How To Claim Windscreen Damage On Your Car Insurance

A stone chip, spreading crack or shattered windscreen can leave you wondering whether to call a repairer first or go straight to your insurer. If you’re trying to work out how to claim windscreen insurance, the first step is to check exactly what your policy covers.

Windscreen cover varies between insurers and policies. Some comprehensive policies cover glass damage subject to the normal excess, while others offer optional glass cover with a reduced or waived excess. Third-party policies may provide much less cover for damage to your own vehicle, so always check your Product Disclosure Statement or contact your insurer before assuming a claim will be covered.

Start by looking at your certificate of insurance, policy schedule and PDS. Look for wording relating to:

• Windscreen or window glass damage
• Comprehensive or third-party cover
• Optional glass cover
• Your basic or windscreen excess
• Limits on glass claims
• Choice of repairer

The important question is not simply, "does insurance cover windscreen replacement?" It is whether your particular policy covers the damage and what you would need to contribute towards the claim.

For example, NRMA currently waives the excess for glass-only damage under certain cover arrangements, including Comprehensive Plus or where the policyholder has added its no-excess glass option. Allianz also offers optional excess-free windscreen cover with eligible comprehensive policies.

That is why two NSW drivers with similar windscreen damage can face very different out-of-pocket costs.

Before starting a windscreen insurance claim in NSW, collect the basic details of the damage and your vehicle. It helps to have:

• Your policy number
• Vehicle registration
• Make and model
• When and how the damage occurred
• Photos of the windscreen
• Details of any other damage
• Another driver's details if somebody else caused the damage

Insurers may also ask for supporting information such as photographs, invoices or repair quotes depending on the circumstances.

If the windscreen is the only damaged part of the vehicle, make that clear. Glass-only claims can be treated differently from claims involving collision or other vehicle damage.

Your excess is the amount you contribute when making an insurance claim.

There is no standard windscreen excess in NSW. It depends on the insurer, your policy and whether you selected additional glass cover. Without specific windscreen cover, your normal policy excess may apply. Some insurers offer optional cover that removes or reduces the excess for windscreen-only claims. NRMA, Allianz, AAMI and Budget Direct all currently have variations of this type of cover, although their conditions and claim limits differ.

Check the amount shown in your own policy documents rather than relying on a general figure online.

Not every damaged windscreen needs replacing. A small chip may be repairable, which can make paying privately more practical than lodging an insurance claim. Before deciding, find out what the repair will actually cost and compare that amount with your applicable excess.

It also helps to understand that how much windscreen replacement costs can vary depending on the vehicle. Modern windscreens can include cameras, sensors and other technology, so the make, model and windscreen specification can affect the replacement process.

For minor damage, windscreen chip repair may offer a simpler option than full replacement. If the private repair quote is below or close to your excess, claiming may offer little financial benefit. If replacement is considerably more expensive than the excess, using your insurance may make more sense, provided the damage is covered.

Once you decide to claim, follow your insurer's process.

Many insurers let you start a claim online or by phone. Some have a separate process for windscreen and glass-only claims.

For example, drivers asking how to claim windscreen NRMA should follow NRMA's current glass-claim process rather than arranging repairs first and assuming the cost will automatically be reimbursed. NRMA directs customers with glass-only claims to its specialist glass claims service.

Other insurers may nominate a repairer, ask you to contact a glass provider or allow you to choose your own repairer depending on the policy. Allianz, for example, states that its Comprehensive Car Insurance customers can choose their own repairer, subject to the policy terms.

Always get approval where your policy requires it before committing to work.

Once you know what your insurer has approved, you can organise the work. If you’re in the Tamworth area, windscreen repairs in Tamworth can include both repairs and full replacement, depending on the size and position of the damage.

A repairer will assess whether the glass can safely be repaired or needs replacing. Small chips may be suitable for repair, while larger cracks, edge damage or damage affecting the driver's vision may require a new windscreen.

Some modern vehicles also require calibration of cameras or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems after windscreen replacement, so the correct replacement process depends on the vehicle.

Sometimes, no. If the chip is repairable and the cost of fixing it privately is lower than your insurance excess, paying directly may be the simpler option.

On the other hand, your policy may include reduced or excess-free glass cover, which can make claiming worthwhile even for relatively minor damage.

The easiest way to compare the options is:

1. Check your windscreen cover.
2. Find your applicable excess.
3. Get a repair or replacement quote.
4. Compare the two amounts.
5. Ask your insurer whether making the claim affects anything else under your policy.

That lets you make the decision using your actual costs rather than assuming an insurance claim will always save money.

Many comprehensive insurers offer optional windscreen or window-glass cover, but the rules for adding it vary.

Some insurers let customers select the option when taking out or renewing a policy. Others allow changes to an existing policy only within certain periods or circumstances. Budget Direct, for example, currently limits when customers can add its reduced window-glass excess option.

If your current policy does not include separate glass cover, contact your insurer and ask whether it can be added and when the change would take effect.

Adding cover after the windscreen has already been damaged will not normally turn existing damage into a covered future event, so check the policy conditions before making changes.

Third-party policies generally focus on damage you cause to other people's property rather than accidental damage to your own car. That means your own windscreen damage may not be covered unless your particular policy includes an additional benefit that applies to the circumstances.

Do not assume that having any form of car insurance automatically means you can make a windscreen replacement insurance claim. Check your policy type and ask your insurer what cover applies before arranging repairs on that basis.

If you're unsure whether an insurance claim makes sense, start with the numbers.

At A1 Windscreens, we provide windscreen repairs and replacements in Tamworth and surrounding areas, including mobile servicing at no additional call-out charge. We can provide pricing and let you know whether your vehicle needs repair or replacement.

Request a free quote and compare the repair or replacement cost with the excess shown on your insurance policy. That gives you a clearer answer before you decide whether to lodge a claim.