When stone chippings hit car windows: who pays?
One of the most common causes of damage to vehicle windows is stone chippings from the road. Repair costs are usually covered by partial casco insurance. Comparis explains key info.
18.10.2023
iStockphoto/DusanBartolovic
1. How does damage to my car windows occur?
One of the most common causes of damage to vehicle windows is stone chippings from the road. This can happen, for example, when a car in front stirs up small stones from the road.
If a pebble hits the windscreen of your car, it can cause cracks in the windscreen.
A good tip is to keep enough distance from the car in front of you. This reduces the risk of stone chippings hitting your windows.
In addition, driving particularly slowly on gravel roads and unpaved roads can help. This way, you’ll avoid damaging vehicles behind you.
2. Repairing stone damage – what should I do next?
Have the affected window repaired as soon as possible. Even minor glass damage can be problematic for the driver and the vehicle. If, for example, the glass breaks while driving, the risk of injury is high.
Numerous garages offer a repair service. Some of the repairs can be carried out directly on site, so that you can start driving again with the windscreen repaired after a short time.
Depending on the scale of glass damage, you might need to replace of the pane of glass.
3. Is glass damage insured?
Glass damage is covered if you have partial casco insurance or full casco insurance. Depending on your insurance, you may have to pay an excess in the event of damage.
Glass damage includes breakage of:
Windscreens
Side windows
Rear windows
Sun roofs
You should report the claim to your insurance company right away. If you delay reporting the claim, there may be a reduction in benefits.
Also, choose a professional repairer. If the damage isn’t repaired correctly, your casco insurance may refuse to cover the repair costs.
Differences in benefits and premiums
The differences in premiums and benefits are sometimes considerable. It is worth comparing different offers.
Good to know: some insurance companies allow you to insure other parts of your vehicle, such as car lights and indicators, for an additional fee.
4. Car glass damage: when can I cancel my insurance?
After a claim, both parties have the right to cancel the car insurance. Did your insurer tell you that it will cover the damage? In that case, you can cancel your car insurance within 14 days.
The insurance company may also withdraw from the contractual relationship. Cancellation by the insurance company must take place at the latest by the time the claim has been paid.
This article was first published on 27.05.2010
