Windscreen Repair vs Replacement: How to Make the Right Choice in Malaysia
Discovered a chip or crack in your windscreen? You’re not alone. Malaysian drivers face windscreen damage daily from road debris, accidents, and extreme weather. Understanding when to repair versus replace can save you money and ensure your safety on the road.
Understanding Windscreen Damage in Malaysia
Common causes of windscreen damage in Malaysian roads:
- Flying gravel from construction sites and lorries
- Road debris on highways (PLUS, ELITE, LDP)
- Accidents and collisions
- Extreme temperature changes causing stress cracks
- Poor road conditions leading to stone chips
When Windscreen Repair is Possible
Repair is Recommended When:
✓ Chip or crack is smaller than RM1 coin (approximately 2.5cm)
✓ Damage is not in driver’s direct line of vision
✓ Crack hasn’t reached the windscreen edge
✓ Only the outer layer of glass is damaged
✓ No more than 3 chips present
Benefits of Windscreen Repair:
- Cost-effective: RM150-RM300 on average
- Quick service: 30-60 minutes completion time
- Insurance covered: Most policies include windscreen repair
- Maintains original seal: No risk of leaks
- Environmentally friendly: Reduces waste
When Windscreen Replacement is Necessary
Replace Your Windscreen When:
❌ Crack is longer than a RM10 note (12cm+)
❌ Damage is directly in driver’s vision area
❌ Cracks have reached the windscreen edges
❌ Multiple cracks are spreading
❌ Inner layer of glass is damaged
❌ Windscreen has significant spidering
Why Timely Replacement Matters:
- Safety first: Compromised structural integrity
- Legal compliance: JPJ regulations require clear visibility
- Prevents further damage: Small cracks spread quickly in Malaysian heat
- Maintains resale value: Important for car trade-ins
Windscreen Replacement Cost in Malaysia
Average costs (2024):
- Standard vehicles: RM500 – RM1,200
- Continental cars: RM1,500 – RM3,500
- Luxury vehicles: RM3,000 – RM10,000+
- With ADAS features: Additional RM300-RM800 for calibration
Insurance Coverage:
Most comprehensive insurance policies in Malaysia cover windscreen replacement with minimal or no excess fees.
The Dr Cermin Difference
Why Choose Professional Service:
- Authorized insurance panel: Work with all major insurers (Allianz, Etiqa, Zurich, AIG, etc.)
- OEM and quality glass: Original specifications or equivalent
- Certified technicians: Trained for all vehicle types
- Lifetime warranty: On workmanship and materials
- Mobile service available: We come to you
- ADAS calibration: For vehicles with advanced safety systems
DIY Repair Kits vs Professional Service
DIY Kits (RM30-RM100):
- Temporary solution only
- Risk of improper application
- May void insurance claims
- No guarantee on results
Professional Repair at Dr Cermin:
- Proper equipment and resin quality
- Experienced technicians
- Insurance claim assistance
- Guaranteed results
Making Your Decision: Quick Guide
Small chip (less than 2cm):
→ Immediate repair recommended to prevent spreading
Crack in peripheral vision area (3-12cm):
→ Consult Dr Cermin for professional assessment
Large crack or driver vision obstruction:
→ Immediate replacement required for safety
Multiple damages:
→ Replacement usually more cost-effective
Insurance Claim Process Made Easy
Working with Dr Cermin:
- Contact us: Call or WhatsApp with your details
- Damage assessment: We evaluate and quote
- Insurance coordination: We handle the paperwork
- Approval: Usually within 24 hours
- Service appointment: At our branch or mobile service
- Claim settlement: Direct billing to insurer
Required Documents:
- IC/Passport
- Driving license
- Vehicle registration card (VOC)
- Insurance policy details
- Police report (if accident-related)
How Long Does Service Take?
Windscreen Repair: 30-60 minutes
Windscreen Replacement: 2-4 hours (including curing time)
With ADAS Calibration: Additional 1-2 hours
Safe to Drive:
- Repair: Immediately
- Replacement: After 1-2 hours curing time (we’ll advise specifically)
Preventing Windscreen Damage
Tips for Malaysian Drivers:
- Maintain safe distance from lorries and trucks
- Avoid sudden temperature changes (gradual AC cooling)
- Replace worn wiper blades
- Park in shade when possible
- Address small chips immediately
- Regular windscreen inspection
Finding Dr Cermin Near You
With over 100 branches nationwide, there’s a Dr Cermin near you:
- Johor: Skudai (HQ), Johor Bahru, Pasir Gudang, Muar
- Klang Valley: Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam
- Northern Region: Penang, Kedah, Perlis
- East Coast: Kuantan, Terengganu, Kelantan
- East Malaysia: Sabah, Sarawak
Need help deciding between repair or replacement? Contact Dr Cermin today for a free assessment. Our certified technicians will provide honest advice and handle your insurance claim from start to finish.
