Windscreens are - quite literally - on the front lines. Large glass panels that sit at the front and back of a vehicle - vital, precious, easily breakable. Windscreen cracks are some of the most common accidents that occur with any vehicle. The smallest stone caught at the wrong angle can easily cause damage that needs immediate attention. Windscreen cover, therefore, makes a lot of sense.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of including windscreen protection in your car insurance policy, coverage options, and some long-standing myths.
What is Windscreen Cover in Car Insurance?
Windscreen cover is an insurance provision specifically designed to address damage to a vehicle's windscreen, which includes the front and rear windows and sometimes even the side glass. Windscreens not only safeguard drivers against potential visual impairments but also uphold the vehicle's structural integrity, thereby ensuring passenger safety. In short, they’re pretty important.
Irish roads have come a long way in the last 50 years, but there will always be road debris that can easily cause significant damage to a windscreen. It’s a common occurrence, which usually accounts for just over 25% of claims on the roads, and one that can work to be surprisingly costly if you don’t have cover.
What are Your Coverage Options for Windscreen Damage?
Insurance policies offer varied levels of protection for windscreen damage, primarily categorised into comprehensive and third-party coverage.
Comprehensive vs. Third-Party Coverage
- As the name suggests, comprehensive coverage offers broad protection, including windscreen damage, regardless of the fault party. It's the go-to option for those seeking peace of mind and extensive coverage.
- Third-party coverage is more limited, typically covering damages to other vehicles and property, with windscreen cover often optional or excluded. The choice between the two comes down to the driver's needs, vehicle value, and risk assessment.
Evaluating Policy Limits and Exclusions
Understanding the fine print related to windscreen cover is important. Policy limits might cap the amount insurers are willing to pay, while exclusions could specify scenarios where windscreen damage won't be covered.
If you have comprehensive car insurance with 123.ie, across a single policy year, you can get an unlimited number of repairs done to the glass as long as the total cost of these repairs does not exceed the value of your car. As well as repairs, you are entitled to one complete replacement in any one insurance year, up to the value of €1,500.
What to do When Your Windscreen Cracks
The first time it happens to you can be terrifying, but it’s essential to stay calm and follow these steps:
- Pullover slowly and safely
- Check the damage. If it’s only a minor crack, you can almost certainly continue with minimal risk
- If the crack is in your line of sight, consider heading straight to a location where you can have it repaired
- If the crack looks serious, either call your insurer or replacement service immediately or consider putting some duct tape over it as a short-term fix if you absolutely have to get somewhere
- Remember, if you don’t feel confident getting back behind the wheel with the cracked or chipped windscreen, don’t do it.
Is it Illegal to Drive With a Cracked Windscreen?
It is not illegal to drive with a chipped or cracked windscreen as long as it doesn't affect your line of vision or is likely to produce fragments capable of causing severe cuts if fractured further.
Common sense is important here. A small crack on the side of the windscreen is fine to continue with for a while, but a large crack across your vision that looks like it could bring everything crashing down any second is not.
What is the Windscreen Repair and Replacement Process Like?
Repairing or replacing a windscreen may seem like a mammoth job, but it happens all the time, meaning the process is typically quick and easy.
1. Initiating a Windscreen Claim with Your Insurer
To start a claim, you’ll need to contact your insurer, providing details of the damage and, often, submitting photographic evidence. Insurers typically have a streamlined process for windscreen claims, recognising the urgency of maintaining clear visibility for safe driving. Once you make the claim and they’re satisfied with the authenticity of it, the ball gets rolling quickly.
2. Selecting Approved Repairers for Quality Service
Insurers often partner with approved repairers to ensure quality and efficiency in service. Opting for these approved businesses guarantees workmanship and simplifies the claims process, with direct billing arrangements between the repairer and insurer.
123.ie works exclusively with Autoglass , so if something should happen to your windscreen, either:
- Give them a call on (01) 409 0900
- Make an online booking
3. Understanding the Timeline for Repairs and Replacements
The timeline can vary based on the extent of damage and how busy the repairer is, but these jobs don’t typically take long. Minor chips might be fixed within the hour, whereas full replacements could take longer - but usually inside a day at least.
How to Choose the Right Windscreen Coverage
When choosing to go with or without windscreen coverage, you need first to consider various factors, including vehicle type and individual needs.
Assessing Coverage Needs Based on Vehicle Type
Comprehensive coverage might make sense for high-end vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) embedded in the windscreen due to the high cost of replacements. Conversely, for older models, basic coverage might suffice.
Location of Driving
While a cracked windscreen can happen anywhere, there will always be places where it occurs more often. Gravelly country roads are often places you need to be careful on, so windscreen coverage might be a good idea if you live in that area.
What are the Financial Benefits of Having Windscreen Cover?
Windscreen cover comes with significant financial benefits, mitigating out-of-pocket expenses and preserving insurance perks.
Saving on Out-of-Pocket Costs for Repairs
You’d be surprised how expensive repairing just a small crack in a windscreen can be. With windscreen cover, the financial burden of repairs or replacements is substantially alleviated, allowing policyholders to address damages promptly without incurring hefty costs.
Protecting Your No-Claims Bonus
Windscreen claims usually do not impact your no-claims bonus. Most insurers see windscreen damage as an inevitable part of driving at some point or another, so don’t penalise drivers when it happens.
However, it’s always worth reading through the small print before signing a car insurance policy. Some providers may add in a provision for a premium hike if a certain amount of similar accidents occur in a short space of time. It will probably raise questions if you need five windscreen repairs in a few months.
Debunking Myths about Windscreen Coverage
There are several myths surrounding windscreen coverage that require some clarification.
Myth #1: Windscreen Claims Always Increase Premiums
Wrong. As we previously mentioned, a single windscreen claim will almost certainly not lead to a hike in premiums, given their non-fault nature and frequent occurrence. However, if it starts happening regularly, your insurance provider may choose to increase your premiums. Check the fine print on your policy for this.
Myth #2: All Windscreen Damages Require Full Replacement
No again. Not all windscreen damages require full replacements. Modern technologies, such as HPX4 resin, can effectively fix minor chips and cracks, preserving the original windscreen.
Myth #3: Third-Party Policies Always Exclude Windscreen Cover
This final point is a mixed bag. While third-party policies are more limited, some do offer windscreen cover as an optional addition.
Discover Windscreen Cover Options with 123.ie
Windscreen cracks happen all of the time. Thanks to modern advancements, it’s rare that they’ll immediately shatter, but a small crack has a habit of slowly spreading. When barrelling along the motorway, the last thing you want is for that crack to move across your eyeline, so getting it fixed should always be a priority.
Car insurance companies, such as 123.ie, typically give you two clear options regarding windscreen cover. Our third-party coverage doesn’t have windscreen, however, our comprehensive coverage comes with our standard windscreen protection, which includes unlimited repairs, as long as they don’t exceed the vehicle's value, and one complete replacement within a calendar year. We partner with Autoglass, Ireland’s largest glass repair company, meaning repairs and replacements can be carried out quickly and efficiently.
