Drivers Warned They May Not Actually Have Windscreen Cover
Drivers have been warned to check their insurance policies after it was revealed many motor insurance companies have been sneakily removing windscreen cover.
According to the AA, amid the cost of living crisis, many car insurance companies are removing some of the add-ons from their fully comprehensive policies to make their products more affordable.
This is resulting in some motorists claiming for their windscreen – only to find out they haven’t actually got any cover in place.
These devastated motorists are then forced to foot the bill themselves, which can set them back hundreds or even thousands of pounds, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
Gus Park, managing director of AA Insurance Services, said this is becoming more and more common: “With household budgets being squeezed there is a temptation to find cheaper alternatives, but when it comes to car insurance it could be a case of not knowing what you’re missing.
“Windscreen cover is commonly removed on ‘entry level’ insurance policies so it is worth checking what you are covered for. Claiming for windscreen damage is one of the most common reasons drivers use their policy. If it is not included, then drivers are likely to lose the savings they made when buying a ‘basics’ policy.
So with cover potentially removed from policies, drivers may be liable for a hefty bill. And while some think replacing a windscreen is a simple job, this isn't always the case. In fact, Guy says there’s often quite a bit of work involved, especially with more modern vehicles.
”Windscreens are more than just a pane of glass, even on older cars,” he said. “Technology such as heads up display, rain and light sensors and cameras all need to be calibrated when replacing the screen.
“If drivers don’t have this popular cover, they risk footing a hefty bill.”
The main issue seems to be with basic cover. Typically when people take out insurance policies, they try to get them for as cheap as possible. But while this might save you money in the short term, as we can see, in the long run you may end up paying more.
So the lesson here is to make sure you know what’s included in your insurance policy before you sign up.
Protecting Yourself
So if you think your insurance policy covers windscreen damage, check the wording to make sure. You might just get a nasty surprise!
If you discover you’re not covered then it might be time to protect yourself to avoid any costly bills in the unfortunate event you need your vehicle’s windscreen repaired.
Investing in windscreen cover is a wise decision for any vehicle owner. Not only does it protect you from any unexpected repair or eye-watering replacement costs, but cover for your windscreen also provides peace of mind as your vehicle’s safety is made a priority.