When it comes to a damaged windscreen, ‘not bad’ can quickly become ‘deadly serious.’
A tiny chip or crack may seem harmless and a lot of people tend to ignore these, but there’s always the risk of minor windscreen damage escalating into a major issue. Things like temperature changes, water, vibrations and dust can all affect a chip or a crack, causing it to widen or spread – and this can have major safety implications.
Because windscreen chips and cracks are so common, many insurers offer excess-free glass-only windscreen repairs which means you won’t have to pay an excess when you have the damage fixed. Some insurers also offer excess-free windscreen replacements but because the policy details vary between the different providers, it is important that you choose the right level of cover for you.
So, let’s go back to the question of whether or not you should use your insurance for a full windscreen replacement if the damage is only minor.
The best place to find the answer is a professional windscreen repair company.
They’ll give you an honest opinion, based on experience, and will be able to advise whether or not the damage can be fixed with a simple windscreen repair (which by the way, restores your vehicle glass to virtually new) or whether the damage is so significant, or is located in a position where it renders the vehicle unsafe, that a windscreen replacement is necessary.
Making a decision on whether or not to use what you are covered for by your insurance isn’t really up to you – unless you have considerable experience in the field – because it’s not just a question of entitlement. Windscreen cracks are one of the most common causes of car damage and you just never know when it’ll happen to you. There are stories of people who’ve called in a windscreen repairer to fix a small dent caused by some loose gravel flying up, only to find that a few weeks later, extreme temperature fluctuations caused the glass to crack in an entirely different place.
Just say that was you – and you had decided to use your ‘free’ replacement from your insurance company for the first minor damage. You may then be forced to dig deep into your wallet to fund the second repair – and if it was deemed to be serious enough, you may even find yourself forking out for a second windscreen replacement. Accidents happen, and you just never know when your windscreen will be impacted.
Another consideration is that insurance companies generally offer guarantees on work done by their approved providers, so if you are looking for a windscreen repair or replacement in Perth, Sydney or any other area around Australia, always check the providers’ credentials and ensure they are endorsed by your insurance provider.
It’s also worth knowing that windscreen damage can render a vehicle unroadworthy, a situation which can attract significant financial penalties and which can also be hazardous to all road users. You may think the damage is ‘not bad’ but in actual fact, the damage could be dangerous.
For example, if a windscreen crack impairs the driver’s vision, the car won’t be safe to drive and nor will it be roadworthy. Even if a chip or crack that extends through the entire thickness of the windscreen is small in size, it cannot be repaired – and any damage that extends to the outer edges of the windscreen requires urgent attention because it can reduce the structural integrity of the glass.
Here is a good place to find information on insurance and windscreen replacements is but remember, if you do have any damage at all to your vehicle’s glass, you need to have it seen to immediately before it has a chance to worsen.
And if you are looking for someone you can trust to give you honest and practical advice with regards to windscreen repairs and replacements in Perth, Autoscreens is your go-to choice. They have decades of experience in helping motorists with fast, affordable, professional and fully guaranteed windsceen repairs and replacements – plus they have long-established relationships with all major insurance companies including SGIO, HBF, Shannon’s, QBE, Allianz and RAC. They’ll be able to tell you whether or not you should be claiming your ‘free’ windscreen replacement from your insurance company or taking a different path.
For professional advice, a quick quote or for 24/7 Perth windscreen repairs and replacements, give Jason a call on 0400 200 086 or book an appointment online.
Jason Squire has been in the automotive industry in the UK and Australia for over 25 years and started his own windscreen repair and replacement business, Autoscreens, in 2010.
Jason’s extensive professional qualifications and his broad industry experience paired with his military background means he brings an extraordinary level of skill, expertise and meticulous attention to detail to every aspect of his business.
Prior to starting Autoscreens, Jason worked for several leading international windscreen companies as well as spending a number of years in the armed forces. He has accumulated numerous professional qualifications, industry accolades and leadership awards, and is a highly respected volunteer in his local community.
Under his expert stewardship, Autoscreens has grown into one of the leading windscreen companies in Perth. Despite its success, he has ensured that the family-owned and managed company remains true to its founding values of integrity, quality and unsurpassed customer service.
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