An unforeseen phenomenon within the motor insurance industry over the past ten years has been the rise in glass claims and the resulting impact on premiums.
I’ve heard some underwriters refer to it as the “advertising disrupter” as windscreen repairers use this medium to promote their services and increase awareness of the benefit, but whatever the reasoning there is no doubt that glass claims are on the increase and affecting the price of your insurance.
Insurers once viewed this as an insignificant benefit of a comprehensive motor insurance policy, however it is now most definitely considered as a “paid for feature”.
Back in the day an insurer would arrange for your glass to be repaired or replaced. If “repaired” most insurers would not even apply an excess, if replaced a small excess, somewhere between £25 and £50 would be applied and the only other consideration was not to drive the vehicle for an hour or so in order for the bonding to become fully applied.
There was no consequence to your renewal premium and the incident would not be considered a “claim” on your policy.
With the advent of technologies such as lane assist, heads-up displays and various other driver aids connected to the windscreen, repairs are now far more complicated and much more costly.
There was a time when the repairer would turn up at your place of choosing, work or home and complete the repair or replacement in a timely fashion. Now the repair needs to be booked in advance and the vehicle taken to a specific location so that the windscreen can be replaced and calibrated rather than simply repaired.
Whilst most fleet insurers have always taken glass claims into consideration and the excess payable was always a little dearer, special dispensation would be given if in the event of multiple claims there were numerous glass claims.
Our research reviled that the cost for a replacement windscreen with various driver aids is between £550 & £600, more than the average cost of car insurance in the UK.
So, what of the future, well, as well as premium increases being applied, I don’t think its long before insurers start applying the same consequences for glass claims as any other claims and impacting your “no claim bonus”.
You can also expect to see your “glass” excess increase too, don’t be surprised to see a £250 or even higher excess payable when making a claim and if on a fleet rated policy expect multiple claims in the insured year to impact next year’s premium.
Insurers are already appointing their own recommended repairers which you are obliged to use or risk paying an even higher excess, in an attempt to control costs.
