The AA is calling for more ‘clarity’ for motor insurance policies, as many deals marketed as comprehensive strip out cover for windscreen damage.
Many car insurers create so-called ‘essentials’, ‘basics’ and ‘value’ comprehensive insurance products that exclude cover for things that customers want and expect.
In a poll of 10,237 drivers, 84 per cent said they expect windscreen cover to form part of a comprehensive motor insurance policy.
Yet some insurers are removing glass protection from their ‘essentials’ and ‘basics’ products without giving consumers the opportunity to add it onto their policy.
When asked what drivers would be willing to lose out on if they were to buy an ‘essentials’ comprehensive policy, just 17 per cent would be willing to give up cover for their windscreen and glass.
In comparison, three fifths would prefer to opt out of cover when driving in Europe, with half willing to forgo breakdown assistance and more than two fifths willing to forgo protection for audio and sat-nav equipment.
Crackdown: The AA wants to see insurance policies be clearer around windscreen cover
As part an AA campaign, the motoring body is recommending that policies which remove windscreen cover cannot be called ‘comprehensive’ and are sold as enhanced third party, fire and theft policies.
In addition, The AA 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.
Car insurance premiums now average £612 a year, according to figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
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.
‘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.’
