Let’s work it out!
A chipped or cracked windscreen can be an annoying and expensive problem for car owners. Depending on the severity of the damage, a windscreen replacement can cost several hundred pounds. If you have comprehensive car insurance, you may be wondering whether it is worth making a claim for a windscreen replacement.
In general, it is not recommended to claim for windscreen repair or replacement on your car insurance if the cost of the repair is less than your policy excess. This is because making a claim could affect your no-claims bonus, which could result in higher premiums in the future.
Your no-claims bonus is a discount that is applied to your car insurance premium based on the number of years you have gone without making a claim. This discount can be significant and can make a big difference to the cost of your insurance. If you make a claim for windscreen repair or replacement, your no-claims bonus could be affected, and your premiums could go up as a result.
In addition, if you make a claim for windscreen repair or replacement, you will need to pay your policy excess. This is the amount you have agreed to pay towards the cost of any claim you make. If the cost of the repair is less than your policy excess, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repair yourself rather than make a claim on your insurance.
However, there are some situations where it may be worth making a claim for windscreen repair or replacement on your car insurance. For example, if the cost of the repair is significantly higher than your policy excess, or if the damage to your windscreen is extensive and requires a full replacement, it may be more cost-effective to make a claim.
It is also worth noting that some car insurance policies offer windscreen cover as standard or as an optional extra. If you have this cover, you may be able to make a claim for windscreen repair or replacement without affecting your no-claims bonus.
If you do decide to make a claim for windscreen repair or replacement on your car insurance, the process is relatively straightforward. You will need to contact your insurance company and provide them with the details of the damage, including when and where it occurred.
Your insurer will then arrange for an inspection of the damage and may send an assessor to assess the extent of the damage. If the damage is covered by your policy, your insurer will arrange for the repair or replacement of your windscreen.
It is important to note that making a claim for windscreen repair or replacement will likely result in an increase in your premiums at renewal time, so it is important to weigh up the costs and benefits before making a claim. If you do decide to make a claim, be sure to provide your insurer with all the necessary information and documentation to ensure that the claim process runs smoothly.
Ultimately, the decision to make a claim for windscreen repair or replacement on your car insurance will depend on a number of factors, including the cost of the repair, the extent of the damage, and whether you have windscreen cover as part of your policy. Before making a claim, it is important to weigh up the costs and benefits and consider the impact on your no-claims bonus and future premiums.