UK Car Insurance: Do I have to declare a windscreen replacement as a claim?

Question

Even though it doesn't affect my no claims bonus do I still have to say 'yes' when asked if ive had any claims in the last 5 years? Thanks

Answer 1

Ignore everyone above that has said "yes" They are wrong.

A claim on the glass cover under your insureance is NOT classed as a claim on your policy. It does not affect you in anyway.

Glass cover is a completely seperate insurance cover than your comrephensive/TPFT car policy. That's why the excess is only £50-70 and you don't have to report it to your insurers. When you rang your insurers their claims department didn't even take the call, it would have been transferred straight to their glass replacement company, probably someone like RAC Autowindscreens.

I have worked in motor claims for more than 5 years now and can absolutely, 100% assure you that a glass claim IS not considered as a claim you need to declare when taking out a new policy.

Answer 2

Hi Dan.
It is of course not compulsory to make a claim in the first place.
However, I had a big stone chip on the screen following a truck.
Autoglass bunged a new screen in at no cost, and the insuranxe deemed that it was part of the service, and not a claim.
All was well. Unusual for insurance companies
You can "insure your insurance" for one claim without affecting the points system associated with your policy.
Perhaps worth the extra few quid.

I use Churchill at the moment, and they seem fine, but always play two or three companies against each other come renewal time.

I am not, like most, a great fan of paying premiums, but needs must.

A mate of mine, on third party cover, had a small crack on the windscreen. It failed an MOT test.
So that was £45 down the drain, plus a £55 new screen, and £27 for a re-test.

So all that came to half his premium. Again.

I would just fill in "no claims in the last 3 or 5 years"
If the car had been written off, or seriously been damaged, then their system might pick it up and ask questions, but generally windscreens are just a nuisance to them, and largely ignored.

Bob

Answer 3

It's unfortunate that he dealt with the windscreen repair in the order he did. What he should have done is checked with his insurer to see if they agreed to cover the work. Some insurers will only cover work by approved companies, especially windscreen repair and replacement. So the insurer may be dragging their feet because he did not seek their go ahead first. All he can do is to contact the insurer again by phone, email and letter. If he is not satisfied he should get in touch with the Insurance Ombudsman. See link.

Answer 4

Some prospective insurers/underwriters *do* ask the question (especially on price comparison websites) if a windscreen claim has been made previously (usually within a specified period).

The general answer is no, you do not need to declare, however if the question *is* asked, failing to declare so may be deemed as non disclosure of a material fact and may even void a future claim.

My understanding is that all insurance activity is recorded on the Claims and Underwriters Exchange (CUE) database. In my experience, a claim is just that, regardless of what the loss was, so for avoidance of doubt it is always best to clarify the point/question to be absolutely sure, and to avoid any future surprises.

Answer 5

Im afraid so Dan i actually work for an Insurance Company myself and by law u have to declare every claim and endorsement on ur licence. If u dont ur breaking the law and if the insurance company found out legally they can cancel ur policy and then inform the cops that ur policy was never actually in place due to with holding information. You could then be done for driving without insurance.

Answer 6

Yes, declare it, but make sure they understand it was a windscreen claim only. Insurers generally ignore those, but you must tell them or they could find a way of wriggling out of covering you.

Answer 7

Yes you must declare it even though it is not classed as a claim. Make sure that you put a note to this effect on the form.

Answer 8

Yes you do, as technically it is a claim.

Report anything and everything that could possibly otherwise be construed as withholding information. Insurance companies will use anything to get out of paying.

Answer 9

I don't think so. I think you have a separate part to your policy about windscreens as it is so common with stone chips, etc.
If in doubt, read through your policy (yawn!) or just ring them and ask.

Answer 10

Yes you would . . if you have any 'minor' damages in the future dont claim. because next time your insurance will go sky high !!!