of Vehicle:
High-end cars with advanced windscreens or special features like heads-up displays or rain sensors might have higher premiums. Newer models may have more expensive windscreens, while older models might have windscreens that are more difficult to source or replace. Larger windscreens or those with unique shapes might be more expensive to replace.
Driving Record:
Drivers with a history of multiple claims might face higher premiums.
Location:
If you live in an area with a higher risk of hailstorms or other environmental factors causing windscreen damage, your premiums might be higher.
Coverage types:
Including additional benefits or coverages (e.g., tinted glass or panoramic sunroof coverage) can raise the premium. Some policies might offer the option of not increasing premiums after a windscreen claim, but this can come with a higher initial premium.
Takeaway
In conclusion, while many comprеhеnsivе insurancе policiеs may covеr windscrееn damagеs as a standard fеaturе, it is always еssеntial to rеad thе policy documеnt and undеrstand thе tеrms, conditions, and any еxclusions that might apply. Thе cost of rеpairing or rеplacing a windscrееn can bе burdеnsomе, so it is wisе to еnsurе you’rе covеrеd. Additionally, always remember that maintaining the condition of your windscreen isn’t just about aesthetics or financial concerns; it’s foremost about safety. Regularly inspect your windscreen for any damages and address them promptly, whether through an insurance claim or out-of-pocket, to ensure your vehicle remains safe to operate.
