I didn't think they counted windscreen claims? Mine is heated so presumably on the expensive side.
My understanding is that a windscreen claim will usually not affect your no claims discount/years with your current insurer.
But there's nothing to say that they don't load you at renewal time as a result of such a claim.
And when shopping around other insurers may treat a windscreen claim as a break of your no claims discount or load you otherwise?
My view on motor insurance is similar to my view on house insurance - it's for the worst case scenario and in many (most?) cases it is better not to claim at all if possible due to the subsequent impact on premiums.
I insure my house in case it falls/burns down.
If I break the telly or destroy the carpet I would cover the cost of replacement myself and would never countenance claiming the effective cost of the telly/carpet would be huge due to the knock on effect of the claim on future premiums.
Obviously motor insurance is a bit different in that you are at the mercy of others on the road and you could end up paying for incidents even where you are not at fault.
I'm beginning to come around to the idea that comprehensive is not really necessary for my situation.
I have a cheap car and if it was damaged/written off then I'd most likely foot the bill for repair/replacement myself.
If I drove a more expensive car then maybe I would think differently.
But in many (most?) cases it seems pointless/cost ineffective to claim?
On the other hand the best deals for my situation will upgrade from TPFT to comprehensive for about €20 so in that case maybe it's worth taking it?
I'm still confused about whether or not NCB protection is a good idea or not.
Again the best deals for my situation will add this for about €40-€50.