Car Insurance: windscreen cover

Glassman

Blue_Parrot wrote: »

I've read your link, Glassman, and it's fascinating. Thank you for picking up this thread. You're saying that Sainsbury's will flog car insurance policies knowing that they might/will not pay for windscreen replacement? And that sooner or later I'll end up paying either £472 or £382 to replace it myself?

This SUCKS.

No, I believe it's all done in good faith but they're issuing the policy and can only 'advise' by pointing at the Key Facts issued by the insurer/underwriter.



It's a bit of a clusterfluck.

Glassman

It's also worth noting that the 'nominated' repairer may change. Not sure if this means you still have to use who was prevailing at the time of policy inception; you'd have to check the smallprint for that... ah... oh...



But yes. I feel your frustration.

Glassman

From: https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/insuring/support/car/support-ins-car-impdocs-prejune

booklet wrote:

What is covered
We’ll pay the cost of
• Repair or replacement of accidentally damaged
glass in your windscreen or side or rear
windows.
• Scratches or damage to the bodywork caused
by the broken glass, as long as there is no
other damage.
• The recalibration of any Advanced Driver
Assistance Systems equipment relating to the
repair or replacement of the windscreen.
Things you need to know
• You will need to pay the applicable windscreen
repair or replacement excess shown in your
Schedule.
• If you choose not to use Autoglass who are our
recommended repairers, we will not pay more
than £100 towards each incident.
What is not covered
• Windscreen excess shown in your Schedule.
• Replacement of the hood/roof structure of your
convertible or cabriolet car.
• The repair or replacement of damaged glass
in sunroofs or fixed or moveable glass roof
panels.

I had to download the 'booklet' which is in PDF. The bit about windscreen cover (above) was 15 pages into a 25-page document. It also clearly states that if you don't use *their* nominated repairer, they will only pay £100 towards a windscreen or glass claim. There is some wording also that this part of the indemnity does not cover sunroof glass or glass roof panels (many cars now come with panoramic roofs which are well north of £1,000 to replace).


I would say this is quite a salient part of the proposed cover and if I knew this before inception I might decide against taking that policy as it does not accord with my expectation of a comprehensive policy.

Yet they are required to take steps to make you aware of this (and other points) before you buy.

Right.

Blue_Parrot

Well, less than 24 hours later it seems someone has given Sainsbury's a talking-to. Zurich insurance phoned me (with an almost impenetrable accent) and put me through to National Windscreens who were friendly and helpful.

They're going to replace the windscreen and I only have to pay the excess. :beer: