Seven ideas for keeping your windscreen in good condition

Take a look at our suggestions for maintaining your windscreen:

1. Repair any chips in your windscreen as soon as possible. They can quickly turn into cracks, requiring the windscreen to be replaced when it could have been repaired instead. A specific resin may easily be injected into many chips to prevent them from spreading. It's a quick and easy fix that often yields a nearly undetectable result. It is also better for the environment because it prevents a windscreen from being thrown away.
2. If the afflicted windscreen has an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), the camera located on the windscreen of your automobile will almost always need to be recalibrated when the windscreen is replaced. This will increase the amount of time it takes to replace your windscreen. The majority of ADAS cameras can be recalibrated by the major glass companies, while certain makes and models may need to be taken to a dealership for calibration. Please contact your insurance carrier to explore who would be best to perform the replacement, which may be paid if your policy includes a glass extension.
3. Drive carefully and slowly - vibrations from driving, striking a pothole, or even slamming your car doors might cause a chip to expand.
4. If your windscreen has a crack rather than a chip, you should have it replaced for your own safety. Check with your insurance company to see if this is covered under your coverage.
5. If your windscreen's surround is rusted, damaged, or cracked, this could compromise its integrity or prevent it from remaining watertight, so have it repaired or replaced.
6. Consider cleaning or replacing your windshield wipers if you detect arc-shaped scratches on the glass. They're either worn out or have anything caught beneath them, such as dirt or sand, that's being dragged over the glass. Remember to use the back wiper as well.
7. Clean your windscreen and windows, both inside and out, with the appropriate fluid, such as water and vinegar or a specific car window cleaner, for maximum visibility. Household window cleaners containing ammonia should be avoided, especially if your windows are tinted. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to drive with a hazy windscreen.

Insurance for windscreen replacement in Auckland

Even if it's just a small chip, replacing your windscreen can cost anywhere from $250 to $1,000. As a result, windscreen replacement insurance is a no-brainer.

A comprehensive auto insurance policy can cover you for windscreen repair, but usual excesses imply that filing a claim isn't always cost-effective. To remedy this, insurers provide windscreen glass replacement with no excess. This means you pay a little more and don't have to pay a hefty $400 excess when it comes time to file a claim.

Is windscreen replacement covered by auto insurance?

Most plans will cover your windscreen, sunroof, and other windows in the same way as they would any other portion of your vehicle. If they're damaged by a covered event, such as fire, theft, or a storm, your insurance will cover them.

That is, if your glass is damaged by fire or theft, a third-party fire and theft policy will cover it. A comprehensive insurance protects you against both of these possibilities, as well as a variety of others such as hailstorms, accidents, vandalism, and more.

What methods do insurers use to replace shattered glass?

In most cases, insurance have the option of paying to repair or replace the glass as necessary. In most cases, this will be done solely on the mechanic's advice.

Car insurance often provide a lifetime warranty on all repairs performed by their approved providers, including glass repair and replacement, so it's in everyone's best interest to make sure it's done correctly, whether that means repair or replacement.

You may be able to claim these expenses under your auto insurance policy, depending on your policy, but:

• You'll have to pay the excess on your auto insurance.
• Your premiums may rise, and you may lose your no-claims bonus.

This is when the extra for no-excess glass replacement car insurance comes in handy.

How does the extra for windscreen replacement work?

This optional feature raises your rates but allows you to file claims for only shattered glass without having to pay the excess. It may also let you to preserve your no-claims bonus if applicable.

Broken sunroofs, windows, and windscreens are usually covered, but not mirrors, dashboard screens, or other similar items.

However, it isn't always endless. You may only be able to use this option once every 12 months in many circumstances.

It usually has no effect on your coverage save that it allows you to make broken glass claims without having to pay an excess or losing any applicable bonuses.

What should you do if your windscreen cracks?

Regardless of where the crack is located, it should be repaired as soon as possible. Once developed, cracks, especially those around the edge of your windscreen, have a tendency to expand and multiply, posing a serious threat to the integrity of the entire glass if not addressed immediately. Driving with severe cracks or cracks that impair your vision is often prohibited.

Here are several examples:

• Any crack in the glass that goes through more than one layer.
• Cracks of a specific size and form within the windscreen wiper's cleaned area. For example, a bullseye crack with a diameter of more than 16mm or a hairline crack with a length of more than 150mm.
• Discoloration and scratches, among other things, can impede a driver's vision.

Damage to your windscreen, as well as glass on other parts of your car, should be covered by your comprehensive car insurance. However, you will be required to pay an excess for the claim, as is customary. This excess is frequently higher than the cost of repairs, rendering a claim futile. This is why having a unique excess-free windscreen claim option to your insurance is worthwhile.

