Windscreen

[bluetoon]

Hi scraped frost off windscreen this morning. When I got in the car to start up realised I had made scratches over my windscreen.can I get it replaced through insurance or is that only for chips and cracks. Or is there a way to clear scratches that windscreen company's can do thanks

[ivor4781]

for clearing ice use a good windscreen de-icer or at least a PLASTIC scraper and know its not accidental damage

[Buenchico]

You'll probably need to read your policy document to check exactly what is, or isn't covered. (It might vary between providers).

KwikFit's policy, for example, doesn't specify anything about how any damage came to be caused to a windscreen but it will only pay out for "Damage to the windscreen, which would be sufficient to cause the vehicle to fail a Department of Transport M.O.T. test":
http://www.kwik-fitinsurance.co.uk/sites/files/windscreencover.pdf

You could, of course, try something like this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Windscreen-Polishing-DIY-Repair-Kit/dp/B001RAQGXC

[EDDIE51]

If you have free windscreen cover just put a brick through it and claim it dropped off a passing lorry and you did not get the number There is no way they can prove you wrong ;-)

[New Judge]

But be prepared to explain how the falling brick caused no damage to the bodywork!

[jomifl]

Warm water is the most effective de-icer and prevents fogging on the inside too. Turn the wipers on as soon as the ice is melted.

[bluetoon]

Hi thanks for your input looks as though I will get it checked to see how it would stand for mot test. Amazon polishing kit does just that polishes does not remove scratches

[silliemillie]

Even if you do claim on your insurance don't forget you will have to pay the excess if you have one.

[Prudie]

Out of interest what did you scrape it with that actually scratched the windscreen?

[TonyV]

What did you scrape screen with

[gingejbee]

I've never scraped ice off my windscreen, but if you really insist on doing it then 1)only use a good quality, purpose-made scraper 2) don't use it if the screen is dirty under the ice and 3) only scrape in one direction -away from you. Lots of people use a scrubbing action which is a sure way to cover the screen in micro-scratches....which only become apparent driving into strong sunlight or oncoming headlights.

[Baldric]

Using warm water is probably the worst idea mentioned so far!

[tonyav]

Is the damage in zone A ?.
http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_830.htm

[Prudie]

If you have to get in your car to get to work then you have to scrape ice-off in a hurry. I don't have time to faff with hot water and rarely have de-icer so I'm often using a CD case.

[gingejbee]

I'm rather spoilt then...not having to dash off to work and having garaged cars!

[hc4361]

Have you given the windscreen a good clean? I'd be very surprised it you've scratched it simply by scraping off the frost.

There is usually no excess to pay on windscreen repair or replacement.

[gingejbee]

^^hc....depends what you've scraped it with! Most policies have a windscreen excess for replacement, but not for repairs.

[tonyav]

Windscreen repairs are usually free ( no excess ) but there usually is an excess with having a new windscreen.

[bluetoon]

Used a normal scraper plastic one end rubber at the other bought at halfords didn't think it would damage screen as have used these type of scrapers over the years.

[EDDIE51]

OK NJ just whack it with a hammer !

[hc4361]

bluetoon, have you tried cleaning it properly?