A Guide to Windscreen Insurance

Cracks and chips on your windscreen can occur all too easily, caused by road debris or changes in temperature amongst other things. If you’re a regular driver, it can be well worth taking advantage of windscreen repair insurance. This will give you peace of mind that you won’t have to worry about finding a repairs service should you need one, and will prevent any hefty surprise charges. Insurance differs depending on providers and policies, so it’s worth doing your research to find out if and how far you’re covered. Here at 1st Call Windscreens Ltd we deal with a range of insurance companies and will bill your insurance directly, saving you the time.

Is it legal to drive with a cracked windscreen?

While driving, you should have a clear, unobstructed view of the road ahead. Otherwise, you may be falling short of meeting legal requirements for the condition and roadworthiness of your vehicle.

Although a crack may appear small to begin with, the smallest of bumps here and there can soon cause it to expand and turn into a much bigger problem, so it’s important to make sure that you get any chips or cracks seen to as soon as possible. 

What is windscreen repair insurance?

Having windscreen repair insurance means that you are covered when it comes to reclaiming the cost of repairing or replacing your windscreen, windows or sunroof, in the event that they become cracked or broken.

Whether the entire windscreen is replaced, or the damage is simply repaired, will depend on the extent of the damage and where it is on the glass.

How do I know if I have windscreen insurance?

The availability and extent of your windscreen cover varies depending on your insurance company and policy.

• Fully comprehensive policies – Your windscreen should automatically be covered in a similar way to other components of your vehicle. If not, it may be listed as an optional extra.
• Third Party, Fire and Theft policies – This type of policy does not usually include windscreen insurance as standard, but you may be able to discuss adding it onto the policy for a further cost.
• Standalone windscreen cover – If adding windscreen insurance isn’t an option on your current policy, it’s possible to take out a separate one – discuss this with your existing provider or do your research and find the best deal.

Will I have to pay excess if I make a windscreen insurance claim?

This depends on your insurance policy. For Fully Comprehensive policies, you may have to pay windscreen excess like you would for the repair of other components of your vehicle. Third Party, Fire and Theft policies will usually incur an excess charge. Excess charges could range from £10 to £150.

If you have opted for windscreen insurance as an optional extra, or as a standalone policy, this should prevent you from having to pay an excess charge – discuss with your provider for clarification.

Here at 1st Call Windscreens, we provide an efficient, fully mobile windscreen repair and replacement service. We deal with most major insurance companies – if your insurance policy is fully comprehensive, your repairs with us are free of charge. Serving domestic and commercial customers across Kent, we’re fully equipped to deal with any type of vehicle – simply contact us today to find out more.