What to do if Your New Windscreen has a Crack in it

If your windscreen has a crack in it then don't panic! There is plenty you can do about it. A crack or chip doesn't automatically mean that you need a whole new windscreen. Often your windscreen can be repaired, and in many cases you can claim back the cost on your insurance policy.

Get your windscreen crack checked out

If your windscreen has a crack in it then it's a good idea to get it checked out as soon as possible. A small chip can often develop into a larger crack if you don't do anything about it. Smaller chips are much easier to repair than cracks. It's also much cheaper to repair a crack rather than replace the entire windscreen - a repair is typically a third of the cost of a new windscreen.

Front windscreens with cracks in them can often be repaired. Sadly it's not as easy to repair rear windscreens or side windows.

To get a windscreen repaired you can either use a local garage or a windscreen repair company.

Local garages will often take a look at a windscreen for you and let you know what the best course of action is. A garage that performs MOT tests is recommended since their mechanics know all the rules and regulations associated with windscreen cracks.

Windscreen repair companies offer a great service and are usually the best way to get your windscreen crack seen to. Advantages of using a reputable windscreen repair company include:

• The companies offer a mobile service and will repair your windscreen at home or your work and at a time suitable for you.
• Companies like Autoglass have arrangements with insurance companies to help you with the paperwork and insurance claim (see below).
• Repair companies will usually attempt to repair a windscreen crack rather than replace it with a new windscreen.
• Companies such as Autoglass only do windscreen repairs, so their fitters are specifically trained to repair vehicle glass.

Windscreen or side window damage is often covered under your vehicle's insurance policy, so check the wording. A fully comprehensive policy will tend to offer much better terms than a third party motor insurance policy will. Another thing to check is the excess listed on the policy. With cheaper car insurance policies you'll often have to pay some money towards the cost of repairing your windscreen.

If windscreen damage is covered on your vehicle insurance then it's often best to get a company like Autoglass or Auto Windshields to repair it for you. These companies have arrangements with major insurance companies so that they'll handle all the paperwork for you. This saves a lot of time and hassle. The other good thing is that they'll usually handle the payment as well so you don't have to juggle your household finances in order to find enough money for a new windscreen. All you have to do is arrange for the most suitable time for the company to repair or fit a new windscreen and they'll take care of the rest.