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, so you need to see if you can buy it as an add-on or look for standalone cover.

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 you buy or renew a policy, your insurer may ask if you’ve made a claim on your car insurance in recent years. This could include windscreen claims, even if they didn’t affect your no-claims bonus. If you’re not sure what to include, ask your insurer. Not telling them could affect your policy or a future claim.

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 where it is. Chips are common and can be easy to miss.

But you might be unknowingly breaking the law if you drive with a chipped windscreen. You legally need to have a full view of the road ahead. If you don’t, you could be fined up to £1,000 and get 3 penalty points. It’s also dangerous to drive if you can’t see the road clearly.

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 may be deemed as driving a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition. If so, you could face a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points. However, if you’ve had 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 a 290mm-wide area in the part of the windscreen swept by the wipers, centred on the steering wheel. Zone B is the rest of the swept area.

Damage in Zone A should fit within a 10mm circle, and damage in Zone B within a 40mm circle. Larger damage, or damage that seriously blocks your view, could mean an MOT fail. Repairs are judged in the same way as other damage.

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 is likely to be.

Before you book a repair, it’s worth checking with your insurer. Some policies may ask you to use a particular repairer, so arranging it yourself could affect your claim.

Small chips or cracks can get worse and spread across your windscreen. So, fixing the damage early is usually cheaper than replacing your entire windscreen.

Repairing a chip is done by injecting a clear resin or acrylic adhesive into the affected area. This seals the chip itself, helping to keep debris and moisture out. It might only take 30 minutes.

A repair can stop the damage spreading, but it won’t restore the screen to how it was. Damage in the driver’s line of sight, or larger cracks, may not be repairable.

A larger crack can be harder to fix and may cost more. It’s more likely that you’ll be recommended to replace the windscreen.