The windshield is one of the most vulnerable areas of any automobile. It is regularly at risk of damage from stray or flying objects such as small rocks or stones, which are easily thrown up by the wheels of passing vehicles.

It’s worth pointing out that a cracked or damaged windshield is more than a minor convenience. If left untreated, a small crack or chip could spread and result in further damage to the screen. It’s also dangerous to continue to drive a vehicle with a cracked windshield, as this could obscure your view of oncoming traffic or other hazards, such as a person crossing the road.

What to do when your windshield is damaged

If your windshield has become damaged, you might be considering whether to pay to have it replaced instead of attempting to have the repairs covered under your vehicle insurance policy. It can be confusing to figure out what is the best course of action to take – but the answer will most likely depend on the sort of car insurance policy you currently hold.

Understanding policies

The most reliable form of vehicle insurance policy is known as fully comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive insurance will cover any damage to your vehicle that wasn’t caused by a collision. Some insurers will refer to these offers as “other than collision policies”. These typically cover damage caused by the following:

• Vandalism
• Theft
• Falling object damage (such as a tree or power line)
• Inclement weather damage
• Glass damage
• Animal damage
• Fire damage

Comprehensive insurance will almost always cover windshield damage – but only if you’ve added comprehensive coverage to your policy prior to the incident occurring. You can’t simply add comprehensive coverage to your policy in the wake of an accident/incident and expect your insurer to cover the costs of your damaged windshield.

Paying outright for windshield repairs

Claiming on your insurance could affect your premium. This means that you could end up paying more to insure your vehicle when it comes to renewing your insurance policy. If you’d rather deal with a simple windshield chip via a reputable local repair service, you could actually save money. Of course, it pays to do your research and contact some local businesses to see if you can find a windshield repair service which is more economically viable than claiming on your insurance policy.

Don’t be afraid to ask around or search for online reviews before committing to a repair service. Ultimately, you’ll want to choose a company you can trust regardless of whether you claim on your insurance or not.

If you’d like more information on windshield repairs, and whether it makes sense for you to file an insurance claim or simply pay for the repairs outright, why not get in touch with us today? Our friendly and experienced team of specialists will be happy to discuss your individual requirements and advise you on the best course of action. This will help you get back behind the wheel as quickly as possible, and for as little cost as possible.