Car window damage: what to do?
Everyone has to deal with glass damage to the car from time to time. A crack in the window or a tear. The costs for glass breakage can be substantial, especially when you need to replace the glass. By getting a car insurance with a windscreen damage coverage you can make sure you are well insured. But what exactly is windscreen damage and what should you do when you have a damaged window?
What is window damage?
Windshield damage is damage to your car's windows. Many windshields today are made of laminated glass. This type of glass does not break apart into pieces upon impact, but cracks and stars can occur. Small stars can usually be fixed without having to replace the entire car window. The rear and side windows of a car are usually made of tempered glass. This type of glass does break on impact and therefore usually needs to be completely replaced for windshield damage. In addition, some cars have a sunroof or panoramic roof made of glass. This can also be damaged.
There are two types of window damage: a small star or a crack. We will explain the difference between the two.
What should I do with a star in my window?
A star is damage to the car window of up to 3 centimetres. That is about the size of a two euro coin. If you get there in time, a chip in the windscreen can often be repaired with a resin injection. However, a small hole can grow into a large crack due to temperature changes, for example. Is the hole bigger than a two euro coin? Then most garages will choose to replace the entire windshield.
What should I do with a crack in my window?
If a chip gets bigger, it can develop into a large crack. Your windscreen will not spontaneously explode if it has a crack, but it is advisable not to drive around with it for too long. A crack in the windscreen can cause reduced visibility. You also risk a traffic fine. In addition, the crack may become larger, especially due to temperature differences. In case of a crack or a tear in the windscreen, often the whole front is replaced.
Replace or repair what is convenient?
As already mentioned, window damage is often repaired when the hole or crack is smaller than a two euro coin. This is done by means of a resin injection. If you have a WA + limited casco or an all-risk car insurance, the repair of glass damage is also insured.
If the glass breakage is larger than a two euro coin, the glass usually has to be replaced. If the windscreen has to be replaced, you will often have to pay an excess. Even if it's done by a repair shop that works with your insurer. However, some insurers will halve the excess if you have it done by an affiliated repair shop.
What does it cost to repair a star hole?
The cost of repairing a chip varies from one garage or repair shop to another. If the chip in your windscreen can be repaired, it is obviously cheaper than replacing the whole windscreen. The repair costs are often several tens of euros. The cost of replacing a windscreen is often between €200 and €500. The exact cost depends on the type of car and the extras in the windscreen, such as windscreen heating or a rain sensor. Window repairs are often included in a WA + limited casco or All Risk car insurance. Therefore you do not have to pay these costs. In case of a window replacement you have to pay the excess. Always check with the insurer if you need to have this done by an affiliated repair company.
Third-party liability (mandatory)
- Free recovery service
- Damage to others
- Theft, joyriding and loss
- Windscreen damage
- Damage by fire or natural disaster
- Own damage caused by a collision
Limited airframe
- Free recovery service
- Damage to others
- Theft, joyriding and loss
- Windscreen damage
- Damage by fire or natural disaster
- Own damage caused by a collision
All Risk (WA+Casco)
- Free recovery service
- Damage to others
- Theft, joyriding and loss
- Windscreen damage
- Damage by fire or natural disaster
- Own damage caused by a collision
What is window damage?
Window damage includes a star or a crack, but also a smashed window in case of burglary. The coverage differs per insurer, so it is important that you always carefully read the policy conditions of your insurance. For example, some insurers also cover damage to a panoramic roof, sunroof or the glass of the headlights. Other insurers really only pay out for damage to the windscreen, rear window or one of the side windows. Scratches in the windscreen are not always covered either. Do you also want to be insured for glass damage to your panoramic roof? This is not automatically the case with every insurer, even though a panoramic roof is often largely made of glass. Before taking out a car insurance, always check how you are insured for glass damage. This way you don't get unpleasant surprises when your car is damaged.
When are you insured for windscreen damage?
You are insured against glass breakage when you have a WA + limited casco or an All Risk car insurance. With only a WA-insurance, glass damage will not be compensated. Pay attention: when the damage to the glass is caused by an accident, this is not covered by a WA + limited casco insurance.
What does window damage cost?
Of course, you can also pay for the repair yourself. How much window damage costs depends on the type of damage. A small star will cost you a few Euros up to 75 Euros. Replacing a windscreen can cost between €200 and €500. The actual cost depends on the make and type of car and the extras in the window. If your windscreen is fitted with a windscreen heater, rain sensor or light sensor, it can easily cost you more. Of course the cost of damaged windshields differs per repair shop.
What does a car window cost?
Do you have a large crack in your window? Then the whole window will have to be replaced. But how much does a windscreen cost? The cost of a windscreen depends on several factors:
- The make and type of the car
- Whether it is the front, rear or side window
- Any extras in the window, such as windscreen heating or a rain sensor
- Assembly costs
The cost of a car glass and its replacement may vary from one car repair shop to another. Always check with which bodyshop your insurance company is affiliated.
Step-by-step plan for windscreen damage
Is your car damaged and you don't know what to do? Then follow the steps below:
Step 1: Check your car insurance coverage
With only third-party insurance you are not insured for windshield damage to the car, with third-party + limited casco or all-risk insurance you are. So take a moment to check your car insurance coverage.
Step 2: Read the policy terms of your car insurance policy.
Each insurer has different policy terms for windshield damage. For example, some insurers will cover damage to a panoramic roof while others will not. So always read the policy conditions of your car insurance to see if you are insured for your windshield damage.
Step 3: Find out which bodyshops your insurer is affiliated with
On your green card and in the policy conditions, you can find out which bodyshops your insurer is affiliated with. With an affiliated repair company, you do not have to advance the amount and are often also entitled to replacement transportation.
Step 4: Check under what conditions the window will be repaired or replaced
If the window needs to be replaced, you will pay a deductible with some insurers. How much deductible you pay varies by insurer. Also, scratches in the window are not always covered. Always read the small print of your insurance policy to avoid nasty surprises!
Step 5: Make an appointment
Once you have chosen an affiliated repair company, it is best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Window damage can create unpleasant situations. The damage to your window can cause you to suffer from reduced visibility. In addition, you risk a fine if you continue to drive too long with windshield damage.
Step 6: Get the window replaced or repaired
Once the window is repaired or replaced, you can get back on the road safely!
Car glass damage
Spattered stones. Debris on the road. Rapid temperature changes. Break-in. Windshield damage can occur in many different ways. Whatever the cause of the damage, it is annoying and never a good time. Therefore don't forget to insure your car insurance against glass breakage. In the policy conditions you will find exactly how your car insurer deals with glass breakage. This way you know for sure that the damage will be compensated and that you can continue your trip.
Repair windscreen damage
Window damage to a car can be very annoying. You should definitely not drive around with it for too long. A small chip can become larger and grow into a large crack or crush. And then you are worse off. The repair costs will also be much higher. So get glass damage to your car fixed as soon as possible. Always check which repair shops your insurance company is affiliated with. With an affiliated repair company you don't have to advance the amount and you often have the right to replacement transport.
Windscreen damage insurance
Windshield damage can happen to anyone. Moreover, the repair costs can be considerable, especially if the window has to be replaced. That's why it's good to be well insured for windscreen damage. Windscreen damage is compensated with a WA + limited casco or Allrisk car insurance. Always check this in the policy conditions of your insurance. Every insurance company has different conditions concerning glass damage.
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