Windscreen insurance: the real cost of a chip
What is the real cost of a chip that is left unattended? Know how your windscreen insurance works and what it covers so that you don’t end up paying a fortune.
Arrive Alive reported that one of the factors of crashes, including overtaking and vehicle “overturning,” as well as crashes involving pedestrians, cyclists, and animals, are caused by poor visibility. They state that 95% of crashes happen as a “direct result of a traffic offence”, of which poor visibility falls within 5% – 10%.
Apart from the fact that a crash can have serious consequences for the parties involved, like death or injury, it costs in time and money (aka excess) when you have to make a car insurance claim. It also takes up valuable time and excess when you have to submit an insurance claim.
What does your insurance for your windscreen cover?
Glass and windscreen claims cover replacement or repair of any fitted window of your vehicle, for accidental or malicious damage. So you can claim for your front windscreen, side windows, and rear window to ensure your visibility is not hampered while driving.
It’s the little things that can end up causing the biggest problems. Windscreens are there to protect you in your vehicle from outside debris. Glasfit states that your windscreen is actually a safety component, providing up to 30% of the structural strength of your vehicle.
One of the most irritating sounds is that of a stone hitting your windscreen while driving. More often than not, we assume that the tiny little chip won’t make too much of a difference.
The smallest chip or crack can quickly spread like wildfire, so rather alert Rodel 4U immediately, via your app or assistance number (0861 111 082). This way, we can quickly help you prevent further damage from the crack spreading, which ultimately can affect the overall integrity of your car structure.
Why is it important to opt for windscreen insurance?
Comprehensive car insurance usually covers your vehicle against accidents, theft, and other insured events, like fire. It should have cover for third party claims and glass repairs, including windscreens. You can always opt for windscreen and glass repair insurance when you talk to your broker.
Most people do not know (as reported by Arrive Alive) that modern cars use the windscreen as support during airbag inflation. So not only is that little chip potentially putting you and your passengers lives at risk, it also affects an insurance claim if you didn’t attend to it before an accident.
Windscreen and glass insurance claims process.
When your insurer is underwritten by Rodel 4U for glass claims, they will always advise that you attend to chips and cracks immediately. You can speak to your broker about the claims process.
Rodel 4U has also made it simple to allow you to get the immediate assistance that you require, because your safety while driving, is as important to us, as it is to you. There are 2 simple options;
- Log onto your Rodel 4U app and press the 24hour assist button
- Place a call to your dedicated Rodel 4U assist line 0861 111 082
This way, we can manage your claim, assist you in your time of need, and ensure that you have access to our preferred suppliers that fall within your window insurance cover.
We will also have all your policy details at hand to explain the procedure, help you understand your excess structure (should it apply), and get a dedicated windscreen technician to you asap should you be unable to drive your vehicle.
Both the above mentioned “quick access” options can also be used in the event of an accident claim. So be sure to check your policy wording of your cover from your broker.
If your policy schedule states, “No voluntary, additional, penalty, Third Party, Windscreen/Motor glass, radio, loss of keys or vehicle extra excesses are covered by this policy.” Ask your broker about adding the cover to save in the long run.
When you have windscreen insurance and submit a claim, you can easily use the live chat function in your app to save time from having to call. You can get updates on your claim and ask any questions you may have. At Rodel 4U, we want to make the claims process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Happy, safe “clear vision” driving #Rodel4U.
