Unfortunately my insurance policy states that if I don't use their preferred repairer they'll only pay £125 towards the cost of the windscreen.

Thanks for the advice.

From some googling it looks like the supplier does fit genuine replacements. I've got them booked in tomorrow to attempt a repair. If they can't repair it I'll insist on an original Ford replacement, even it it may take them a while to source it.

If it has not already cracked you should really repair it rather than replace it to remove the risk of further cracking.

If it is a fresh windscreen chip that is below £1 coin size it will be able to be done to a high standard ( barely visible) that will pass an mot and be guaranteed against cracking. This will remove the concern about some pattern part badly fitting windscreen with unsightly thicker heating elements being fitted.

Most insurers now penalise policyholders for any claims or apply excesses that negate the benefit of claiming for chips on your policy even if they are "free".

The nominated suppliers will often do a poor job or crack the screen in order to generate a more profitable screen sale so best to avoid them and select an experienced specialist windscreen repairer who is experienced in their trade and prepared to guarantee their work.

Even though you may have to pay for the repair out of your own pocket it is better than replacing the screen unnecessarily and having a claim on your policy.

A friend of mine is a windscreen specialist. He loves repairs, says the repair is 100% profit after buying the kit and takes only a short time. Insurance companies have driven down margins on replacements to such a degree its less profitable than repairing when the time element is considered.

He has done 4 repairs for me over the years all 100% funded by various insurance companies. Only one has failed which was simply sorted with a new screen for my excess ££'s.

Screen replacement does not count against your no claims so no need to concern yourself there.

It sounds like the windscreen fitter described is an independant if he has purchased his own equipment which is very different from the large companies who are nominated by the insurers in terms of skill and ethics.

However the insurance market is changing rapidly and what was previously a "free repair" can now count as a claim with some companies and this is different from the "No claims bonus" so claiming for a screen repair or replacement can cost you by way of an increased renewal premium even if your ncb is intact. The insurers have found another back door route to ramp up premuims at renewal.

Edited by d4v1d sm4rt on 14/09/2012 at 11:52