Introduction
The windscreen insurance claim Malaysia process is one of the most common — yet most misunderstood — types of insurance claims drivers face. A cracked or chipped windscreen can happen to anyone: a stone kicked up on the highway, debris from a lorry, or even a stray branch during a storm. When it happens, most drivers aren’t sure exactly how to get it fixed through their insurance.
The good news? Windscreen claims are relatively straightforward if you have the right coverage. The key is understanding that windscreen coverage is a separate add-on, knowing the claim process, and avoiding mistakes that slow things down or leave you paying more than you should.
Is Windscreen Coverage Included in Your Car Insurance?
This is the first thing most drivers get wrong. Windscreen coverage isn’t automatically included in your car insurance policy — not even in comprehensive coverage.
Windscreen protection is a separate add-on (also called an endorsement or rider) that you need to specifically select and pay for when buying or renewing your policy. If you didn’t add it, windscreen damage isn’t covered. You’ll pay for repairs entirely out of pocket.
The typical windscreen coverage amount ranges from RM300 to RM3,000, depending on what you selected. For most standard cars (Proton, Perodua, Honda, Toyota), coverage of RM500 to RM1,000 is common. For premium vehicles with advanced windscreens (rain sensors, heads-up display, ADAS cameras), you may need RM2,000 to RM3,000 or more.
So, the windscreen insurance claim Malaysia process starts with one simple step: check whether you actually have this add-on on your current policy. Look at your insurance schedule or call your insurer to confirm. You can also read more about who is eligible for windscreen coverage and how limits work.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Windscreen Insurance Claim in Malaysia
Once you’ve confirmed you have windscreen coverage, here’s the process to get your claim approved and your windscreen fixed.
Step 1: Document the damage. Take clear photos of the crack or chip from multiple angles. Include a wide shot showing the full windscreen and close-ups of the damage. Also photograph your car’s registration plate in the same set of photos for reference.
Step 2: Contact your insurance company. Call their hotline or use their app to report the windscreen damage. Most insurers have dedicated claims lines. Have your policy number, IC number, and vehicle registration number ready.
Step 3: Check if you need a police report. For minor chips and cracks from road debris, most insurers don’t require a police report. However, if vandalism, an accident, or extensive damage caused the break, you may need one. Ask your insurer during the initial call.
Step 4: Get approval and a reference number. The insurer will issue a claim reference number and direct you to an approved glass shop or panel workshop. Some insurers let you choose your own glass shop, but using an approved one simplifies the process.
Step 5: Visit the approved glass shop. Bring your IC, a copy of your insurance policy, and the claim reference number. The glass shop will assess the damage and decide whether a repair (for small chips) or full replacement is needed.
Step 6: Get the repair or replacement done. A small chip repair can take as little as 30 minutes. A full windscreen replacement typically takes 2 to 4 hours. The glass shop bills the insurer directly if they’re on the approved panel — you usually don’t need to pay upfront. Not sure which workshop to use? Here’s a guide on which workshop to send your car for insurance claims.
Chip Repair vs Full Windscreen Replacement
Not every windscreen crack needs a full replacement. Understanding the difference can save time and preserve your coverage amount for when you really need it.
Chip repair works for small damage — typically a chip smaller than a 50 sen coin that hasn’t spread into a crack. The repair involves injecting resin into the chip to seal it and prevent spreading. It’s quick (about 30 minutes), cheap, and preserves the original windscreen.
Full replacement is needed when the damage is a long crack, sits in the driver’s direct line of sight, has spread across the windscreen, or is too deep for resin repair. The glass shop removes the entire windscreen and fits a new one.
From a claims perspective, repair is much cheaper (RM80 to RM200) and uses only a small portion of your coverage. Replacement can cost RM300 to RM2,000+ depending on the vehicle. That may use up most or all of your coverage limit.
Here’s a smart approach: if you notice a small chip, get it repaired immediately before it spreads into a crack that requires full replacement. Malaysian heat and road vibrations can turn a small chip into a long crack within days.
Does a Windscreen Claim Affect Your NCD?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions in the windscreen insurance claim Malaysia process — and the answer is good news for most drivers.
Windscreen claims generally don’t affect your NCD. Because windscreen coverage is a separate add-on with its own limit, insurers typically treat claims under this add-on independently from your main policy.
