Pitted windscreen

[D2028]

I haven’t checked, I have come to the conclusion that even if my NCB isn’t affected my risk assessment for future premium quotes would be and aside from that the screen isn’t actually broken or pitted, I know the solutions to that particular problem but prefer to avoid that . My biggest fear now is the massive discrepancy between the two quotes I have had, neither of which are using the original Mercedes stamped screen.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Having done a bit more googling it appears that MOST insurance companies don't take screen claims into account in any way when calculating premiums......however, some of the budget companies do.....and if they do it must be clearly stated in your policy.

 

[OldskoolRS]

Maybe....but as far as I can tell it's never affected my premiums.

Having done a bit more googling it appears that MOST insurance companies don't take screen claims into account in any way when calculating premiums......however, some of the budget companies do.....and if they do it must be clearly stated in your policy.

I was going to move to a different company for my renewal in March this year. I had made a claim for a new windscreen in February (Ford Ka, with a heated element). I was having some problems sorting out proof of NCD so I rang them and got that sorted. Then they said that the premium would be higher than my quote because of the recent windscreen claim through my previous insurer (Privilege). This was with Darwin insurance.

As I hadn't started the policy I was able to cancel it as Privilege ended up cheaper than Darwin's revised quote taking my windscreen claim into account, especially considering that Privilege had paid out for the claim so they hadn't loaded the new premium as it was barely any more than the previous year.

Tl;dr It can affect your premium, but it might depend on who you are insured with and who you might move to the next year.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

My biggest fear now is the massive discrepancy between the two quotes I have had, neither of which are using the original Mercedes stamped screen.

Try a few local fitters, you might be surprised.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Confused.com suggest that a windscreen claim not affecting premiums is an “exception” and windscreen claims should be declared.

Does windscreen cover count as a claim?​

This depends on the insurer so you need to check with them. Some insurers might make an exception for windscreen claims and not count them towards your no-claims bonus.

The amount of times you can claim for windscreen repair will also depend on your provider. Some policies allow an unlimited number of repairs to be carried out. Others might set a limit on how much you can claim each year.

Do I have to declare a windscreen claim on my insurance policy?​

Yes, when renewing your policy, you'll be asked if you've made a claim on your car insurance in the previous year. Failing to disclose claims for windscreen repairs or windscreen replacements means you risk invalidating your car insurance.

Source: Windscreen cover explained

 

[Alps]

had mine changed by Autoglass, insisted on genuine screen. Igf car is under 3 years they will do that, if not then its up to the insurance company. third option is pay them the difference, this is the route I took.

 

[D2028]

I think on this occasion I will go with national windscreens for the £300 and do it out of my own pocket, the way insurance premiums are going I'm not going to take the risk of it being hiked any further than it will inevitably be, whether overtly or covertly.

 

[Robbranch]

I'd check some of the reviews of National windscreens before committing to using them. I think some of their branches are fine but I've read lots of horror stories. My insurance company forced me to use them last year after I got a cracked windscreen. They replace the screen and 5 minutes after picking the car up, the wiper arm failed as they hadn't refitted it properly. They did do the job properly when I drove back but I wouldn't trust them with my car if I'd not been forced to by the insurance.

 

[D2028]

I think I will leave it now until next summer, it'll be interesting to see what the MOT makes of it in the new year.

 

[optimusprime]

Try some very fine wire wool first ,, it works wonders on front screen , i used it and was so happy with the out come .But bad pitting is a screen replacement , i had to do my Volvo 740 GLT it was so bad ,

 

[D2028]

I'll try that just before biting the bullet on a new screen next year, at least that way if I mess it up I'll have a backup plan

 

[st13phil]

I think I will leave it now until next summer

As road surfaces deteriorate over winter leaving lots of debris in the roads, there's a good chance it'll suffer stone damage leading to a crack and replacement under insurance.

 

[D2028]

Probably

 

[SgtSlow]

As others have said here, if your windscreen is damaged, you can only replace it.

I mean, you could polish it back to flat, but I have no idea how successful or how long you’d have to be polishing with a machine and compound to get a good result. It’s possible, but not likely you’d be able to if you have to ask, haha.

 

[Wombat457]

Sorry I maybe missing something here BUT, if your windscreen is so pitted that you had to pull over because you couldn't see then I don't really see what is being talked about. If the windscreen is "dangerous, or, potentially dangerous" then who cares what it costs to get replaced. Isn't your personal safety more important, not to mention the safety of those who ride with you and who are on the roads around you, than the cost of a replacement windshield???

Personally, if auto insurance is anything like it is in this place (US) then I'd say to hell with it, bite the bullet and just replace the thing out of my own pocket - especially as it appears as though you bought the car with the windscreen in that condition.