Experts are urging motorists to check their car insurance policies as some insurers could be removing cover for vital components to offer cheaper costs.
AA Insurance is warning that some insurers will remove windscreen cover in an attempt to lower the price of policies for drivers.
More than eight in 10 drivers said windscreen cover was important to include in their insurance policy, while three-fifths said it was “very important”.
Drivers who are struggling with the ever-rising cost of motoring may choose policies that remove cover for aspects that they would not consider vital.
WATCH NOW: Urgent car insurance warning
Some motor insurance policies are being advertised as “basic” or “essential” despite removing items like windscreen cover.
Gus Park, managing director for AA Insurance Services, said many people were looking for cheaper alternatives to keep their costs down.
With the impact of the cost of living crisis having an impact on everyone, the trend of going for cost-effective measures may continue to grow.
However, he warned that this could have an impact on their car insurance policies as they may not be aware of what they need.
He added: “Windscreen cover is commonly removed on ‘entry level’ insurance policies so it is worth checking what you are covered for.
“Claiming for windscreen damage is one of the most common reasons drivers use their policy.
“If it is not included, then drivers are likely to lose the saving they made when buying a ‘basics’ policy.”
The research stated that car windscreens are becoming more sophisticated and are far more than a sheet of glass.
Heating elements, sensors and cameras can lead to the average cost of replacing a windscreen rising to a staggering £700.
Gus Park continued, saying: “Windscreens are more than just a pane of glass, even on older cars.
“Technology such as heads up displays, rain and light sensors, and cameras all need to be calibrated when replacing the screen.
“If drivers don’t have this popular cover, they risk footing a hefty bill.”
According to Admiral Insurance, the average annual premium cost for car insurance in August was £1,089.
A regional divide exists, with drivers in the South West of England paying 16 per cent less than the UK average while motorists in Greater London pay 20 per cent more than average.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Experts are urging drivers to check their car insurance policies
PA
Some drivers, namely those who are 17 and 18 years of age, could expect to be hit with an annual premium cost of almost £2,000 – 82 per cent of the national average.
