Why claims swell during the summer, and how to avoid heatwave hazards such as windscreen cracks and damaged electronics.
In typical British fashion, we’ve entered a summer season where, quite frankly, you never really know what weather you’re going to get. When you see that long-awaited heatwave forecast, you’re wasting no time in making weekend plans. You could pile the essentials (and the family) into the car to head to your favourite sunny destination. It could be a house by the sea, a campervan on an idyllic site, close to the water parks, or perhaps a city hotel. And not forgetting the UK’s number one ‘go-to’ – a BBQ in the garden!
We all know it’s important to exercise caution in the heat. But did you know a heatwave can bring other risks beyond dehydration and sunburned skin?
How might a heatwave affect your windscreen?
In 2021, the MET office issued its first ever extreme heat warning, with highs of 31.3 degrees Celsius In some regions. But sunburn wasn’t people’s only disappointment; the heatwave brought about a 15.5% increase in windscreen claims for chips and cracks, according to Auto Windscreens.
Very warm weather has the same effect on your windscreen as very cold weather, meaning any existing minor chips can turn to cracks in the heat. This could mean you’ll need the whole screen or window replaced – a hefty cost when glass chips can typically be repaired for between £50 and £70 on average.
Windscreens will usually be covered if you have comprehensive insurance on your vehicle, and won’t affect your no claims bonus if you make a claim via your own insurer to have it repaired. As always with these things, prevention is better than a cure and it’s a good idea to have any chips repaired before they escalate into a more costly matter.
