When it comes to car insurance and windscreen repairs and replacement, it’s important to know that all insurers offer something a little different.
Some offer free windscreen repairs but not replacements, some don’t charge an excess for repairs done by their approved glaziers whilst others offer optional cover with an extra premium. The trick is to know where you stand with your own insurer and to read the fine-print so that there are no surprises when you need to make a claim for a windscreen repair or replacement.
If it’s time to renew your cover or if you’re taking out a whole new insurance policy, it’s a good idea to research your options thoroughly and make sure you compare apples with apples.
Here are three important things you should know about insurance and your car windscreen.
- Know your insurance plan
Don’t assume anything. If you’re unsure of your level of coverage, have a chat to your insurance provider or send them an online query. Remember that windscreen replacements and windscreen repairs are two different things and your insurer may not cover both, so find out what you’re covered for and then you can decide on a plan of action.
Just because they cover windscreen repairs doesn’t mean that they cover full windscreen replacements, so don’t make any assumptions – rather get confirmation from the insurance provider themselves.
Depending on your insurance company, you may be able to bypass them completely and go directly to the windscreen repair company – all you need is your policy number.
A professional windscreen repair company will also have relationships/arrangements with certain insurance companies and can help you work out what your insurance covers and give you an idea of your out-of-pocket expenses (if any).
- Money matters
When looking at car insurance, you should find out what the costs of a total windscreen replacement on your vehicle would cost versus the cost of your premium (and any excess payable in the event of a claim).
You also need to weigh up your risk factors so that you get the right level of cover. For example, if you do a lot of driving on country roads with loose stones and gravel or long-distance trips which involves driving behind or overtaking big trucks which may kick up small stones which can damage your windscreen, it may make financial sense to take out a higher level of cover. If you live in an area which has a high frequency of motor vehicle break-ins, or spend time in these higher-risk areas, you should also ensure that you have the appropriate level of cover for your risk profile.
- Look after your windscreen
Preventative care is crucial. Your vehicle’s windscreen plays an important safety role and it needs to be properly looked after to make sure it performs optimally. It’s critical that you sort out any little cracks or chips as soon as possible because if you ignore them, they can escalate into bigger issues and could very well end up costing you more.
As mentioned, different insurance providers offer different levels of cover and benefits when it comes to windscreen repair or replacement, so it’s really worth spending a bit of time evaluating your options to find one that’s right for you. Remember, your motor insurance is there to save you money, so it’s really worth getting to grips with what’s on offer so that you can get the most bang for your buck.
If you do need to have your windscreen repaired or replaced, don’t take a chance on quality or safety – always choose a licensed and experienced professional to do the job. For windscreen repairs and replacements in Perth, call Jason at Autoscreens on 0400 200 086 for fast, efficient, friendly advice and on-site service. You can also get in touch via their website and because they’re associated with all the major insurance companies including RAC, SGIO, Allianz, QBE, Shannons and CGU, you know you’re in good hands.
Jason Squire started Autoscreens in 2010. With over 35 years of experience gained in both the UK and Australia, the company is well established as a leading provider of windscreen replacement and autoglass repairs in Perth.
His journey to becoming a certified repairer license holder status with DMIRS (and business repair license MRB3703) began many years ago. He was born and brought up in the UK – the country where his long career in the automotive industry began. In common with many of the world’s best tradespeople it all started with an apprenticeship. For Jason, this was in vehicle bodybuilding and a specialisation in vehicle conversions.
He followed that up with several additional professional qualifications, including a Grade A Vehicle Body Building Certificate from the Road Transport Industry, a GQA level 2 in NVQ Automotive Glazing and a Level 2 qualification in Joining Materials by Welding from the UK Engineer Training Authority.
During his studies, Jason was also a part-time volunteer in the Royals signals with the Reserve Territorial Army. Between 1991 and 1995, Jason completed his Phase One Signallers Course with the Royal Armoured Corps and was awarded a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a Territorial Army Driver Electrician Class 3. Training exercises took him all over Europe. He also represented the Signals in Rugby.
From there, he joined the armed forces on a full-time basis with the Queens Royal Lancers and continued to impress with his leadership skills and willingness to broaden his skillset, during which he lived in Germany. In 1996, he graduated from the Queens Royal Lancer Leadership Academy where he was named best recruit. His time with the Queens Royal Lancers he qualified as Tank Driver, Crew Medic and Gunner.
In 1999, Jason left the armed forces to join RAC Auto Windscreens. His skillset enabled him to fast-track his career to base supervisor and lead technician working with premiere dealerships in Crewe, Cheshire.
He also continued to volunteer in a number of different areas, including as a first responder with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and a scout leader with the Scout Association.
He relocated to Australia in 2008 with his young family and spent his first two years down under as a head technician for a national windscreen company.
However, with all his experience, extensive qualifications and his abiding passion for the automotive industry, it was inevitable that he would start his own company and make his mark as an industry leader.
He started Autoscreens in 2010 and has grown the business into the leading windscreen repair and replacement company in Perth, servicing both domestic and commercial customers. Autoscreens has a certified Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence MRB3703 issued by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.