To save money, the windshields in many electric cars are made of thinner glass. This leads to several windscreens having to be replaced. And it can be expensive, figures from the insurance company show.
Since 2020, the insurance company Fremtind has observed a significant increase in the number of glass damage, especially on electric cars. In some cases, it costs up to DKK 43,000 just for the glass.
This development has led to higher payouts for claims, partly due to rising glass prices and a general increase in the number of claims.
This is written by Norwegian TV2 .
In 2024, the number of glass damage is expected to continue to increase. Already after the first quarter of 2024, the level reached from the whole of last year, when Fremtind received almost 50,000 reports about glass damage.
According to Therese Hofstad-Nielsen, who works with damage prevention at Fremtind, replacing windscreens on newer car models in particular is a significant financial burden.
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– If we look at the cars that have sold the most in Norway, I can mention the Hyundai Ioniq as an example. Here, the windshield costs close to 43,000 kroner (27,000 Danish kroner, ed.) plus VAT.
– And then glue, any moldings, work and calibration are not included in the calculation either, so it will be very expensive damage," she explains.
Electric cars make up a growing part of the car fleet, and with advanced technological solutions such as cameras and sensors integrated into the windscreens, repair and replacement have become more expensive.
– This helps to explain why costs are rising. Hofstad-Nielsen emphasizes that glass damage on modern cars generally requires more specialized work, which also affects the total damage costs.
To counter the development, Fremtind is trying to make car owners more aware of prevention.
Among other things, the company recommends keeping a distance from other cars, especially on roads with loose stones, and ensuring regular maintenance of the car's windows and wiper blades.
This increase in injuries can also be linked to changed traffic habits and road conditions. More cars on the roads and more frequent traffic on winter roads can lead to an increased risk of rockfall and other types of glass damage.
Fremtind expects that the development will continue in the coming years. The insurance company therefore works with both information and technical solutions to reduce the extent and price of these damages.
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