Declare Windscreen Replacement to Insurer?
Declare Windscreen Replacement to Insurer?
Author
Discussion

ashleyman

Original Poster:

7,284 posts

128 months

Monday 12th March 2018
quotequote all
I understand that I have to declare all claims to my insurance company but I have a situation and I'm not sure what to do.

I had a stone chip in my windscreen that needed a repair or replacement. I phoned Autoglass who arranged to have a repair sorted. I asked for OEM glass which was later approved by my insurance.

It's a long story but the short of it is, they ordered the wrong screen, then forgot required trim parts or came back with a non-OEM Screen. I had in total 5 technician visits that couldn't be completed for various reasons before the job was completed on the 6th when the guy finally turned up with the OEM glass for my car, the correct rubber trim for my car and the correct rain sensor gel for my car.

Autoglass waived the excess, paid me some money because they said they'd messed up big time, gave me some wiper blades and were very apologetic about the whole thing without me even having to complain.

So do I have to declare my new windscreen on my renewal?

cuprabob

19,486 posts

243 months

Monday 12th March 2018
quotequote all
You don't have to declare it as a claim but some insurance companies now ask about windscreen replacement specifically, in which case you have to answer honestly.

Chris1255

203 posts

140 months

Monday 12th March 2018
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Got a stty letter from RSA because I didn't declare a windscreen repair to them as a claim. Hadn't even crossed my mind it would be counted as such, I'd previously thought of it as a service that was included as part of the cost of the insurance.

Pica-Pica

16,530 posts

113 months

Monday 12th March 2018
quotequote all
With most car insurances there is something like a £50 excess using a specified fitter, or something like £75 if you choose your own, e.g. main dealer. The question is, does the screen have to fail,MOT requirements on crack/dent size and location? After several years most screens are scratched and a pain to look through, especially at night with headlights shining on it, but still meet MOT standard.

Shakermaker

11,317 posts

129 months

Monday 12th March 2018
quotequote all
cuprabob said:
You don't have to declare it as a claim but some insurance companies now ask about windscreen replacement specifically, in which case you have to answer honestly.
This. If they ask you about it when you go to renew, answer honestly. However, it isn't a question I have yet been asked and, on my most recent renewal in January, the question from the girl on the phone was along the lines of:

"Have you made any claims on this or any other policy in the last 5 years, not including claims for new tyres or replacement windscreens or windows?"

I hadn't considered that tyres were a thing, turns out some policies might offer "tyre insurance" but not one I have ever been with. But certainly they would not have been bothered if I had made a claim for a new windscreen

But also, don't spray it black and then offer to refurb it to "like new" condition.

ashleyman

Original Poster:

7,284 posts

128 months

Monday 12th March 2018
quotequote all
I'm just wondering if it is a 'claim' because yes I claimed, but because of Autoglass failures I never actually paid any excess so is it really a claim?

Accelebrate

5,660 posts

244 months

Monday 12th March 2018
quotequote all
Despite your excess being refunded, I would imagine it still needs to be declared as a glass claim. Autoglass will more than likely still billed your insurer for the remaining cost of the screen.

anonymous-user

83 months

Monday 12th March 2018
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Windscreen claims are on CUE so if an insurer checks it will be on there.

Saleen836

12,489 posts

238 months

Monday 12th March 2018
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And a lot of insurers now do not give you any aditional NCB at year end if you have made a windscreen claim

vikingaero

13,126 posts

198 months

Monday 12th March 2018
quotequote all
Historically glass claims have not affected NCB. However more and more Insurers have jumped on the bandwagon and now for a lot, if not most companies, consider a glass claim (not necessarily a windscreen repair) as a claim that reduces your NCB. To be honest it was inevitable with the rise of more stylised windows, more premium cars and more panoramic roofs.

Mr Tidy

31,199 posts

156 months

Monday 12th March 2018
quotequote all
vikingaero said:
Historically glass claims have not affected NCB. However more and more Insurers have jumped on the bandwagon and now for a lot, if not most companies, consider a glass claim (not necessarily a windscreen repair) as a claim that reduces your NCB. To be honest it was inevitable with the rise of more stylised windows, more premium cars and more panoramic roofs.
Yes, like they all apply an excess to windscreen claims these days too.

Rain sensors are another cost factor - just make sure if you have them that the screen they bring is the right one (how do I know this)?! laugh

I last had a claim for one 7 years ago, but always declared it to be on the safe side.

It didn't seem to affect premiums or quotes anyway, but I didn't want to give them an excuse later on. smile

LarsG

991 posts

104 months

Monday 12th March 2018
quotequote all
I've had two windscreen replacements, phoned up the insurance as I have cover and they said contact Autoglass. I contacted Autoglass, they asked for details of my insurance and I paid the excess. It has had no effect on my insurance and does not need to be disclosed as it is an add on bonus to most policies.

anonymous-user

83 months

Monday 12th March 2018
quotequote all
LarsG said:
... and does not need to be disclosed as it is an add on bonus to most policies.
Just wrong

Mr Tidy

31,199 posts

156 months

Tuesday 13th March 2018
quotequote all
desolate said:
LarsG said:
... and does not need to be disclosed as it is an add on bonus to most policies.
Just wrong
Yeah, in so many ways!

I remember when I phoned for quotes years ago I used to get asked about claims in the last 5 years, other than windscreen claims.

Now they just ask for claims in the last 5 years, so after having a new screen I asked about a windscreen claim - they then asked for the date! But it didn't affect the premium anyway.

DaveH23

3,355 posts

199 months

Tuesday 13th March 2018
quotequote all
ashleyman said:
I asked for OEM glass which was later approved by my insurance.
Sounds like they already know if they have authorised/approved it.

ashleyman

Original Poster:

7,284 posts

128 months

Monday 21st May 2018
quotequote all
Just a little update. Didn't declare the windscreen, wasn't asked but when docs turned up it was listed under claims. Total insurance cost was less than last year so I guess all good.

LarsG

991 posts

104 months

Monday 21st May 2018
quotequote all
ashleyman said:
I understand that I have to declare all claims to my insurance company but I have a situation and I'm not sure what to do.

I had a stone chip in my windscreen that needed a repair or replacement. I phoned Autoglass who arranged to have a repair sorted. I asked for OEM glass which was later approved by my insurance.

It's a long story but the short of it is, they ordered the wrong screen, then forgot required trim parts or came back with a non-OEM Screen. I had in total 5 technician visits that couldn't be completed for various reasons before the job was completed on the 6th when the guy finally turned up with the OEM glass for my car, the correct rubber trim for my car and the correct rain sensor gel for my car.

Autoglass waived the excess, paid me some money because they said they'd messed up big time, gave me some wiper blades and were very apologetic about the whole thing without me even having to complain.

So do I have to declare my new windscreen on my renewal?
Windscreen replacement on the insurance is a non-issue and it will not raise your premiums, and no why would you want to declare it it isn't necessary. Windscreen replacement is just an added benefit that some insurers use to get you on board.

Saleen836

12,489 posts

238 months

Monday 21st May 2018
quotequote all
LarsG said:
Windscreen replacement on the insurance is a non-issue and it will not raise your premiums, and no why would you want to declare it it isn't necessary. Windscreen replacement is just an added benefit that some insurers use to get you on board.
As I mentioned in this thread earlier, some insurance companies will not increase your NCB if you make a windscreen claim so it is an issue.