Car insurance warning as drivers could be charged hundreds despite thinking they are covered

Drivers face big bills because they do not realise that many motor insurance policies do not cover windscreen damage, repairs and replacement, according to the AA. The motoring organisation said that while 84 percent of people expect windscreen cover as standard, many large firms sell so-called 'essentials', 'basic' or 'value' insurance without it.

At the same time, some 'basics' motor insurance policies, which are described as comprehensive, do not include cover for personal injury, courtesy cars and personal possessions. The AA is calling for more ‘consumer clarity’ for motor policies with insurers required to spell out more clearly what key elements of insurance are not covered.

A poll of 10,237 drivers, found more than eight out of 10 (84 percent) said they expect windscreen cover to form part of a comprehensive motor insurance policy. However, the fact is that some insurers require customers to pay extra to add this in. When asked what drivers would be willing to lose out on if they were to buy an ‘essentials’ comprehensive policy, just 17 percent would be willing to give up cover for their windscreen and glass.

The same survey found 61 percent would prefer to remove other elements, for example cover cover when driving in Europe, with half willing to forgo breakdown assistance and more than two fifths (44 percent) willing to forgo protection for audio and sat-nav equipment. As part of The AA’s campaign, it is recommending that policies which remove windscreen cover cannot be called ‘comprehensive’ and are sold as enhanced third party, fire and theft policies.

It is warning drivers to be wary of ‘essentials’ and ‘basics’ products and to ensure the policy they are buying provides the cover they require. Many drivers only discover they unable to make a claim following an incident, with one of the most common claims made on motor insurance policies being windscreen and glass related.

Replacing windscreens, side windows and panoramic roofs can run into hundreds of pounds. Some drivers are finding out the hard way that their car insurance was not what they perceived it to be and are having to foot the bill.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said: “Comprehensive car insurance suggests to drivers that whatever happens, they will get the help they need. At the same time, ‘essentials’, ‘basics’ or ‘value’ makes drivers think that some of the broader benefits have been dropped from the policy, leaving just the core protections in place.

“However, many are discovering that windscreen cover, a part of a policy they believe is sacrosanct, has been stripped out to create products consumers don’t want and doesn’t meet their needs. We believe that a policy can’t be called comprehensive if it’s missing fundamental elements that driver’s want and expect. Ripping out items such as windscreen, and at the same time calling it ‘essential’ feels misleading.

“As well as making sure the policy you buy matches the cover you need, we want the industry to put the customer first and sell these policies as an enhanced third party fire and theft product. That would ensure consumers are clear about what they are getting up front, rather than be shocked at the worst possible moment.”