Call us now or visit your nearest Dr Cermin branch for expert windscreen solutions!
Blog Post 2: “Complete Guide to Windscreen Insurance Claims in Malaysia: Everything You Need to Know”
Meta Description: Navigate windscreen insurance claims easily in Malaysia. Learn about coverage, excess fees, claim process, and how Dr Cermin simplifies everything for you.
Complete Guide to Windscreen Insurance Claims in Malaysia: Everything You Need to Know
Dealing with windscreen damage is stressful enough without the confusion of insurance claims. As Malaysia’s authorized windscreen panel for nearly all major insurance providers, Dr Cermin simplifies the entire process. Here’s everything you need to know about claiming for windscreen repair or replacement.
Understanding Your Windscreen Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage:
Most comprehensive motor insurance policies in Malaysia include windscreen coverage as a standard benefit. However, coverage details vary by insurer.
What’s Typically Covered:
✓ Windscreen cracks and chips
✓ Complete windscreen replacement
✓ Side window glass damage
✓ Rear windscreen damage
✓ Sunroof glass (some policies)
What’s Usually NOT Covered:
❌ Cosmetic scratches
❌ Pre-existing damage
❌ Damage from intentional acts
❌ Wear and tear
❌ Tinted film replacement
Major Insurance Companies Dr Cermin Works With
As an authorized panel workshop, we work directly with:
- Allianz Malaysia
- Zurich Insurance
- AIG Malaysia
- Etiqa Insurance
- MSIG Insurance
- Tokio Marine
- AXA Affin
- Pacific & Orient Insurance
- Kurnia Insurance
- RHB Insurance
- AmGeneral Insurance
- Liberty Insurance
- And many more!
What This Means for You:
- Direct claim processing
- No upfront payment (or minimal excess only)
- Guaranteed quality recognized by insurers
- Faster approval process
- Hassle-free documentation
Types of Windscreen Claims
1. Own Damage Claim (OD)
- For damage not involving third parties
- Usually requires excess payment (RM50-RM400)
- Doesn’t affect No Claim Discount (NCD) with most insurers*
2. Third Party Claim
- When another party is at fault
- Police report required
- No excess payment needed
- Claim made against third party’s insurance
3. Act of God/Natural Disaster
- Falling objects, storms, floods
- Police report may be required
- Usually no excess for comprehensive policies
*Note: Some insurers may impose NCD penalties for windscreen claims. Check your policy.
Understanding Excess Fees
What is Excess?
The amount you pay before insurance covers the rest.
Typical Windscreen Excess in Malaysia:
- Standard vehicles: RM100-RM200
- Continental cars: RM200-RM400
- Luxury vehicles: RM300-RM500
- Young drivers (<21): Additional RM400-RM500
- Some premium policies: RM0 excess
Excess-Free Options:
Some insurers offer windscreen coverage with zero excess:
- Usually requires additional premium
- Check with your insurance agent
- Popular with frequent highway drivers
Step-by-Step Claim Process with Dr Cermin
STEP 1: Contact Dr Cermin
- Call our hotline or WhatsApp
- Visit nearest branch (100+ locations nationwide)
- Request mobile service (available in most areas)
STEP 2: Damage Assessment
Our technician will:
- Inspect the damage
- Determine repair vs replacement
- Provide quotation
- Check your insurance coverage
STEP 3: Documentation
Bring these documents:
- NRIC/Passport (original)
- Driving License (original)
- Vehicle Registration Card/VOC (original)
- Insurance policy/cover note
- Police report (if applicable)
STEP 4: Claim Submission
We handle:
- Claim form preparation
- Submission to your insurer
- Follow-up and coordination
- Approval confirmation
STEP 5: Service Delivery
- Schedule convenient appointment
- Repair/replacement performed
- Quality inspection
- Vehicle handover with warranty
STEP 6: Payment Settlement
- We bill your insurer directly
- You pay only the excess amount (if any)
- Receipt and warranty provided
Average Processing Time: 24-48 hours for approval
When is a Police Report Required?
