When it comes to a damaged windscreen, ‘not bad’ can quickly become ‘deadly serious.’
A tiny chip or crack may seem harmless and a lot of people tend to ignore these, but there’s always the risk of minor windscreen damage escalating into a major issue. Things like temperature changes, water, vibrations and dust can all affect a chip or a crack, causing it to widen or spread – and this can have major safety implications.
Because windscreen chips and cracks are so common, many insurers offer excess-free glass-only windscreen repairs which means you won’t have to pay an excess when you have the damage fixed. Some insurers also offer excess-free windscreen replacements but because the policy details vary between the different providers, it is important that you choose the right level of cover for you.
So, let’s go back to the question of whether or not you should use your insurance for a full windscreen replacement if the damage is only minor.
The best place to find the answer is a professional windscreen repair company.
They’ll give you an honest opinion, based on experience, and will be able to advise whether or not the damage can be fixed with a simple windscreen repair (which by the way, restores your vehicle glass to virtually new) or whether the damage is so significant, or is located in a position where it renders the vehicle unsafe, that a windscreen replacement is necessary.
Making a decision on whether or not to use what you are covered for by your insurance isn’t really up to you – unless you have considerable experience in the field – because it’s not just a question of entitlement. Windscreen cracks are one of the most common causes of car damage and you just never know when it’ll happen to you. There are stories of people who’ve called in a windscreen repairer to fix a small dent caused by some loose gravel flying up, only to find that a few weeks later, extreme temperature fluctuations caused the glass to crack in an entirely different place.
Just say that was you – and you had decided to use your ‘free’ replacement from your insurance company for the first minor damage. You may then be forced to dig deep into your wallet to fund the second repair – and if it was deemed to be serious enough, you may even find yourself forking out for a second windscreen replacement. Accidents happen, and you just never know when your windscreen will be impacted.
Another consideration is that insurance companies generally offer guarantees on work done by their approved providers, so if you are looking for a windscreen repair or replacement in Perth, Sydney or any other area around Australia, always check the providers’ credentials and ensure they are endorsed by your insurance provider.
It’s also worth knowing that windscreen damage can render a vehicle unroadworthy, a situation which can attract significant financial penalties and which can also be hazardous to all road users. You may think the damage is ‘not bad’ but in actual fact, the damage could be dangerous.
For example, if a windscreen crack impairs the driver’s vision, the car won’t be safe to drive and nor will it be roadworthy. Even if a chip or crack that extends through the entire thickness of the windscreen is small in size, it cannot be repaired – and any damage that extends to the outer edges of the windscreen requires urgent attention because it can reduce the structural integrity of the glass.
Here is a good place to find information on insurance and windscreen replacements is but remember, if you do have any damage at all to your vehicle’s glass, you need to have it seen to immediately before it has a chance to worsen.
And if you are looking for someone you can trust to give you honest and practical advice with regards to windscreen repairs and replacements in Perth, Autoscreens is your go-to choice. They have decades of experience in helping motorists with fast, affordable, professional and fully guaranteed windsceen repairs and replacements – plus they have long-established relationships with all major insurance companies including SGIO, HBF, Shannon’s, QBE, Allianz and RAC. They’ll be able to tell you whether or not you should be claiming your ‘free’ windscreen replacement from your insurance company or taking a different path.
For professional advice, a quick quote or for 24/7 Perth windscreen repairs and replacements, give Jason a call on 0400 200 086 or book an appointment online.
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.