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The classic splitty windscreen is loved and admired by campervan enthusiasts all over the world. It’s one of the retro features that keeps driving campervan prices higher and higher each year. But whether yours is a ‘splitty’ or not, you need to protect your windscreen with insurance for your classic campervan.

The windscreen of a classic camper is particularly vulnerable to harm. Any self-respecting owner won’t want the head-turning powers of their retro vehicle to be spoilt by some unsightly cracks or chips.

Even more so when you consider the costs and difficulty of replacing the windscreen on a vintage vehicle.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to prevent damage to your camper’s windscreen and preserve its great looks!

Step 1: Keep your distance

Flying stones and other debris thrown up by the wheels of other road users are the main cause of windscreen damage. Whether you’re driving the latest van conversion or a 1950s hippy classic, damage is just as likely to occur.

Remember that while you sit slightly higher off the road than other vehicles, your beautiful all-round windscreen provides both perfect visibility and also a bigger target!

Leaving a generous gap between you and the vehicles in front (particularly those pesky HGVs) not only lessens the likelihood of debris reaching you but also allows for more time to brake. Classic campervans aren’t known for their ability to stop in a hurry!

Step 2: Reduce your speed

Yes, we know your top speed might be only 55mph (downhill, on a good day) but that doesn’t mean to say your speed isn’t a factor when it comes to damage.

The faster you hit debris the more likely it is that you’ll need the services of a windscreen repairer!

Step 3: Check your wipers and windscreen regularly

No doubt you’ll love to spend a happy hour or two cleaning and polishing your classic camper ready for a weekend jaunt. Why not take that opportunity to really check for any tell-tale signs of damage? The sooner you act the less likely that you’ll end up with a full screen repair.

And it’s not just the glass you should be checking. Over time scratches from faulty windscreen wipers can severely weaken your windscreen. Leaving them more prone to chips and cracks.

Gently run your finger along the edge of the blade to detect any rips and tears. If you find any then replace the blade immediately – a much cheaper solution than a windscreen repair.

If the worst does happen, don’t despair. Comprehensive Campervan insurance from Lancaster Insurance includes windscreen cover.

Step 4: Never ignore a chip

The proud owner of a classic VW T1 with its distinctive split screen is very unlikely to ignore such an occurrence. But in our busy modern lives sometimes things can be neglected despite our best intentions.

And we aren’t just talking about cosmetic effects. After all, if a chip appears on the driver’s side and obstructs their view (or distracts them), it can be deemed dangerous and may even result in an MOT test failure.

While it might be tempting to ignore a chip occurring on the passenger’s side, that could be a costly mistake.

Chips have a habit of developing into cracks, particularly if the vehicle is subjected to changes in temperature and moisture over time.

Plus, if you've taken your beloved vehicle to an out-of-the-way beach you could be asking for trouble. Jolting from bumpy or unsurfaced roads, potholes and even speed bumps can cause chips to spread.

And it’s not just your windows you need to be worried about. Your tyres could get damaged, your steering could be thrown out of alignment and your wheels could become unbalanced.

For the benefit of your cherished camper it might be better to park up and hike down to the beach!

Getting a chip repaired as soon as you notice it really is the only way to prevent any further damage. There are many specialist repairers who are experts in sealing chips before it’s too late.

Happily, the repair could even strengthen the windscreen and allow you to continue with your vacation without the worry of irreversible damage.

Check that your campervan insurance has cover for windscreens before you set off.

Step 5: Pay close attention to weather reports

Come rain or shine, in a country like the UK there are always weather risks to a classic vehicle’s windscreen!

In cold temperatures, when windscreens are frosty or frozen, avoid pouring hot water onto the glass – sudden changes in temperature can weaken the windscreen’s integrity and even cause a crack. Instead heat your screen gradually by turning your heating to a moderate setting.

While prolonged high temperatures in the UK are unusual they can still happen. And if you take your camper on holiday to Europe in the height of summer, then soaring temperatures are more than likely.

To guard against damage from the sun and heat try to park in a shady spot. Installing an external thermal silver cover not only protects your windows but also helps keep your campervan cool.

When you think of the amount of glass in a VW T2 Bay, shading your windows is a wise idea if you don’t want it to turn into a greenhouse!

If you do head over to Europe then contact your campervan insurance provider to check that your vehicle and contents are fully covered for your trip.

Caring for your classic camper

Whether you’re driving a VW T2 Bay or a 13-window deluxe model, when you’re hitting the road in a classic campervan, it’s always worth getting the right classic camper insurance.

The specialist team at Lancaster Insurance have protected thousands of classic campers over the years. Policies arranged through us can include the following benefits:

• Up to 365 days EU cover available
• Cover of personal effects up to £6,000
• Limit mileage discounts
• Windscreen cover
• Gas bottle and awning cover
• Free EU cover up to 90 days
• 24-hour claims hotline
• UK based call centre
• Discounts for club members

Get a quick quote for campervan insurance today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.