It can happen so quickly – one minute you’re driving along and the next thing you know, a stone has hit your windscreen. While it can be a bit of a shock, you’ll need to make sure you know the difference between a chip and a crack, and the repair process for each. Follow our advice to get your windscreen repaired as soon as possible.
Help! My windscreen is chipped
A chipped windscreen is a very common and easy to solve problem. In fact, we recommend that you get it fixed as soon as you can to prevent it from developing into a crack – because if that happens, you will likely require a windscreen replacement, and that’s going to cost you more money.
How do I get my chipped windscreen repaired?
When your windscreen is chipped, it’s almost always easier to do a simple repair process rather than replace the entire windscreen. If you’re insured with insurethebox, call one of the experts here at Auto Windscreens on 0330 022 9449 and we’ll come to your house and inspect the damage caused to your windscreen.
If the chip can be repaired, we’ll take the following steps:
- Remove any dirt from the point of impact to make sure the chip is clean
- Inject resin into the damaged area
- Cure the resin with a UV lamp
Watch this short video to learn more about restrictions for windscreen repair. Note that any repair may incur a policy excess charge.
What should I bear in mind?
Chip repair is generally carried out when the weather is dry and will take around 30 minutes in total. However, on rainy days, we use our van canopy to ensure that your vehicle remains completely dry during the repair process – this usually takes about 40 minutes. Your vehicle can be driven away as soon as the repair has been made.
Help! My windscreen is cracked
If your windscreen is cracked – whether due to an unnoticed chip or a strong impact – it will need to be fully replaced, rather than repaired. Never leave a cracked windscreen unfixed as it can pose a great risk to you and your passengers.
How do I get a cracked windscreen replaced?
Don’t try to replace a cracked windscreen yourself. Instead, call the experts for professional advice – you never know, your windscreen may be repairable without having to be replaced so always check with us first.
We’ll take the following steps when replacing your windscreen:
- Protect your vehicle’s bodywork and inspect it before removing the glass
- Apply a bonding agent to keep your new windscreen secure
- Fit the replacement windscreen
- Clean off any dirt
Find out more about the windscreen replacement process in this short video.
What should I bear in mind?
If you have a fully comprehensive insurance policy for your vehicle, this will usually cover the cost of windscreen replacement so you don’t have to worry about forking out a wad of money.
If you have an insurethebox policy and you use the approved glass repairer, Auto Windscreens, the insurer will pay the cost of repairing or replacing the glass in your car’s windscreen, sunroof or windows. Please note that you will have to pay the excess shown in your car insurance Schedule. Making a glass claim will not affect your No Claim Discount.
Windscreen replacement usually takes between one and two hours in total and you’ll be able to drive your car away an hour after we’ve fitted the replacement screen.
Top five windscreen maintenance tips
Your windscreen is one of the most important components of your vehicle, so it makes sense to keep it in good condition. Here are five windscreen maintenance tips to follow:
- If you notice a small chip, always get in touch with a windscreen repair company. Often the repair service for a chip is included in your car insurance policy and will prevent your windscreen from becoming cracked and needing a full replacement. In some cases, windscreen repair may incur a policy excess charge.
- If driving on a newly surfaced road, try to drive a bit slower than the speed limit to prevent stones and small chips from hitting your windscreen and causing damage.
- Never use boiling water to melt ice on your windscreen. The stark contrast in temperature can cause your windscreen to crack.
- Slow down when driving behind or past a lorry to prevent chips to your windscreen from flying debris.
- Perform regular checks on your windscreen to make sure you spot any damage before it is too late.
Remember, the smaller the damage, the easier it is to repair so always be on the lookout for signs of small chips to your windscreen – and get them seen to as soon as possible.
Got an insurethebox policy?
Call 0330 022 9449 to make a windscreen claim.
This blog post was written by Abi Clapham on behalf on Auto Windscreens, the UK’s leading fleet automotive glazing company.