Will my Insurance Cover my windscreen crack?

[montyjohn]

Before I call up my insurance company, I want to know if there are any pitfalls I should be aware of.

When I bought my car, there was some damage to the lower windscreen. Out of the way, but still noted as an advisory on the MOT.
It's just decided to grow legs and cracked across the screen. Not exactly sure when this happened. I only noticed it in the morning in the light of day.

So, will the insurance company say, it was an existing problem so invalid?
Or am I only claiming for the recent cracks so it's still covered?

I feel this may be a grey area so I may need to choose my words carefully. Any experience, pointers would be greatly appreciated.

[mmm-five]

Surely it will depend on whether you're honest and tell them about the pre-existing damage or not, and whether they routinely check the MOT history for advisories.

Not sure anyone on here can tell you what your specific insurance company is likely to do though.

But, surely there's no harm in asking, as in the worst case is you have to replace it yourself...which is the same worst case you're in now.

However, I tend not to even call my insurance company, and just call one of the approved windscreen companies...who just ask for my reg, name & address to check I'm covered.

Edited by mmm-five on Monday 16th January 14:41

[Gren]

mmm-five said:

However, I tend not to even call my insurance company, and just call one of the approved windscreen companies...who just ask for my reg, name & address to check I'm covered.

Last time I called the windscreen number in my policy documents it went straight through to Autoglass. I think the only time the insurance companies get involved now is when its time to settle the bill and they don't involve you in that. Autoglass just swipe your card for the excess

Edited by Gren on Monday 16th January 15:04

[66HFM]

I bought an old Renault Clio about 3 years ago as a shed runabout with a small crack in the windscreen, first frost of the winter and it grew about two foot.
Rang the windscreen helpline and booked in next day for a replacement with just the excess to pay...
I kept meaning to get it repaired....

[sixor8]

The fact it was noted as an advisory on the MoT means it was acceptable at the time. If you have fully comp insurance (WITH windscreen cover, some 'budget' f/c policies don't!), the advice above is also my experience, just find out which one is recommended by the insurance company and go there.

I've had several cars where a lot of chips have become (ahem...) long cracks...

[snoopy25]

Same here scratches on windscreen as I stupidly didn't change windscreen wipers after the previous windscreen cracked, looked ok but must of had minute pieces of glass in them as low and behold scratches started to appear

Just followed the normal procedure with the insurance company and windscreen guy turned up and didn't give a crap and fitted the new one

[montyjohn]

Thanks all, that's a pretty similar response form all. Much appreciated.