Mandatory Police Report:
- Accident involving other vehicles
- Hit and run incidents
- Vandalism or theft-related damage
- Falling objects from third-party property
Usually NOT Required:
- Stone chips from unknown sources
- Cracks from road debris
- Stress cracks from temperature
Tip: When in doubt, file a report. It’s easier to have it and not need it than vice versa.
Do Windscreen Claims Affect Your NCD?
Good News: Many insurers in Malaysia now offer:
- Windscreen claims exemption from NCD impact
- First windscreen claim doesn’t affect NCD
- Some allow 1 claim per year without penalty
Check Your Policy:
- Review your policy wording
- Ask your insurance agent
- Verify with Dr Cermin staff (we know most policies!)
Betterment Charges:
Some insurers impose betterment charges for:
- Vehicles over 10 years old
- Upgrading from non-OEM to OEM glass
- Typically 10-30% of claim value
Common Insurance Claim Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Delaying the claim: Some policies have time limits
❌ Using non-panel workshops: May void your claim
❌ Incomplete documentation: Slows down approval
❌ Not declaring modifications: Tinted films, camera systems
❌ Proceeding without approval: Always get insurer’s green light
❌ Forgetting to update contact details: Miss approval notifications
What If Your Claim is Rejected?
Common Rejection Reasons:
- Pre-existing damage
- Policy exclusions not understood
- Missing documentation
- Expired policy coverage
- Wrong claim type submitted
What to Do:
- Request written rejection reason
- Review your policy terms
- Consult with Dr Cermin team
- Appeal if grounds exist
- Consider out-of-pocket payment (we offer competitive rates)
Special Cases: ADAS-Equipped Vehicles
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):
Modern vehicles with cameras/sensors need:
- Specialized windscreen replacement
- Sensor/camera recalibration
- Additional claim amount (RM300-RM800)
Dr Cermin’s ADAS Capabilities:
✓ Certified calibration equipment
✓ Trained technicians
✓ Claim handling experience
✓ All major vehicle brands
Vehicles Requiring ADAS Calibration:
- Honda Sensing equipped models
- Toyota Safety Sense systems
- Mercedes-Benz with pre-safe
- BMW with driving assistance
- Most 2018+ luxury vehicles
Mobile Service & Insurance Claims
Yes, we handle claims for mobile service too!
Benefits:
- Service at home/office
- Same insurance claim process
- Same warranty coverage
- No additional claim charges
- Available in major cities
Dr Cermin’s Claim Support Advantages
Why Customers Choose Us:
🏆 Authorized Panel Status
- Recognized by all major insurers
- Streamlined claim approval
- Trusted quality standards
💼 End-to-End Service
- We handle all paperwork
- Direct coordination with insurers
- Updates throughout the process
⚡ Fast Turnaround
- 24-48 hour claim approvals
- Same-day service available
- Minimize vehicle downtime
🛡️ Quality Guarantee
- OEM or equivalent glass
- Certified workmanship
- Lifetime warranty on installation
📱 Easy Communication
- Call, WhatsApp, or walk-in
- Regular claim status updates
- Dedicated customer service
Tips for Smooth Insurance Claims
Before Damage Occurs:
- Know your policy coverage
- Save Dr Cermin’s contact details
- Keep insurance documents accessible
When Damage Happens:
- Don’t delay – small cracks spread quickly
- Take photos of the damage
- Note date, time, and circumstances
- Contact Dr Cermin immediately
During Claim Process:
- Provide accurate information
- Submit complete documentation
- Follow up if no response in 48 hours
- Keep all receipts and correspondence
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I claim for stone chips?
A: Yes, if covered under your comprehensive policy.
Q: How many times can I claim per year?
A: Usually unlimited, but check NCD impact with your insurer.
Q: Can I choose my own workshop?
A: Yes, but using authorized panels (like Dr Cermin) ensures smooth claims.
Q: Do I need appointment?
A: Recommended but walk-ins welcome at all branches.
Q: How long before I can drive?
A: Repairs: immediately. Replacement: 1-2 hours curing time.
Need Help with Your Windscreen Insurance Claim?
Don’t navigate the complex insurance process alone. Dr Cermin’s experienced team handles thousands of claims monthly across Malaysia. We’ll manage everything from assessment to completion.
Contact Dr Cermin Today:
📞 Call our hotline
💬 WhatsApp for instant response
🏢 Visit any of our 100+ branches nationwide
🚗 Request mobile service
Let us handle the paperwork while you get back on the road safely!