Safety concern over policy change

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is concerned there could be more unroadworthy cars on the roads if all insurance companies start charging the policy excess for windscreen replacements.

MTA is urging people whose insurance companies stop offering ‘free’ cover for windscreen glass to shop around, especially if they own a car with a windscreen that does not contain the modern technology that has prompted the move.

Vero has been the first to make the change. It’s vehicle policy for new (or renewing) customers requires clients to pay the policy excess for any glass replacement. Repairs (for chips and scratches) are excluded from the excess. It’s generally expected that more insurance companies will follow Vero’s lead.

“This isn’t likely to happen quickly, so people should shop around when renewing their insurance,” said MTA CE Craig Pomare.

Pomare is concerned that the change could result in more people driving around in cars with seriously damaged windscreens.

“This poses some real safety risks in an accident as the windscreen is part of a vehicle’s structural integrity.

“Any car with damage to the windscreen will fail a warrant so it is safer to replace it immediately rather than wait until the warrant is due.”