screen cracked

My phone screen cracked. when I took it out of my pocket I just saw the cracked screen. I contacted Sony and they said I must send it in, so I did now they want me to pay over R3000 which I don't have. I really need my phone. I can understand if it was my fault, but I am very careful when it comes to my Sony experia. I don't even have it for a year. I am very sad and heartsore.