Car Windscreen Smashed - School or parent responsible - Advice please

Norman_Castle

antrobus wrote: »

As a matter of basic physics, what do you think happens when a heavy object strikes a window? Normally, it is one of two options; (a) the object either goes through the window (smashing it as it does so) or (b) it bounces off the window (but nevertheless possibly cracks and damages the window).

Windscreens are laminated so it is easy to break the glass on both sides without an object going through the plastic layer between them although there is normally a dent or deformation of the plastic layer.

lalahland

Hi all,

Just one more question - If I were to claim via my insurance (excess would be £75) for my windscreen (replacement cost £174) would my premiums rise even though I didn't do anything wrong. I understand that my no claims bonus would be unaffected however I am concerned that my premiums may increase (the windscreen fitter said that it would likely be the case) as this is my first year of having my own insurance and I cannot afford for it to go up any further

Norman_Castle

Ask your insurer. From memory, my current insurer, Swiftcover doesn't reduce the ncb but you don't get ncb for the year you claimed for the windscreen so for someone trying to build up ncb years it will cost at renewal.
Hope that makes sense.

From the Swiftcover site which may be a better explanation.
Windscreen cover for chips and cracks

With windscreen cover we'll pay to repair or replace broken glass in your car's windscreen or windows. Our approved supplier Autoglass will do the work for you when you make a windscreen claim. If they can repair the glass your No Claim Discount won't be affected. If your windscreen needs to be replaced, your No Claims Discount will stay the same at your next renewal, providing you don't make any more claims that policy year.

Quentin

lalahland wrote: »

Hi all,

Just one more question - If I were to claim via my insurance (excess would be £75) for my windscreen (replacement cost £174) would my premiums rise even though I didn't do anything wrong. I understand that my no claims bonus would be unaffected however I am concerned that my premiums may increase (the windscreen fitter said that it would likely be the case) as this is my first year of having my own insurance and I cannot afford for it to go up any further

All claims/losses can result in premium loadings irrespective of any "blame".


You can get a good idea what difference (if any) this windscreen replacement claim or loss makes to your premium now by doing 3 sets of dummy quotes online.


1) With no claim in your history


2) With this reported loss in your history (now you have reported the incident to your insurer it will have gone on your record, and must be disclosed to future insurers you approach for quotes over the next 3/5 years depending on how long a history is required)


3) with this claim in your history

lalahland

Thanks guys. In that case I will not put the claim through my insurance and will ask the school to pay the whole amount - fingers crossed they will be reasonable as I cannot afford £174 and we've had to cancel our short holiday in order to sort this out and deal with the police tomorrow.

Quentin

As posted, you do still have this incident on your insurance record as a loss (irrespective of whether or not you end up making a claim), and must disclose it to future insurers.


Meaning your premium could be affected for up to 5 years


Next time you have minor damage don't contact your insurer unless you are certain you will be making a claim

lalahland

That was not made clear to me on the phone when I called - If only I had realised that at the time So I am ultimately !!!!ed for the next 5 years due to the inaction of a school and a foolish child

However when I spoke to the insurance staff they did say that a windscreen replacement will not affect my ncd and when I asked about my premiums the staff member said it shouldn't affect it but there would be a note on my policy. After reading peoples comments online I became concerned the staff member may be incorrect. Sadly their offices are closed so I cannot check with them.

Quentin

It sounds as though you were correctly informed.

You were told that a windscreen claim did not affect your NCD, that your premiums may or may not be affected and that your notification of the loss was being recorded on your history.

Whenever you ask for quotes you get asked about whether you have experienced any claims or losses.

You have so far reported a loss which will have to be disclosed to any insurers you approach for quotes as mentioned previously.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

I would load the cost of cancelling a holiday to the loss of the windscreen also.

redkitty_3

I had a similar - ish incident a few years ago with my car and a very portly 14 year old. Basically jumped on my car bonnet, ran over the windscreen and all the way over my car (there are still light dents in the top) to apparently 'run away from a dog'. I came back home to find my whole windscreen shattered and caved into the car. I didn't witness the incident but his 'friends' did, so I called police who talked to the boy's parents. Police refused to release details of his name or address. Parents refused to do anything to help me or cover my windscreen excess. Also wasn't classed as criminal damage or vandalism either.

I basically had to suck it up and pay for all the damage myself! Some things I couldn't afford to get sorted as the bill was too much but most I did. I claimed the windscreen on my insurance, paid for bits of bodywork damage myself.

You have the school sort of involved so I would just stay on their backs, find out what happened and refuse to go away. I wasn't lucky enough in that respect. Makes me rather cross to hear how many parents aren't willing to take responsibility for the actions of their 'little darlings', though.

Is it possible to take legal action against the school?