Windscreen Repair vs Replacement: UK Costs & Insurance Guide

Summary

• Chips smaller than a £2 coin: Usually repairable. Costs £50-100 or often free through insurance.
• Cracks or damage in the driver's view: Replacement required. Costs £200-1,000+ depending on the car.
• Insurance matters: Many policies cover windscreen damage without affecting your no claims discount. Check your insurance policy first.

A stone flies up from the car ahead. A sharp crack. And suddenly there's a chip in your windscreen staring back at you.

It's one of those problems every driver faces eventually. The question is: do you repair it, replace it, or ignore it?

This guide explains everything. When repair works. When replacement is needed. How much it costs. And how to handle the insurance side.

---

Repair or Replace? The Simple Rules

Not every bit of windscreen damage needs a full replacement. Small chips can often be repaired quickly and cheaply. But larger damage needs the whole windscreen swapped out.

When Repair Is Possible

Windscreen repair works for small, contained damage. Here's the general rule:

• Size: Chips smaller than a £2 coin (roughly 25mm) can usually be repaired.
• Location: Damage must be away from the edges and not in the driver's direct line of sight.
• Type: Simple chips and bullseyes work best. Star cracks or long cracks can't be repaired.
• Depth: Damage that only affects the outer layer of glass is easier to fix.

When Replacement Is Needed

You'll need a new windscreen if:

• The crack is longer than 30cm: Repairs can't fix spreading damage.
• Damage is in Zone A: This is the area directly in front of the driver. Even small chips here often mean replacement.
• Multiple chips: Several areas of damage weaken the glass too much.
• Edge damage: Chips near the edge can spread quickly and compromise structural integrity.
• Deep penetration: If both layers of the laminated glass are damaged.

Don't wait: Small chips spread. Temperature changes, vibrations, and potholes all make damage worse. A £50 repair today could save you a £500 replacement next week.

---

Windscreen Damage and the MOT

Yes, windscreen damage can fail your MOT. The rules are stricter than you might think.

Zone A (Driver's View)

This is a 290mm wide strip directly in front of the driver. Any damage larger than 10mm will fail the MOT.

That's smaller than a 5 pence coin. Pretty strict.

Rest of the Windscreen (Zone B)

Outside Zone A, the limit is more generous. Damage larger than 40mm will fail.

What About Chips?

Chips that have been professionally repaired are usually accepted, as long as the repair is clean and doesn't distort vision.

Planning an MOT soon? Check our ultimate MOT guide for more on what's tested.

---

How Much Does Windscreen Repair Cost?

Windscreen repair is relatively cheap. Here's what to expect:

Service	Typical Cost
Single chip repair	£50-80
Multiple chip repair (2-3 chips)	£80-120
Mobile repair service	£50-100
Through insurance	Often free or small excess

Repair takes about 20-30 minutes. The technician injects clear resin into the chip, cures it with UV light, and polishes the surface smooth.

The repair isn't invisible. You'll still see a faint mark. But it stops the damage spreading and restores structural integrity.

---

How Much Does Windscreen Replacement Cost?

Replacement is more expensive. Costs vary hugely depending on your car.

Car Type	Typical Cost
Basic car (no sensors)	£200-350
Standard car with rain sensor	£300-500
Car with ADAS camera	£500-1,000
Luxury/premium car	£800-1,500+
Heated windscreen (Ford, etc.)	£400-700

Why Are Modern Windscreens So Expensive?

Today's windscreens aren't just glass. Many include:

• Rain sensors: Automatic wipers need a sensor embedded in the glass.
• ADAS cameras: Lane assist and automatic braking cameras mount behind the windscreen.
• Heating elements: Some cars have heated windscreens with embedded wires.
• Heads-up display: Special coatings for projecting information onto the glass.

If your car has ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), the camera will need recalibrating after replacement. This can add £100-200 to the bill.

Learn more about these features in our ADAS explained guide.

---

Does Insurance Cover Windscreen Damage?

Good news: most comprehensive insurance policies include windscreen cover. And using it usually doesn't affect your no claims discount.

How Windscreen Cover Works

• Repair: Often completely free. No excess to pay.
• Replacement: Usually requires an excess payment. Typically £75-100.
• No claims bonus: Windscreen claims usually don't count as a fault claim.

