Windscreen cover explained

Windscreen cover helps cover the costs of repairing and replacing chipped and cracked windscreens. Sometimes it’s included in a standard car insurance policy, and other times you can get it as an add-on.

Does my car insurance cover windscreen repairs?

It depends on your policy. If you have fully comprehensive car insurance then it’s more likely to be included as standard. But this isn't guaranteed – so make sure you check.

It’s less likely to be part of a third-party, fire and theft policy. In those cases, you need to see if it can be arranged as an add-on or look for standalone cover.

The good news is that such cover shouldn't cost a fortune. 

What our motor insurance expert says

"I’d always recommend choosing a policy with windscreen cover included. It's often included in a comprehensive car insurance policy but always check with your insurer. If it’s not included on your policy consider taking out additional windscreen cover with your car insurance.

"If you don't have windscreen cover included or as an add on, you may need to cover the costs of any repairs yourself, and if your windscreen is expensive with automatic wipers for example, it could cost you thousands to replace. It's well worth the additional cost in my opinion!"

Rhydian Jones Commercial Director & Motoring Expert

Does windscreen cover count as a claim?

This depends on the insurer, so you need to check with them. Some insurers might make an exception for windscreen claims and not count them towards your no-claims bonus.

The number of times you can claim for windscreen repair will also depend on your provider. Some policies allow an unlimited number of repairs. Others might set a limit on how much you can claim each year.

Do I have to declare a windscreen claim on my insurance policy?

Yes, when renewing your policy, you'll be asked if you've made a claim on your car insurance in the previous year. Failing to disclose claims for windscreen repairs or windscreen replacements means you risk invalidating your car insurance.

How much does it cost to repair a chipped windscreen?

This depends on the extent of the damage and the make and model of your car.

Can you drive with a chip in your windscreen?

You can, but it depends on the size of the chip and its location on the windscreen. It's fairly common, and in some cases you can be forgiven for not spotting a chip.

But you might be unknowingly breaking the law driving with a chipped windscreen.

You legally need to have a full view of the road ahead. If you don't, you risk a fixed penalty of 3 points on your licence, as well as a fine. It’s also dangerous to drive if you can’t see the road clearly.

More importantly, it could be dangerous to you, any passengers, and other drivers on the road.

Can you drive with a crack in your windscreen?

You might be committing a motoring offence if a crack obstructs your view of the road ahead. This is because you'll be deemed as driving a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition.

As with windscreen chips, you could face a fine and 3 points on your licence. However, if you have an accident because of your cracked windscreen, you could be charged with a more serious driving offence. When it comes to your MOT, a chipped or cracked windscreen could result in a test failure. This is where it can get slightly confusing, so we'll break it all down!

Windscreen zones: This refers to 2 defined sections of your windscreen: Zone A and Zone B.

Zone A is 290mm wide, it's centred on the steering wheel and the driver's direct line of vision (it's 350mm wide on vehicles over 3.5 tonnes).

Zone B makes up the rest of the windscreen outside of Zone A.

A chip or crack greater than 40mm in size anywhere on your windscreen will result in an MOT fail.

But if a chip or crack at least 10mm in size is located in Zone A, this will also result in a failed MOT. 

What causes windscreen chips?

This tends to happen when debris is thrown up from the road and hits your windscreen. Hailstones, falling tree branches, wayward golf balls, and sudden changes of weather are other culprits.

Preventing windscreen damage isn't a foolproof process, but there are some tips you can try to avoid a chip or crack:

Avoid driving off-road or on gravel-heavy surfaces: First up, driving on surfaces that are likely to throw up debris are more likely to do just that.

Park under cover where possible: If you leave your car parked exposed to the elements, your windscreen is at a greater risk of damage. If a garage or shelter isn't available, try parking in a quieter location clear of any overhanging trees.

Don't defrost your windscreen with boiling water: If you haven't seen a video of this happening, it's a painful watch! A drastic change of temperature could turn a minor chip into a major crack or even shatter your windscreen.

Check your wipers: If a wiper doesn't look like it's operating smoothly or is making an odd noise, check it out. Damaged or faulty wipers can further damage your windscreen if you have an existing chip or crack.

How do I get it repaired?

It's all about damage limitation. The sooner you act, the better the outcome!

Small chips or cracks can get worse and spread across your windscreen. So, fixing the damage early is a cheaper prospect than having your entire windscreen replaced!

Repairing a chip is done by injecting a clear resin or acrylic adhesive into the affected area. This seals the chip itself, preventing any debris or moisture from getting in. It might only take 30 minutes to fix.

This type of repair doesn't completely hide the damage, but it is less visible. You can also rest easy knowing the area is even and at a reduced risk of further damage!

A larger crack is far tougher to fix and a much costlier repair. It's more likely that you'll be recommended to replace the windscreen.

* Figures taken from Autoglass, prices correct as of March 2025