If the damage to your windscreen is too severe to warrant a repair job and you’ve been told you need the whole thing replaced, it’s entirely understandable that you may feel a little concerned about it being a major undertaking and a significant expense. The good news is that you should be pleasantly surprised on both fronts, it may take less time and cost less than you think.
Why your car’s windscreen is so crucial
Your windscreen is one of your vehicle’s most important structural elements and if it is damaged beyond repair, it will need to be replaced urgently in order to protect your safety and that of your passengers. Whilst many minor chips or cracks can be fixed easily, there are some situations when the location, depth or extent of the damage necessitates a full windscreen replacement.
However, before you go ahead and book the job, here are some handy tips which will save you time and money and ensure that you get the safest and most enduring outcome.
1. Check your insurance policy
Depending on the nature of your motor insurance policy, you may find that you are covered for a full windscreen replacement. Get in touch with your insurer to establish what they cover and what (if any) out-of-pocket expenses you are liable for. Generally, if you are covered for a full replacement, you will only need to pay a small excess and your claims history won’t be affected.
2. Do your research
If you’ve never used a windscreen repair or replacement company before, it’s advisable to investigate your options thoroughly. Do some research on different service providers in your area, read reviews on their workmanship, establish what warranties they provide for both parts and installation and if possible, get an idea of what they charge.
3. Tread carefully when you’re offered huge discounts
Doing things on the cheap when it comes to windscreen replacements is likely to mean compromising on quality, performance, and safety. Cut-rate pricing usually means you are getting inferior replacement products, so it’s important to compare apples with apples when you are doing price comparisons.
And even if your windscreen replacement is covered by insurance, make sure that the service provider you choose offers the best quality materials and excellent workmanship. It’s really not worth taking a chance or taking any shortcuts. You’ll only be putting your safety at risk and devaluing your asset.
4. Choose a fully licenced, accredited and insured service provider
Not all windscreen repair and replacement companies are the same. Check their credentials, make sure their technicians are fully trained and accredited and ensure that they are a licenced autoglass repairer. It’s also a good idea to see how long the company has been around for. Experience matters, so you want to partner with one that has an established track record.
5. Choose where is most convenient for you to have the job done
Some companies offer a mobile service and are therefore able to do your windscreen replacement at a time and place that suits you. This not only means you can minimise any downtime by having the job done at home or at work – it also means that if the damage is severe, you don’t need to risk driving an unroadworthy vehicle to their premises. The job usually only takes about an hour, with an extra hour required to allow the adhesive to set.
A last word on what you need to do before you get your windscreen replaced…
Don’t be reluctant to ask questions. Any windscreen repairer worth their salt will be more than happy to answer any queries and will be totally upfront and transparent about their costings, their materials, their processes, warranties etc.
If you choose Autoscreens for your windscreen replacement, you’re guaranteed the services of Perth’s most trusted mobile autoglass professionals. We’re a family owned business with over 30 years of motor industry experience and have a proven track record for top quality workmanship, value for money and friendly personalised service.
Contact Jason and Xavier a call now and we’ll have your windscreen replacement sorted in no time!
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.
