- Four in Five Drivers Want Windshield Coverage That Many Offers Omit
The AA is calling for more “clarity” for car insurance policies as many offers marketed as comprehensive cover remove cover for windscreen damage.
Many auto insurers create comprehensive insurance products called “essential,” “core” and “value” that exclude coverage for the things customers want and expect.
In a survey of 10,237 drivers, 84 percent said they expected windshield coverage to be part of a comprehensive auto insurance policy.
However, some insurers are removing glass protection from their “essential” and “core” products without giving consumers the opportunity to add it to their policy.
When asked what drivers would be willing to lose if they purchased an “essential” comprehensive policy, only 17 percent would be willing to give up coverage for their windshield and glass.
In comparison, three-fifths would prefer to opt out of coverage when driving in Europe, half would be willing to give up roadside assistance and more than two-fifths would be willing to give up protection for audio and satellite navigation equipment. .
Crackdown: AA wants insurance policies to be clearer on windshield coverage
As part of an AA campaign, the motoring body is recommending that policies which remove the windscreen cover cannot be called ‘comprehensive’ and are sold as enhanced third party, fire and theft policies.
Additionally, the AA warns drivers to be wary of “essential” and “core” products and to make sure the policy they are purchasing provides the cover they need.
Many drivers only discover that they cannot make a claim after an incident, and one of the most common claims on motor insurance policies relates to windshields and glass.
Replacing windscreens, side windows and panoramic roofs can cost hundreds of pounds.
Car insurance premiums now average £612 a year, according to figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said: “Comprehensive car insurance suggests to drivers that, whatever happens, they will get the help they need.”
‘At the same time, ‘essential’, ‘basic’ or ‘value’ leads drivers to think that some of the broader benefits have been removed from the policy, leaving only basic protections.
‘We believe that a policy cannot be considered comprehensive if it is missing fundamental elements that drivers want and expect. “To rip out items like the windshield and at the same time call it ‘essential’ seems misleading.”