Check Your Policy First

Not all policies include windscreen cover as standard. Third-party only policies rarely include it. Some comprehensive policies have it as an optional extra.

Check your policy documents or call your insurer before booking a repair. You might save yourself £50-100.

Need help understanding your policy? See our guide to understanding car insurance excess.

---

The Windscreen Repair Process

Wondering what actually happens during a repair? Here's the step-by-step:

Step 1: Assessment

The technician examines the damage to confirm it's repairable. They'll check size, location, and depth.

Step 2: Cleaning

The damaged area is cleaned and any loose glass fragments removed. The chip is dried with a vacuum.

Step 3: Resin Injection

A special clear resin is injected into the chip using a precision tool. This fills the damaged area completely.

Step 4: Curing

UV light is used to harden the resin. This takes a few minutes.

Step 5: Polishing

The surface is polished smooth. The repair is complete.

Total time: 20-30 minutes. You can drive immediately after.

---

Should You Use a DIY Repair Kit?

You've seen them in car shops. Windscreen repair kits for £10-20. Are they any good?

The Honest Answer

DIY kits can work for very small chips. But they're tricky to use well. Common problems include:

• Air bubbles in the resin
• Incomplete filling of the chip
• Visible marks after repair
• Damage spreading anyway

When DIY Might Work

• Very small chips (under 10mm)
• Damage away from your line of sight
• When you can't afford professional repair

When to Avoid DIY

• Damage in Zone A (driver's view)
• Chips larger than a pea
• If you have insurance that covers repair
• If you're selling the car soon

A botched DIY repair can make professional repair impossible. Then you're looking at full replacement.

---

Finding a Windscreen Repairer

You have several options:

National Chains

• Autoglass: The biggest name. Mobile service. Works directly with insurers.
• National Windscreens: Similar service. Good coverage across UK.
• Halfords: In-store repairs at some branches.

Independent Specialists

Local specialists can be cheaper for non-insurance work. Check reviews carefully.

Mobile vs Workshop

Mobile services come to you. Very convenient. Workshop visits may be cheaper but require your time.

---

Can You Drive With a Cracked Windscreen?

Legally, it depends on the damage location and size.

What's Legal

• Small chips outside Zone A: Legal but not advisable
• Damage under 10mm in Zone A: Borderline legal
• Damage over 10mm in Zone A: Potentially illegal and definitely an MOT fail

Practical Considerations

Even if technically legal, driving with windscreen damage is risky:

• Reduced visibility: Cracks distort your view, especially in sunlight or at night.
• Spreading: Every bump and temperature change makes damage worse.
• Safety: Windscreens provide structural support. Damaged glass is weaker in an accident.
• Insurance: Driving with known damage could complicate claims.

---

How to Prevent Windscreen Damage

You can't eliminate the risk. But you can reduce it:

• Keep your distance: The further behind lorries and vans, the less chance of stones hitting you.
• Avoid roadworks: Loose chippings are a major cause. Slow down through them.
• Check for recalls: Some cars have had windscreen-related safety recalls.
• Address chips immediately: Don't let small damage become big damage.
• Use screenwash: Clean glass is easier to inspect for new damage.

---

Common Questions

• Will a repair be visible?
  Yes, faintly. The chip won't disappear completely. But it will be much less noticeable and won't spread.
• How long does repair last?
  A good repair is permanent. The resin is as strong as the original glass.
• Can I wash my car after repair?
  Wait 24 hours for the resin to fully cure. Then you're fine.
• Does replacement affect my car's value?
  A properly fitted replacement shouldn't affect value. But document it in the service history. When selling, a history check may show the change.
• My car has ADAS. Is replacement more complicated?
  Yes. The camera system needs recalibrating after windscreen replacement. Make sure your repairer can handle this.

---

Final Thoughts

Windscreen damage is annoying. But it's usually fixable without too much cost or hassle.

The key is acting quickly. A tiny chip today could be an expensive replacement next month. Get it checked. Get it fixed. And get on with your life.

Check your insurance first. You might find the whole thing costs you nothing.

Read our other articles: