How to Make a Windscreen Insurance Claim in Adelaide

Claiming on a windscreen is one of the simplest insurance claims there is, and in most cases a vetted fitter does the heavy lifting for you. Here is the full process, step by step.

Step 1: Confirm you have comprehensive cover

Only comprehensive cover pays for your own windscreen. Check your certificate of insurance or renewal notice for the word “comprehensive”. If you only hold third party or CTP, there is no glass claim to make, and you pay out of pocket.

Step 2: Get your 2 numbers

Have your policy number and your windscreen excess ready. The excess (often $0 to $500 in Adelaide) is what you will pay; everything above it is covered. If you are not sure of your excess, your insurer or your policy document confirms it in seconds.

Step 3: Assess the damage

A small chip (smaller than a 20c coin, out of the driver’s direct line of sight) is usually a free repair. A larger crack, a chip in the sightline, or a shatter means a replacement. A vetted specialist confirms which applies when they inspect it, so you do not have to judge it yourself.

Step 4: Lodge the claim (or let the fitter do it)

You can lodge the glass claim directly with your insurer by phone or app. But the easier route is to let an insurance-approved fitter lodge it for you: they deal with your insurer’s glass claims line every day, confirm your excess, get the job authorised, and slot the claim through without you chasing paperwork.

Step 5: Book the work and pay only your excess

Once the claim is authorised, you book the replacement, at your home or work if you choose mobile service. You pay only your windscreen excess (often $0 to $500), the insurer covers the rest, and the ADAS calibration is included in the same claim. Keep the invoice and the calibration certificate for your records.

What to have ready

• Your policy number and insurer contact details.
• Your car’s make, model, year and rego.
• A note or photo of the damage and roughly when it happened.
• Your windscreen excess figure (or ask the fitter to confirm it).

This is general guidance only. Your insurer confirms the exact steps and any documentation your specific policy requires.