You’re loving your brand-new car to bits, and it’s become your pride and joy. You drive on the expressway and BAM, a small stray stone damages your windscreen. Your car is now out of action, and you’re left with a cracked windscreen.

Unlikely? Yes. Possible? Yes. At this point, we’ve seen it all, haven’t we? It almost seems like trees prefer to fall on shophouses and cars, and no one is spared. Well, if a tree ever does fall on your car, I hope no one is injured, but your car likely will be.

It’s important to understand the extent of damage to your car and how to get your baby back on the road, stat. Here’s an article on common causes of car accidents as well.

Know the different types of windscreen damage

It’s first useful to understand the extent of the damage to your windscreen to determine whether repairs or replacements are applicable – is it cracked or shattered? Typically, we’re looking at two types of windscreen damage:

• Cracks: under extreme changes in temperature or impact, windscreens can crack under pressure. 
• Shatters: accidents, fallen branches or trees (I wouldn’t even be surprised), or foul play could happen anytime and anywhere.

What to do in the event of windscreen damage

Debris, gravel or a foreign object hitting your windscreen might come as a shock while you’re driving, and you’ll have to fight your first instinct to slam on the brakes. Take care to slow down gradually. Reduce your speed and check your blind spots for other road users – this helps to ensure everyone’s safety. Next, find a safe space to pull over and turn on your hazard lights.

In extreme circumstances and if you must keep driving with zero visibility, you may have to push through the windscreen with the flat of your hand.

Remember to take a breather and when safe, drive to the nearest windscreen and glass repair workshop and notify your insurer. However, if your car cannot be driven, Singlife’s Customer Service team will arrange for it to be towed to our approved repairer. If you’re a Singlife car insurance policyholder, you can call the 24/7 hotline at +65 6333 2222.

Repairs and replacements

Costs of repairing or replacing your windscreen

What you get with Singlife’s Car Insurance plans

The table above depicts the coverage offered for replacements, while an excess will not be charged for repairs done at the approved repairer. An excess of S$25 will be charged if repairs are done at a non-approved repairer for Motor Lite and Standard plans. Of course, the benefits span across the various plans (Motor Lite, Motor Standard and Motor Prestige), but the general rule-of-thumb is to always go to an Approved repairer for your needs.

If there is evidence of a criminal or malicious act against your car, you’ll have to report it to the police as well – it pays to check your dashcam after such incidents to rule out foul play. In case you’re wondering, making a windscreen claim on your Car Insurance Policy will not affect your NCD (No Claims Discount).

As always, in the case of any mishaps, do ensure to take colour photographs of the damage for claims.

If you need more information on windscreen claims for Singlife car insurance policyholders, click here.