Is your windscreen covered if a rock flies up and cracks it?

According to NZ-Windscreen, When customers enquire about windscreen protection, they usually want to know about those vexing small rocks that appear out of nowhere, fracture your windscreen, and then fly away, leaving the rest of your car undamaged.

The good news is that most comprehensive auto insurance policies will cover you in the event of an accident. You won't be able to get away with anything less, as comprehensive insurance is the only type of coverage that covers you against unintentional damage.

Report the damage to your windscreen to your insurer as soon as possible, and use a licenced repairer, preferably one suggested by your insurer, to ensure that your claim is honoured. Send in a photo of the damage and the area around your automobile, as well as a crack measurement. This will be used as proof if your insurance company refuses to pay.

Why should you get a windscreen replacement with no excess?

If you travel frequently, your chances of acquiring a chipped or shattered windscreen are significantly increased. Furthermore, if you believe you will be unable to afford the cost of repairing or replacing a broken window or windscreen, windscreen replacement may be worthwhile.

This is because driving with a cracked or chipped window is dangerous, and it might result in further damage to your automobile that isn't always covered by insurance.

• Because the structural integrity of an automobile is influenced by the windows and windscreen, accident damage may be more severe.
• If the accident was caused by shattered glass, such as if you were distracted by something flying in through the window, an insurance may deny your claim and claim that you shouldn't have been driving the car in the first place.
• Car insurance typically does not cover water damage, electronics failures, rust, or other deterioration. Driving in the rain with a shattered window is probably not a good idea.

In general, whether it's out of pocket or through insurance, you should make sure you can get damaged glass repaired as soon as feasible.

The cost of this extra will vary depending on your circumstances and how much replacing your vehicle's windscreens generally costs.

How much does it cost to repair a windscreen?

A replacement windscreen can cost a lot of money. For common cars like the Holden Commodore or Toyota Corolla, anticipate to pay between $250 and $400. There are many aftermarket windscreens available for those vehicles, and installation is rather simple.

Windscreens for other models, however, are more difficult to come by or come with specialised sensors. As a result, you could end up spending $1,000 or more. Some newer cars, for example, feature automatic rain sensors that activate your wipers when rain is detected.

Is it possible for you to select your own repairer?

According to NZ-Windscreen, You may be able to select your own repairer under some policies, although this varies. Insurers may respond in one of several ways:

• Your insurance coverage will compel you to use the repairer it selects.
• You have the opportunity to choose your own repairer if your coverage allows it.
• Optionally, you can purchase an update that allows you to select your own repairer.
• Your insurer will evaluate an estimate from your repairer, but it will have the last say on whether you utilise it or not.

If you're filing an insurance claim for a windshield replacement, there's no reason not to choose a repairer from the insurer's network. Windscreen replacement or repair is a reasonably simple procedure, and insurers typically provide a lifetime warranty for in-network repairs.

The ability to utilise your own repairer is beneficial for more intricate repairs, but most windscreen repairs are straightforward.              

Is it really worth it?

With or without the correct car insurance, there are a few options for dealing with broken glass.

• Paying it out of pocket: You may choose to pay it out of pocket to avoid paying a car insurance excess and to prevent having your insurance premiums affected. If the repairs are small, this may be the best option.
• If you don't have excess-free glass, you can claim it on your auto insurance. You might as well file a claim on your car insurance. Paying the extra may be less expensive. This could have an impact on your car insurance rates in the future.
• It might be worth claiming it on your auto insurance using the excess-free glass option. After all, it is why you have this extra. Although you will not be required to pay the excess, your rates may be influenced in the future.

Additional concerns with windscreen crack repair When should a windscreen be replaced?

While glass repairers are capable of near-miracles, it is not always wise or practicable to repair your windscreen. If the crack is longer than 15cm, the glass will need to be replaced completely. Even if there is only a little break, replacement may be necessary if the crack is directly in the centre of your field of vision, as a patch may distort the glass, reducing visibility.

A full windscreen replacement will typically cost between $250 and $450, but can cost up to $1,000. The cost is determined by the type and model of your vehicle, as well as the location of the repairs. Remember that failing to fix a seriously damaged windscreen is a poor idea: you're jeopardising not just the structural integrity of your automobile and your own life, but also the safety of others. In the case of an accident, a cracked windscreen could compromise the safety of your vehicle.

Will the cost of fixing or replacing your windscreen be covered by your auto insurance?

Report the damage to your windscreen to your insurer as soon as possible, and use a licenced repairer, preferably one suggested by your insurer, to ensure that your claim is honoured. Send in a photo of the damage and the area around your automobile, as well as a crack measurement. This will be used as proof if your insurance company refuses to pay.