In a dramatic turn of events, the recent hailstorm that struck Islamabad and Rawalpindi has led to a significant spike in windscreen prices across the twin cities. The storm, which occurred on April 15, 2025, left a trail of destruction, shattering windscreens and causing widespread damage to vehicles. As a result, car owners are now facing unexpected financial burdens due to the soaring costs of repairs and replacements.
The Aftermath of the Hailstorm
The hailstorm unleashed heavy rain and large hailstones, causing extensive damage to vehicles parked outdoors. Reports indicate that numerous cars sustained broken windscreens, dented roofs, and shattered windows. The severity of the damage has overwhelmed local auto repair shops, leading to a surge in demand for windscreen replacements.HUM News
Surge in Windscreen Prices
In the wake of the storm, windscreen prices in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have seen a substantial increase. Prior to the hailstorm, the cost of replacing a standard windscreen ranged between PKR 10,000 to PKR 12,000. However, in the current scenario, prices have escalated to approximately PKR 15,000 to PKR 18,000, depending on the vehicle model and the type of glass required.
This price hike can be attributed to several factors:
- Increased Demand: The sudden surge in demand for windscreen replacements has outpaced the supply, leading to higher prices.
- Limited Availability of Parts: The high volume of damaged vehicles has strained the availability of replacement parts, further driving up costs.HUM News
- Labor Shortages: With an influx of repair requests, skilled labor has become scarce, leading to increased service charges.
Impact on Vehicle Owners
The sharp rise in windscreen replacement costs has placed a financial strain on vehicle owners, many of whom were unprepared for such expenses. For instance, a resident of Sector G-9, Islamabad, shared that the cost of replacing the windscreen of his Toyota Corolla had increased by over 50% post-storm. Similarly, a Rawalpindi-based Suzuki WagonR owner reported a significant hike in repair costs, with estimates ranging from PKR 50,000 to PKR 90,000 for denting and painting services.
These unexpected expenses have led to widespread dissatisfaction among car owners, many of whom are now seeking alternative solutions to mitigate costs.
Local Repair Shops Respond
In response to the increased demand, several local repair shops in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are offering promotional discounts to attract customers. For example, Haseeb Windscreen Centre in Rawalpindi is providing competitive rates and home installation services, aiming to ease the burden on affected vehicle owners. Similarly, Madina Windscreen Centre and Punjab Windscreen Center are offering flexible payment plans and expedited services to accommodate the surge in repair requests.
Looking Ahead
The aftermath of the hailstorm has highlighted the vulnerability of vehicle owners to unforeseen weather events. The significant increase in windscreen prices serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive vehicle insurance that covers natural calamities. As the repair industry grapples with the surge in demand, it is anticipated that prices may stabilize in the coming weeks as supply chains recover and the influx of repair requests diminishes.
In the meantime, vehicle owners are advised to obtain multiple quotes from different repair shops, consider opting for dry denting services to preserve original paintwork, and explore insurance options to safeguard against future unforeseen events.
The recent hailstorm has not only caused physical damage to vehicles but has also exposed the financial vulnerabilities of car owners in the face of natural disasters. It underscores the need for preparedness and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of such events in the future.
