Haris Ashley
Whether a windscreen repair will affect your insurance depends on your insurer and your policy. Many comprehensive policies include windscreen cover, but this is not guaranteed. Some insurers might make an exception for windscreen claims and not count them towards your no-claims bonus, but this is not always the case. If windscreen cover is not specified in your policy, your no-claims bonus could be affected, and you may be liable to pay the full cost of the excess for the repairs or replacement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whether a windscreen repair affects your insurance | Depends on the insurer and the policy |
| Whether windscreen cover is included in standard car insurance | Sometimes included, sometimes an add-on |
| Whether windscreen cover is included in comprehensive insurance | More likely to be included, but not guaranteed |
| Whether windscreen cover is included in third-party, fire and theft insurance | Less likely to be included, may be available as an add-on |
| Whether claiming for a windscreen repair affects your no-claims bonus | Depends on the insurer, some don't count windscreen claims towards the bonus |
| Whether claiming for a windscreen repair affects your premium | Some say it doesn't, others say it does, depends on the insurer |
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What You'll Learn
Windscreen cover
The benefits of having windscreen cover include financial assistance in repairing or replacing a damaged windscreen, which can be costly, especially for windscreens with advanced features such as automatic wipers. Additionally, a damaged windscreen can impair your vision while driving and cause your car to fail its MOT, so having windscreen cover can help ensure your safety and the roadworthiness of your vehicle.
When considering whether to claim for windscreen repairs through your insurance, it is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, claiming through insurance can be more convenient, as the repair company may deal with the insurer directly. Additionally, some insurers do not count windscreen claims towards your no-claims bonus, so your premium may not increase as a result of the claim. However, it is important to note that this varies among insurers, and some people have reported increases in their premiums after making a windscreen claim.
Furthermore, claiming through insurance can sometimes lead to delays, as you may be behind other customers making similar claims. In contrast, contacting a trusted windscreen repair company directly may result in quicker service and higher-quality workmanship. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully review your insurance policy, understand the extent of your windscreen cover, and make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances.
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Comprehensive insurance
If your comprehensive insurance includes windscreen cover, you will likely only have to pay an excess towards the cost of repairs or replacement. The excess for repairing a windscreen is usually between £10 and £25, while total windscreen replacement is generally between £75 and £115. However, some policies offer free repairs with no excess. In some states, insurers are not allowed to apply deductibles to windshield replacement claims if you have comprehensive coverage.
It is worth noting that windscreen insurance usually does not cover general wear and tear. It typically covers the costs of repairs to chips and cracks, but it is important to fix even the smallest crack to prevent it from spreading and requiring a full windscreen replacement. Driving with a damaged windscreen can be considered dangerous if your vision is impaired, and your car may fail its MOT.
Additionally, windscreen cover can include the recalibration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after repairs or replacements. This is important for newer vehicles equipped with sensors, cameras, and other safety features, as these can increase the cost of replacement.
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Third-party insurance
If you have third-party insurance, it's less likely that windscreen cover is included in your policy. However, you may be able to add it as an optional extra for an additional cost. Check with your insurer to see if this is an option and what the associated costs are.
If you need to repair or replace your windscreen, you will need to contact your insurer and let them know what happened. They will review your claim and advise you on the next steps. Your insurer will usually tell you which repairer to use, or you may be given a list of approved mechanics and repairers. Going through your insurer may result in longer wait times for repairs, as they will need to coordinate with the repair company.
If you choose to go directly to a trusted and reputable repair company, you can guarantee yourself high-quality service and a quick turnaround. However, you will need to pay the bill yourself, and you may be liable to pay the full cost of the excess for the repairs or replacement if windscreen cover is not specified in your policy.
It's important to note that driving with a damaged windscreen can be dangerous if your vision is impaired, and your car could potentially fail its MOT. Therefore, it is best to get any chips or cracks in your windscreen fixed as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming larger issues.
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No-claims bonus
Whether or not a windscreen repair affects your no-claims bonus depends on your insurer and your policy. Many policies do cover windscreen repairs, but you should check with your insurer before proceeding with any claims. 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 depend on your provider. Some policies allow an unlimited number of repairs, while others might set a limit on how much you can claim each year.
Windscreen replacement typically counts as an insurance claim, but most insurers treat these claims differently from other types. Many don't affect your no-claims bonus and often have lower excess fees. Recent changes in the insurance market have seen more insurers separating windscreen claims from other claim types. An analysis of 15 major UK insurers in 2025 showed that, in most cases, windscreen claims don't affect your no-claims bonus. This policy is specifically designed to encourage drivers to promptly repair windscreen damage, which is a safety issue.
However, there are exceptions. Some insurers do count windscreen claims towards your no-claims bonus. For example, one person with protected no claims found that their new windscreen was still classed as a claim, and their insurance premium went up the following year. Another person's insurance quotes increased by about £100 when they declared a windscreen replacement.
If windscreen cover isn't specified within your insurance policy, your no-claims bonus could be affected, and you may be liable to pay the full cost of the excess for the repairs or replacement. In addition, if you choose a repair company that doesn't work with your insurer, your insurer may require you to pay extra for the work.
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Cost of repairs
The cost of repairing a windscreen varies depending on the car you drive, where you live, the extent of the damage, and the repair company you choose. Basic repairs of minor chips or cracks using a special sealing resin typically cost around £40-£50 plus VAT. More specialist repairs can cost £50-£100+, and if quoted over £200, it may be worth opting for a full windscreen replacement. The cost of a new windscreen depends on the car make and model, ranging from £180 for a small hatchback to over £1,600 for a hi-tech Range Rover windscreen.
If you have comprehensive car insurance, windscreen cover may be included as standard, or available as an add-on. With windscreen cover, you typically only pay the excess fee for repairs or replacements, which is often between £10 and £25 for windscreen repairs and £75-£115 for replacements. However, some policies offer free repairs with no excess, while others have unlimited repairs or set a limit on the annual claim amount.
If you don't have windscreen cover, you may need to cover the full repair or replacement cost. Before deciding whether to claim on your insurance, it's important to consider the potential impact on your no-claims bonus and whether the excess amount is higher than the anticipated repair cost. In some cases, arranging and paying for the repair yourself may be cheaper and faster than claiming on your insurance.
To avoid unexpected costs, carefully review your insurance policy's terms and conditions and clarify any uncertainties with your insurer. Additionally, consider shopping around for repair quotes to find the best option for your budget and needs.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need to. You can pay for the repairs yourself. However, many policies do cover windscreen repairs, so check with your insurer first.
Windscreen cover is often included in comprehensive car insurance policies. However, this isn't guaranteed, so check your policy schedule. You can also call your insurer to confirm.
It depends on your insurer and your policy. Some insurers say that windscreen claims won't affect your no-claims bonus, but others have been known to class windscreen claims as regular claims, which can affect your bonus.
If your insurance covers windscreen repairs, you can make a claim. You will usually only have to pay your excess. You can book an appointment with a repair company, which will then deal directly with your insurer.