However, there are nuances. If your windscreen damage happened as part of a larger accident where you’re also claiming for body damage, the insurer may process the entire claim under your main policy — which would affect your NCD.
If the windscreen damage is standalone (a stone chip, road debris, etc.) and you only claim under the windscreen add-on, your NCD should stay unaffected. Always confirm this with your insurer before filing to be certain. You can also check the PIAM website for general guidelines on motor insurance claims.
What If Your Windscreen Coverage Limit Isn’t Enough?
This catches some drivers off guard. If you selected RM500 windscreen coverage but the replacement costs RM1,200, you’ll need to pay the RM700 difference out of pocket.
This is especially relevant for newer cars with advanced windscreens. Modern vehicles increasingly have windscreens that house ADAS cameras, rain sensors, heating elements, or heads-up display reflectors. These windscreens cost significantly more to replace than standard glass.
When renewing your insurance, review your windscreen coverage amount. If you drive a car with advanced windscreen features, make sure the coverage matches the actual replacement cost. The additional premium for higher windscreen coverage is usually modest — often just RM20 to RM50 more per year for significantly better protection. Before adding extras, it’s worth reviewing which car insurance add-ons are actually worth it.
Common Mistakes That Slow Down Your Windscreen Claim
Several avoidable errors make the windscreen insurance claim Malaysia process take longer than it should.
Not checking if you have the add-on: Filing a windscreen claim only to discover you don’t have windscreen coverage wastes everyone’s time. Check your policy schedule first.
Delaying the claim: Waiting weeks or months to report windscreen damage can complicate your claim. Some insurers require timely reporting. More practically, a small chip left untreated can spread into a crack that costs more to fix.
Going to a non-approved glass shop without prior approval: If you get the windscreen replaced at a shop not on your insurer’s panel without getting approval first, you may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement. The reimbursement amount may also be lower than what you paid.
Not photographing the damage before repair: Documentation protects you if any disputes arise about the claim. Always take photos before the glass shop starts work.
Filing a windscreen claim as part of a body claim unnecessarily: If your windscreen chip has nothing to do with an accident, keep it as a separate windscreen claim to protect your NCD.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
If you follow the process correctly, you can resolve a windscreen claim remarkably quickly.
Reporting to your insurer and getting approval: Same day, often within a few hours.
Scheduling the repair or replacement: Usually within 1 to 3 days, depending on glass availability for your vehicle model.
The actual repair: 30 minutes for a chip repair, 2 to 4 hours for a full replacement (the adhesive needs curing time before you can drive).
Total time from damage to fixed: Often 1 to 3 days if you act quickly. The biggest delays come from drivers who wait to report or from rare cases where specialist glass needs to be ordered. You can find approved glass shops through your insurer or check Bank Negara Malaysia’s consumer resources for guidance on insurance claims.
FAQ
1. Does windscreen coverage come standard with comprehensive car insurance in Malaysia?
No. Windscreen coverage is a separate add-on that you must select and pay for when buying or renewing your policy. Without it, windscreen damage is not covered even under comprehensive insurance.
2. Will a windscreen claim affect my NCD?
Generally no. Standalone windscreen claims are processed under the separate add-on and don’t affect your NCD. However, if the windscreen damage is part of a larger accident claim, your NCD may be impacted.
3. Do I need a police report for a windscreen insurance claim?
For minor chips and cracks from road debris, most insurers don’t require a police report. However, if the damage was caused by vandalism or an accident, you may need to file one.
4. Can I choose my own glass shop for a windscreen claim?
Some insurers allow it, but using an approved panel glass shop is recommended. It simplifies the process and the shop bills the insurer directly, so you don’t need to pay upfront.
5. What if the windscreen replacement cost exceeds my coverage limit?
You’ll need to pay the difference out of pocket. For example, if you have RM500 coverage but the replacement costs RM1,200, you pay the RM700 gap. Review your coverage amount at renewal to avoid this.
Conclusion
The windscreen insurance claim Malaysia process is straightforward when you’re prepared: confirm you have the add-on, document the damage, report it promptly, and use an approved glass shop. Most claims get resolved within days, and standalone windscreen claims typically don’t affect your NCD. The smartest thing you can do is check your windscreen coverage amount at renewal — make sure it matches the actual cost of replacing your car’s windscreen. Compare policies on Bjak to find the right coverage with the right windscreen add-on for your vehicle.
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