After a minor car accident: what to do and record
Stay safe, stay at the scene, record the right details and tell your insurer, even when the damage looks small.
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Windscreen chipped or cracked: what to do
Stop a small chip turning into a crack, and decide fast whether to repair or replace.
Right after it happens (4)
- Do not slam doors or drive on bumpy roads until it is dealt with
- Do not blast the heater or de-icer at full: sudden heat spreads a crack
- Cover the chip with clear tape to keep dirt and water outA repair works best when the chip is clean and dry.
- Note where it is, how big, and take a photo
Size and place decide (4)
- Chip smaller than a 2 cm coin: usually repairable
- Crack longer than about 30 cm (a banknote): usually needs a new windscreen
- Damage right in the driver’s line of sight: replace, a repair can leave a blur
- Damage near the edge of the glass: replace, edges weaken the whole screen
Call and ask (4)
- Check your insurance: many policies cover a repair with no excess
- Ask the repair company if they come to you and how long the glue needs to cure
- Ask whether the camera or rain sensor needs to be recalibrated after a new screen
- Get the price in writing before you agree
After the repair (4)
- Keep the car dry for the time they tell you, often an hour
- Leave the windows slightly open for the first day
- Do not use a car wash for 24 to 48 hours
- Keep the receipt for insurance
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