Have you ever worried about pulling over due to a shattered windscreen? It's more common than you think. Small debris like pebbles or car parts thrown up by moving vehicles can cause significant damage. Whether you're a cautious driver or not, windscreen damage can happen to anyone.
That's why having comprehensive car insurance is essential for most drivers. However, here's the catch – many Malaysian drivers are unaware that their car insurance plans don't cover windscreen repairs or replacements. It can be an unpleasant surprise for drivers on the road.
What is windscreen insurance?
Windscreen insurance is an add-on coverage to your car insurance policy. It includes front and back windscreens, door windows, and sunroof glass windows.
Take a look at your car insurance policy and look for "Endorsement 89" – this specifically covers breakages of glass in windscreens, windows, and sunroofs. Ensure your policy includes this clause to protect your windscreen.
In its simplest form, windscreen insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged glass parts. With this additional coverage, you can avoid paying for repairs or replacements out of your pocket.
Why is it worth getting windscreen insurance?
Most of the time, windscreen coverage costs around 15% of the sum insured for your windscreen. For example, if your windscreen replacement costs RM 1,000, you would pay an additional RM 150 (15% of RM 1,000) on top of your insurance premium.
While this might seem like an extra expense, here's how windscreen insurance benefits you:
Replacing your windscreen without insurance: You save RM 150 for the year, but you'll have to pay RM 1,000 out of pocket. Additionally, making this claim may cause you to lose your No Claim Discount (NCD), resulting in higher future insurance costs.
Replacing your windscreen with insurance: Yes, you pay an extra RM 150 for your annual windscreen insurance, but it pays off if your windscreen needs replacement even after 5 years. Plus, you can make this claim without affecting your NCD on your main car insurance policy.
How can you ensure your car has windscreen insurance?
It's a straightforward process. When you renew your car insurance (comprehensive cover only), inform your agent that you want to add windscreen coverage to your policy. If you're renewing it yourself, make a note to include windscreen coverage in your next policy.
Remember, this add-on coverage can be done at any time. Take this opportunity to check the type of car insurance policy you have:
Third-party cover: Covers damages you caused to others, such as their vehicles, properties, injuries, or death.
Third-party, fire and theft: Includes everything in a third-party policy, plus coverage for damages to your vehicle due to fire and theft.
Comprehensive cover: The most comprehensive policy type that covers all the above and includes windscreen cover.
What documents are needed for a windscreen insurance claim?
For private vehicles:
Owner's IC and Driving License
Driver's IC and Driving License (if required)
Cover Note or Insurance Policy
Vehicle Registration Card
For company-registered vehicles:
Authorized Driver's IC and Driving License (GDL or PSV required for good-carrying vehicles)
Cover Note or Insurance Policy
Vehicle Registration Card
Business Registration (front pages only)
Company Chop
Looking to claim windscreen insurance for a repair? Choose a trusted provider like 5ilica Autoglass.
5ilica Autoglass is Malaysia's leading automotive safety glass repair and replacement company, offering door-to-door windscreen replacement services. We partner with Malaysia's top insurance providers to provide superior service, value, and customer satisfaction.
Contact us today at +603 - 7971 2234 or email 5ilica.autoglass@gmail.com to schedule your windscreen repair at your convenience.