What You Should Do If Your Windscreen Gets Damaged

Your windscreen can get damaged if something hard hits it forcefully, which can be either accidentally or intentionally. Something heavy and hard may also fall on your windscreen from a height causing damage. The damage that results can either be a minor crack, a major crack or a complete shutter. What should you do?

Do You Have Insurance?

First, identify the type of insurance you have; is it third party or comprehensive? In most cases, third-party insurance cover does not cover windscreen repairs. The one that does is a comprehensive cover, but it has to highlight that it does cover windscreen repairs (some might not). If it does, what are the particulars of windscreen repairs highlighted? You need to read and understand what your insurance cover states about windscreen repairs, especially when it comes to matters like whether you need to pay an excess or whether your windscreen claim will affect your renewal premium.

Secondly, take clear pictures of the damage at all angles. Ensure you don't interfere with anything before taking the pictures.  The pictures serve as evidence that indicates the damage was accidental. You should then contact your insurance company and inform them of what happened. A representative is sent to where your car is to evaluate the damage and report back to the company.

You might be expected to look for a windscreen repair workshop and the company pays for the repair or the company can recommend a good repair shop and still pay for the repair cost.

Matters related to whether you need to pay an excess or whether your windscreen claim might affect your renewal claim depend on the cause of the damage (is it accidental or your fault due to carelessness).

Third-Party Insurance Cover

If you have third-party insurance cover, you are responsible for getting your windscreen repaired and paying for the repair. Contact a reputable windscreen repair workshop to request an inspection. The inspection will help determine the extent of the damage to find out whether the damage requires repair or replacement of the entire windscreen.

Can You Drive with a Damaged Windscreen?

This depends on the severity of the damage. If it is a small or minor crack located in a position that does not interfere with your driving, it might be possible for you to drive your vehicle. You, however, need to have it checked by a qualified windscreen repair specialist to find out whether the minor crack can become severe over time. He or she can even make the necessary repairs at an affordable price since the crack is minor.

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