A new online system for reporting the exact glass damage on a vehicle has launched from National Windscreens as part of an ongoing digital development programme.

The new glass damage selector uses the vehicle registration mark (VRM) to display a detailed image of the vehicle, enabling drivers to select the exact panel of glass that’s damaged

The new glass damage selector uses the vehicle registration mark (VRM) to display a detailed image of the vehicle, including all pieces of glass applicable to that model.

Users can view the vehicle from above or the sides, and then simply select any piece or pieces of glass that are damaged.

This improves the time taken to identify the damaged glass position and the accuracy of the information, while also enhancing the customer experience.

National Windscreens IT director, David Pugh, explained: “As an example, some vehicles may only have one piece of glass in the rear side panel of the vehicle. However, many have two or three pieces, so it can soon get complicated trying to identify if it is the back rear quarterlight, middle rear quarterlight, or front rear quarterlight that is damaged. And then we must discover if it is nearside or offside, of left or right looking from the front of the vehicle. Without a simple, easy-to-use selector, it is easy to see how the information collected might not be accurate in each case.

“It has been a significant investment to produce what we believe is a unique database of vehicle diagrams combined with a myriad of glass patterns. We will now continue to invest in adding new models as they get introduced to the UK, ensuing our customers have the best possible experience and we are able to deliver right first time,” added Pugh.

This new development follows National Windscreens’ recent introduction of a drag and drop damage selector that dramatically cuts the amount of time required for a driver to indicate the size and position of damage on a windscreen.

Pugh added: “The next enhancement is our artificial intelligence system, due for launch by the end of 2021, which will analyse photographs of damaged glass uploaded by our customers and give an immediate decision if repair is possible, with 98% accuracy. So, watch this space!”