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Will Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement? What You Need To Know

You’re cruising down the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway when ping! – a pebble flies up from the truck ahead and leaves a spiderweb crack right in your line of sight. Or maybe after one of those heavy rainy-season downpours, you wake up to find a branch from the neighbour’s mango tree lying across your bonnet.

In Trinidad, with our mix of high-speed highways, winding backroads, and unpredictable weather, windscreen damage is a reality most drivers will face sooner or later. And when it happens, the big question is – will your insurance cover it?

Here’s a full breakdown of when you’re covered, what to expect, and how to handle a glass claim without stressing about your no-claims discount.

When Does Car Insurance Cover Windscreen Replacement?

Not all glass damage is treated the same under your car insurance. Whether you can claim for a broken or chipped windscreen depends on how the damage occurred, which policy you’re insured under, and any additional benefits you’ve opted for.

Here are some common situations in which you may be covered:

Accident damage: If your windscreen cracks during a collision, your comprehensive insurance can help pay for a repair or replacement.
Storm or debris damage: Think flying zinc sheets, coconut branches, or other debris during a rainy-season storm. Most comprehensive policies that include “Acts of God” or “Special Perils” will cover this.
Vandalism: A smashed window from malicious damage is generally covered under comprehensive insurance.
Road debris (e.g., stone impact): Stones from roadwork, loose gravel on the Uriah Butler Highway, or even debris from overloaded trucks can cause cracks or chips – and these are often covered under comprehensive policies, sometimes without affecting your NCD.

Key points to note for Trinidad:

Only comprehensive insurance includes windscreen damage cover; third-party or third-party fire and theft plans typically do not.

Most comprehensive motor policies in Trinidad include windscreen coverage between TT$5,000 – TT$10,000, with the option to increase this for a small extra premium.

Many insurers allow one or two windscreen claims per policy year without affecting your NCD, but limits vary so always check your policy.

Comprehensive Coverage And Windscreen Damage

Windscreen repair or replacement is typically covered under comprehensive insurance, not collision or third-party liability. Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your vehicle from non-collision-related incidents like:

Theft or vandalism
Natural disasters common to Trinidad, such as flooding, tropical storms, and falling trees during the rainy season
Fire or explosion
Broken glass

If your policy includes comprehensive cover, chances are windscreen damage is included, but you’ll want to check your policy documents or speak with your insurer to confirm.

Full Glass Coverage Add-Ons

Some insurance providers offer full glass coverage as an optional add-on. This specific cover may allow you to repair or replace your windscreen without paying an excess/deductible, even if the damage falls under comprehensive insurance.

This can be especially useful if you drive regularly along busy highways with heavy truck traffic, through road construction zones, or in flood-prone areas where floating debris can strike your vehicle.

Types of Liability Insurance

GenAc offers four main types of liability insurance:

Public Liability Insurance
Products Liability Insurance
Employers’ Liability Insurance (commonly referred to as Workmen’s Compensation)
Professional Indemnity Insurance

Here is what you need to know about each one.

Do You Have To Pay an Excess/Deductible?

Your excess (or deductible) is the amount you’ll need to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. When it comes to windscreen repairs:

Repairs for small chips may be covered in full with no deductible.
Full replacements often require a deductible, depending on your policy.
If you’ve added full glass coverage, your deductible may be waived altogether.

The excess for windscreen claims are sometimes lower than your regular collision excess, but confirm with your insurer.

Filing a Claim for Windscreen Damage

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make a windscreen claim quickly and easily:

Document the damage: Take clear photos of the crack or chip, and note the date and circumstances of the incident.
Contact your insurer or broker: Reach out to confirm your coverage and excess.
Submit a claim: Depending on your provider, this may be done online, over the phone, or via a mobile app.
Choose a repair provider: Some insurers in Trinidad work with authorised glass repair companies, while others let you choose your own.
Complete the repairs: Schedule your appointment and have the repair or replacement done..
Pay your excess (if applicable): The shop may collect this amount directly from you.

Once the claim is processed and approved, your insurer will cover the rest.

Repair vs. Replacement: What Insurance Will Cover

Not every chip means a full replacement is necessary. Most insurers follow these general rules:

Minor chips or cracks (less than a few centimetres and not in the driver’s direct line of vision) may be repaired.
Large cracks, deep chips, or multiple damages often require a full windscreen replacement.

Most insurance companies in Trinidad, will choose the safest, most cost-effective option and you’ll need to ensure the repair meets the standards for roadworthiness tests.

Will My Rates Go Up After a Windscreen Claim?

In most cases, a single windscreen claim will not affect your premium. That’s because glass damage is considered a no-fault claim, especially when caused by debris, weather, or vandalism.

However, if you’re filing frequent claims or combining them with other types of damage, your insurer may reassess your risk profile at renewal time.

Most insurers in Trinidad also confirm that windscreen-only claims won’t impact your no-claims discount, as long as you stay within the policy’s allowed claim limit.

Windscreen Damage Not Covered by Insurance

There are a few cases where your insurer may decline to cover windscreen repair or replacement:

Pre-existing damage not reported or repaired previously.
Normal wear and tear over time.
DIY or unapproved repairs done outside of authorised providers.
Driving without a valid insurance policy at the time of damage.

Local note: Driving with a badly cracked windscreen in Trinidad can be considered an offence under road traffic regulations, and may cause you to fail inspection.

FAQs About Windscreen Insurance Claims

Can I use my own repair shop?

In many cases, yes, but check if your insurer has preferred providers to streamline your claim.

What if I have more than one chip?

Multiple chips may still be eligible for repair if they’re minor. Extensive damage may require full replacement.

How long does it take to repair or replace a windscreen?

Repairs typically take less than 30 minutes. Replacements can take a few hours, but if glass has to be imported into Trinidad, it could take several days.

Can I drive with a cracked windscreen?

It’s not advisable, and in Trinidad, it could land you in trouble with the police plus it’s a safety risk. Always repair damage as soon as possible.

Drive Smart. Stay Covered.

Your windscreen is a key part of your vehicle’s safety system, protecting you from the elements and supporting airbag deployment in a crash. Don’t wait until a small crack becomes a big problem.

If you’re not sure what your policy covers, get a quote from our team today. A quick conversation could save you money, protect your no-claims discount, and keep you driving safely — rain or shine.