Really small chip in windscreen

Richard Slater · 16-04-2010, 17:53

Whilst cleaning the window I saw that there is a really small chip right up close to the top of the windscreen it is above my field of view so hadn't noticed until now. It is about the size of a small fly (1-2mm across) and doesn't appear deep.

Despite my misgivings of a company that has a man in a silly hat doing its adverts I am Fully Comp. with Admiral. The policy does include free windscreen repair (no excess applies) which doesn't affect my NCB.

Is this worth while doing? I am aware chips can develop into cracks and require replacement, only had the car for a few months have barely driven it 300 miles.

Any advise gratefully received!

TinkerBell · 16-04-2010, 18:03

Does it cost you anything to get chips repaired? I doubt it. Even if it did I would get it fixed, because you can arrange it to get repaired when you want and not have to deal with a broken windscreen at a time where it will be a pain to get it fixed.

Richard Slater · 16-04-2010, 18:04

If I am reading my policy correctly it should be free, as I say I am new to this.

TinkerBell · 16-04-2010, 18:07

Just call them up and ask.

Knipples · 16-04-2010, 18:20

I had a chip repaired in mine recently for free. It's generally free on all fully comp policies as long as you go with one of their recommended repairers. They ask you lots of questions about the placement of it, and how big it is. Mine was about 4 mm long and was kind of in my line of vision. Its amazing how its now barely visible. It looked a lot worse before, and there was an actual dent in the windscreen. They put filler in it so the dent has gone.

Would definitely recommend it.

A Place of Light · 16-04-2010, 19:19

These things are usually free to fix "chips" and an excess to be paid if a new screen is needed. If you can get it fixed for free then you've nothing to lose by doing so.

Feek · 16-04-2010, 20:55

All it'll cost you is a phone call to find out for sure, it'd be silly not to really.

Kitten · 16-04-2010, 21:03

agreed with above. I've had mine done and had to have the screen replaced so it cost me £50 excess. A small chip will be fixable with resin, but if it gets pressure from somewhere (some gravel chips bouncing up from the road as a lorry passes) or the temperature changes a lot in a short period, it will be a weak spot in your screen and can lead to it ending up with a growing crack or even just shattering (though it stays in place) as you're driving along - that's what happened to me! Definitely get on the blower & check it out, if you're fully comp and it can be repaired (which it sounds like it can), then it will be free.

Richard Slater · 16-04-2010, 21:20

Phoned them, they are going to call me back in the morning.

Grandad · 18-04-2010, 01:17

leave it

I had one done and it was loads more visible after the repair

16-04-2010, 17:53	#1
Richard Slater Long Island Iced Tea Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Brighton, UK Posts: 285	Really small chip in windscreen Whilst cleaning the window I saw that there is a really small chip right up close to the top of the windscreen it is above my field of view so hadn't noticed until now. It is about the size of a small fly (1-2mm across) and doesn't appear deep. Despite my misgivings of a company that has a man in a silly hat doing its adverts I am Fully Comp. with Admiral. The policy does include free windscreen repair (no excess applies) which doesn't affect my NCB. Is this worth while doing? I am aware chips can develop into cracks and require replacement, only had the car for a few months have barely driven it 300 miles. Any advise gratefully received!

16-04-2010, 18:03	#2
TinkerBell Dirty Spammer Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In the middle! Posts: 2,454	Does it cost you anything to get chips repaired? I doubt it. Even if it did I would get it fixed, because you can arrange it to get repaired when you want and not have to deal with a broken windscreen at a time where it will be a pain to get it fixed. __________________

16-04-2010, 18:07	#4
TinkerBell Dirty Spammer Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In the middle! Posts: 2,454	Just call them up and ask. __________________

16-04-2010, 20:55	#7
Feek ex SAS Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: JO01ou Posts: 10,062	All it'll cost you is a phone call to find out for sure, it'd be silly not to really. __________________

16-04-2010, 21:03	#8
Kitten Spinky-Spank Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: 668. The Neighbour of the Beast Posts: 11,226	agreed with above. I've had mine done and had to have the screen replaced so it cost me £50 excess. A small chip will be fixable with resin, but if it gets pressure from somewhere (some gravel chips bouncing up from the road as a lorry passes) or the temperature changes a lot in a short period, it will be a weak spot in your screen and can lead to it ending up with a growing crack or even just shattering (though it stays in place) as you're driving along - that's what happened to me! Definitely get on the blower & check it out, if you're fully comp and it can be repaired (which it sounds like it can), then it will be free. __________________ "You only get one life. There's no God, no rules, except for those you accept or create for yourself. Then once it's over... it's over. Dreamless sleep for ever and ever. So why not be happy while you're here?" Nate Fisher

16-04-2010, 18:04	#3
Richard Slater Long Island Iced Tea Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Brighton, UK Posts: 285	If I am reading my policy correctly it should be free, as I say I am new to this.

16-04-2010, 19:19	#6
A Place of Light Absinthe Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,247	These things are usually free to fix "chips" and an excess to be paid if a new screen is needed. If you can get it fixed for free then you've nothing to lose by doing so.

16-04-2010, 21:20	#9
Richard Slater Long Island Iced Tea Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Brighton, UK Posts: 285	Phoned them, they are going to call me back in the morning.

18-04-2010, 01:17	#10
Grandad Old Git Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,016	leave it I had one done and it was loads more visible after the repair