Car window damage: what to do?
Everyone has to deal with car windshield damage from time to time. A crack in the window or a crack. The cost of windshield damage can be significant, especially if a window needs to be replaced. Getting auto insurance with windshield damage coverage ensures that you are properly insured. But what exactly is windshield damage on a car and what should you do if you have windshield damage?
What is windshield damage?
Windshield damage is damage to the windows of your car. 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 windshield damage: a starburst or a crack. We briefly 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 centimeters. That's about the size of a two euro coin. If you get there in time, a chip in the windshield can often be repaired with a resin injection. However, due to temperature changes, for example, a small star can grow into a large crack. Is the star larger than a two euro coin? Then most garages will opt to replace the forward in its entirety.
What should I do with a crack in my window?
If a star gets bigger, it can grow into a large crack or tear. Your windshield will not spontaneously burst if it has a crack in it, but it is recommended that you do not continue to drive with it for too long. A crack in the windshield can cause reduced visibility. You also risk a traffic fine. In addition, the crack, especially due to temperature differences, can get even bigger. In the case of a crack or tear in the window, the entire front is often replaced.
Replace or repair what is convenient?
As mentioned, window damage is often repaired if the star or crack is smaller than a two euro coin. This is done through resin injection. If you have WA + limited casco or all-risk car insurance, windshield damage repair is co-insured.
If the window breakage is larger than a two euro coin, the window usually has to be replaced. When the car window needs to be replaced, you often pay a deductible. Even if you have it done by a repair company that works with your insurer. With some insurers, however, the deductible is halved if you have it done at an affiliated repair shop.
What does a star repair cost?
The cost of repairing a star hole varies from one garage or repair shop to another. If the star in your windshield can be repaired, it is obviously cheaper than if the entire windshield has to be replaced. The cost of repair is often several tens of dollars. The cost of replacing a windshield is often between €200 and €500. The exact cost depends on the type of car and the extras in the window, such as windshield heating or a rain sensor. The repair of a small hole is often insured with a WA + limited casco or Allrisk car insurance. So you do not have to pay these costs. For glass replacement you pay the excess. Always check with the insurer whether you have to have this done by an affiliated repair company.
WA (mandatory)
- Damage to others
- Theft, joyriding and missing.
- Window damage
- Damage caused by fire or natural disasters
- Own damage from a collision
Limited casco
- Damage to others
- Theft, joyriding and missing.
- Window damage
- Damage caused by fire or natural disasters
- Own damage from a collision
All Risk (WA+Casco)
- Damage to others
- Theft, joyriding and missing.
- Window damage
- Damage caused by fire or natural disasters
- Own damage from a collision
What is covered by windshield damage?
Windshield damage includes a star or a crack, as well as a smashed window when broken into. Coverage does vary by insurer, so it is important to always get a good look at your insurance policy terms and conditions. For example, some insurers include damage to a panoramic roof, sunroof or the glass of the headlights. Other insurers really only pay out for damage to the windshield, rear window or one of the side windows. Scratches in the car window are also not always covered. Do you also want to be insured for windshield damage to your panoramic roof? This is not obvious with every insurer, even though a panoramic roof is often mostly glass. Before taking out car insurance, always check how you are insured for windshield damage. That way you will not be faced with unpleasant surprises in the event of windshield damage to your car.
When is windshield damage insured?
You are insured against windshield damage if you take out a WA + limited casco or All-risk car insurance policy. With only a WA insurance, windshield damage is not covered. Please note: if the windshield damage is caused by an accident, this does not fall under the coverage of a WA + limited casco insurance.
What does windshield damage cost?
You can, of course, pay for the repair yourself. How much window damage costs depends on the type of damage. Having a small hole repaired will cost you a few ten to €75,-. If a window has to be replaced it will cost between €200 and €500. The actual cost depends on the brand, the type of car and the extras in the window. If you have a windshield with windshield heating, rain sensor or light sensor this will quickly cost extra. Of course, the cost of windshield damage also varies from one repair company to another.
What does a car window cost?
Do you have a large crack in your window? Then the entire window will have to be replaced. But what does a car window actually cost? The cost of a car window depends on several factors:
- The make and type of the car
- Whether it is the front, rear or side window
- Any window extras, such as windshield heater or rain sensor
- Assembly costs
The cost of a car window and its replacement can vary from one auto repair shop to another. Do always check with which bodyshops your insurer is affiliated.
Roadmap for windshield damage
Do you have windshield damage on your car and 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. Windshield damage can create unpleasant situations. Damage to your window can cause you to suffer from reduced visibility. Moreover, 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!
Window damage car
Splashing pebbles. Debris on the road. Rapid temperature changes. Burglary. Windshield damage can occur in many different ways. No matter how your windshield damage occurred, it is obviously annoying either way and never works out. Therefore, don't forget to include windshield damage in your car insurance in advance. In the policy conditions you will find exactly how your car insurer deals with windshield damage. This way you can be sure that a small window will be reimbursed and you can continue driving as soon as possible.
Window damage repair
Window damage on a car can be very annoying. You should certainly not drive on with it for too long. A small hole can grow into a large crack. And then you will be further from home. Moreover, the cost of repair will also be much higher. So have glass damage to your car repaired as soon as possible. Always check with which bodyshops your insurer is affiliated. With an affiliated repair company you do not have to advance the amount and are often entitled to replacement transportation.
Windscreen damage insurance
Windshield damage can happen to anyone. Moreover, the repair costs can be considerable, especially if the window has to be replaced. Therefore it is good to be well insured in case of glass damage. Windscreen damage is covered with a WA + limited casco or All-risk car insurance. Always check the policy conditions of your insurance. Each insurer uses different conditions when it comes to windshield damage.
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