QIV — Isolated Glass Breakage

What is QIV?

QIV (Quebra Isolada de Vidros — Isolated Glass Breakage) is a specific coverage within car insurance in Portugal that covers the costs of repairing or replacing vehicle glass. It is one of the most widely used coverages by Portuguese drivers, since glass is permanently exposed to risks such as stone chips, gravel, vandalism, adverse weather conditions and various accidents.

The main benefit of QIV is that, in the majority of policies, no excess (deductible) is applied to the policyholder — meaning the driver pays nothing for glass repair or replacement. Additionally, using this coverage does not affect the no-claims bonus/malus scale of the insurance, which means the annual premium will not increase for having claimed on QIV.

How does the QIV process work?

Claiming on QIV coverage is a simple and quick process. In the vast majority of cases, the policyholder does not need to pay anything upfront — payment is made directly between the insurer and the service provider. Here are the detailed steps:

What is covered by QIV?

QIV coverage encompasses all glass and glazed elements of the vehicle. Depending on the insurer and the particular policy conditions, the following are typically covered:

• Windscreen (front glass) — the most frequently damaged glass, subject to impacts from stones and gravel thrown up by other vehicles.
• Side windows — door windows (front and rear), frequently damaged by attempted theft or vandalism.
• Rear window — the rear glass of the vehicle, usually tempered and featuring demisting filaments.
• Wing mirrors — the lenses of the side mirrors, subject to damage from side collisions or vandalism.
• Panoramic sunroof — covered under the majority of policies, although some insurers may apply special conditions due to the high cost of this component.

Common QIV exclusions

Although QIV is a comprehensive coverage, there are situations that are generally excluded. It is essential that the policyholder is aware of these limitations to avoid surprises:

• Pre-existing damage — cracks or chips that existed before the coverage was taken out or before the date of the reported claim.
• Natural wear and tear — surface scratches, opacity or deterioration resulting from prolonged vehicle use and exposure to the elements.
• Non-approved modifications — films, stickers, tinting or alterations made to the glass without type approval may invalidate the coverage.
• Mechanical damage — faults in window lift mechanisms or associated electrical systems are not covered by QIV.
• Heavy commercial vehicles — depending on the policy, goods vehicles with a high gross weight may have special conditions or additional exclusions.
• Claims under the influence — damage occurring when the driver is under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances may be excluded.

QIV and ADAS calibration

Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) — front cameras, rain and light sensors, radars and other devices mounted on or near the windscreen. When the windscreen is replaced, these systems require mandatory calibration to ensure their correct operation.

The good news for policyholders is that, in the vast majority of policies in Portugal, ADAS calibration is considered an integral part of the windscreen replacement service and is covered by QIV at no additional cost. This includes:

• Static calibration (with target board in a controlled environment)
• Dynamic calibration (road test at a specific speed)
• Reprogramming of rain and light sensors
• Recalibration of cameras for automatic emergency braking systems (AEB)
• Adjustment of lane assist systems (LKA/LDW)

Insurers offering QIV in Portugal

Virtually all insurers operating in Portugal offer QIV coverage, either as an integral part of comprehensive insurance or as an additional coverage. The main insurers include:

For detailed information on conventions between insurers and service providers, see our page on insurance and conventions.

Practical tips for policyholders

To make the most of your QIV coverage and ensure a hassle-free process, follow these recommendations:

1. Check your policy — confirm that you have active QIV coverage before you need it. If you only have third-party insurance, consider adding this coverage for the small additional cost it represents.
2. Do not delay repairs — a small chip on the windscreen can quickly turn into a crack that requires full replacement. Timely repair is faster and more economical.
3. Photograph the damage — take photos of the damage before contacting the insurer. This can speed up the reporting and authorisation process.
4. Choose certified providers — opt for recognised providers that use type-approved glass and offer a guarantee on the service.
5. Confirm ADAS calibration — if your vehicle has a front camera or sensors on the windscreen, make sure the provider carries out calibration after replacement.
6. Keep the documentation — retain the work order, glass warranty certificate and ADAS calibration confirmation for future reference.
7. Know your rights — the policyholder has the right to free choice of provider, to the use of glass of equivalent quality to the original, and to a professional service with warranty.

Frequently asked questions about QIV