What is windscreen insurance?
Windscreen insurance is an add-on to your motor insurance policy that pays for repair or replacement of your vehicle’s front and/or rear windscreens and sometimes side windows. This cover may be sold as a standalone add-on or included within a comprehensive policy as an optional benefit.
A lot of drivers assume windscreen chips are “small issues” — but left unchecked they can spread and quickly become a full replacement job. Having proper windscreen cover means you won’t be surprised by repair bills when stone chips, cracks, or vandalism happen. According to a practical primer on windscreen cover, common windscreen incidents include flying debris, sudden temperature changes, and minor collisions.
Table of Contents
- What is windscreen (windscreen) insurance?
- Why windscreen coverage matters
- Types of windscreen coverage
- How to claim for windscreen damage
- Practical tips to protect your windscreen
- Check & compare windscreen cover on Metafin
Why windscreen coverage matters (especially in Malaysia)
Malaysia’s road conditions and weather patterns make windscreen damage more likely: highway debris, construction zones, and tropical storms can all cause chips or cracks. If a crack obstructs the driver’s view, you may be unsafe on the road and legally liable for driving an unroadworthy vehicle. Having windscreen cover ensures faster repairs, less downtime, and importantly keeps your NCD (No Claim Discount) from being unfairly affected in certain claim-handling scenarios.
Industry compare-guides note that windscreen claims are often processed quickly and sometimes handled outside the normal claims pipeline (e.g., via specialised glass vendors), reducing repair time and complexity for the motorist. If you value uptime, like daily commuters or ride-hailing drivers, windscreen cover is high-value.
Types of windscreen (glass) cover
1. Repair vs Replacement
Many policies differentiate between repair (for minor chips) and replacement (for large cracks or shattered glass). Repair is usually quick, cheaper, and may be done without affecting your policy excess or NCD (in some insurers). Replacement is costlier and might involve higher admin time.
2. With Excess vs Zero Excess
Some insurers offer windscreen cover with a small excess (you pay a portion) while others include a zero-excess option for replacements under certain limits. Always check the policy wording because a zero-excess repair can save you money if you hit the wrong patch of gravel.
3. Full Glass Cover (All Windows)
Basic windscreen cover may only include the front windscreen. Full glass cover extends to rear windscreens and side windows (and sometimes panoramic roofs). If you park on-street or live in high-vandalism areas, full glass cover is worth considering.
4. Agreed Value & Extras
Some packages bundle windscreen cover with agreed-value options, roadside assistance, or mobile glass services (onsite repairs). These help reduce downtime and give a smoother claims experience. For exact coverage and vendor network details, refer to your insurer’s policy schedule. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
How to claim for windscreen damage (step-by-step)
- Don’t delay — minor chips can spread; get them assessed early.
- Document the damage — take photos (close-up and from a distance), note the time and location, and keep any eyewitness details if available.
- Contact your insurer or broker — some policies require you to notify within a fixed period (e.g., 7–14 days).
- Use authorised repairers — most insurers insist on approved vendors for direct billing; this speeds claims and often avoids excess charges.
- Get a repair (if possible) — resin repair can prevent replacement in many chip cases; replacement is typically arranged if the crack is large or obstructs the driver’s view.
- Keep receipts & reports — submit to insurer if reimbursement is required or to update your claim record.
Many comparison guides emphasise the advantage of insurers who partner with mobile glass vendors: they come to your location, fix the chip or replace the screen, and bill the insurer directly—so you pay little to nothing out-of-pocket (subject to your policy terms). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Practical tips to protect your windscreen & lower costs
- Keep safe distance on highways—gravel kicked up by lorries is a common cause of chips.
- Park wisely—avoid parking under trees or near construction sites where debris can fall.
- Repair chips immediately—early resin repairs are cheap and prevent full replacements.
- Review your policy—look for zero-excess repair clauses, approved vendor networks, and whether side/rear windows are included.
- Bundle smartly—if you already have comprehensive cover with Metafin partner insurers, adding full-glass cover may be cheaper than standalone options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will claiming for a windscreen affect my NCD?
It depends on your insurer and whether the claim is processed as a minor glass repair (which some insurers handle without affecting your NCD) or a full replacement claim. Always check the policy wording and ask your insurer. MetaFin’s comparison tools list these nuances for each provider.
Can a small chip be repaired instead of replaced?
Yes. Resin injection repair is the standard fix for small chips and can restore structural integrity and visibility, preventing the need for replacement in many cases.
Do mobile repair services cost more?
Often no. Authorised mobile repair vendors often have direct-billing arrangements with insurers. The convenience fee is usually absorbed by the insurer or included in the policy price.
Compare Windscreen Cover & Buy Add On with MetaFin
Ready to protect your car the smart way? Use MetaFin Car Insurance to compare windscreen cover options from multiple insurers, check whether repairs affect your NCD. MetaFin lists insurer policy details so you can pick zero-excess repair options or full-glass coverage depending on your risk profile.
Compare Windscreen Cover on MetaFin
Sources & Further Reading
- Insider guide to windscreen insurance — Compare by MyEG
- Check your insurer’s glass cover terms and approved vendor list (recommend visiting your insurer’s policy page).
Final note
Windscreen incidents are common and usually inexpensive to fix if addressed early. A small investment in the right windscreen cover and quick action after a chip can save you time, money, and hassle. Use MetaFin’s comparison tools to make the choice clear, so when the inevitable happens, you’re covered and back on the road fast.