Windscreen Cover on Car Insurance: Is It Worth It?

Summary

• Most comprehensive car insurance policies include windscreen cover, but you will usually pay an excess of £75–£100 for repairs and more for replacements.
• Windscreen claims typically do not affect your no-claims bonus, making them well worth using for expensive repairs or full replacements.
• Whether windscreen cover is worth claiming depends on the cost of your excess versus the repair — minor chips can cost as little as £30 to fix privately.

You are driving down the motorway when a stone flicks up and cracks your windscreen. It happens to thousands of UK drivers every year. Should you claim on your insurance or pay out of pocket? Here is everything you need to know about windscreen cover.

What Is Windscreen Cover?

Windscreen cover is insurance protection for your car's glass. Most comprehensive policies include it as standard. It covers damage to your windscreen, side windows, and rear window.

The cover typically includes both repairs and replacements. A repair fixes small chips and cracks. A replacement means fitting a completely new windscreen when the damage is too severe.

Third-party and third-party, fire and theft policies usually do not include windscreen cover. You need comprehensive insurance to get it. Check your car insurance policy type to see what you are covered for.

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What Windscreen Cover Includes

Standard windscreen cover protects against:

• Chips: Small points of damage, usually caused by stones or road debris.
• Cracks: Lines spreading across the glass, often starting from an untreated chip.
• Full windscreen replacement: When damage is too severe to repair safely.
• Side and rear windows: Most policies cover all of your car's glass panels.

Your policy will not cover wear and tear, scratches, or damage you caused deliberately. It also will not cover windscreens damaged during racing or off-road driving.

Repair vs Replacement

Insurance companies prefer repairs over replacements. Repairs are cheaper and quicker. A repair works when the damage is small and not in the driver's line of sight.

You will need a replacement if the crack is longer than a £2 coin. The same applies if there are multiple chips, or if damage sits in the driver's direct view. Your insurer will assess this for you.

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How Much Does Windscreen Cover Cost?

Windscreen cover is usually included in comprehensive policies at no extra cost. You do not pay a separate premium for it.

However, you will pay an excess when you make a claim. The excess amount varies by insurer and policy. Here is what is typical:

Type of Work	Typical Excess
Windscreen repair	£0–£100 (often £75)
Windscreen replacement	£75–£150
Side or rear window	£75–£150

Some insurers charge no excess for repairs. This makes claiming for a small chip repair an easy decision. Always check your policy documents for your specific excess amounts.

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Does It Affect Your No-Claims Bonus?

Here is the good news. Most insurers do not count windscreen claims against your no-claims bonus. This is a major advantage over other types of claim.

Your no-claims bonus will not be affected if you claim for windscreen damage only. Check your policy terms to be sure. A small number of insurers do count windscreen claims, though this is rare.

If you claim for windscreen damage alongside other damage from the same incident, your no-claims bonus could be affected. The windscreen claim alone would not cause a problem — it is the accident claim that would.

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When Is Windscreen Cover Worth Claiming?

Whether to claim depends on comparing costs. Here is a quick breakdown:

Claim on insurance when:

• You need a full windscreen replacement (costs £150–£500+ privately).
• Your excess is lower than the repair cost.
• You have multiple chips or cracks.
• Your policy has zero excess for repairs.

Pay privately when:

• You have a single small chip (costs £30–£50 to repair privately).
• Your excess is higher than the repair cost.
• You are concerned about any potential premium increases.

A single chip repair can cost as little as £30 at a high-street garage. If your excess is £75, paying privately saves you money. A full replacement costing £300 makes claiming worthwhile when your excess is only £100.

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How To Claim For Windscreen Damage

Making a windscreen claim is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
2. Provide your policy number and describe the damage.
3. Your insurer will arrange an approved repairer to inspect it.
4. The repairer assesses whether a repair or replacement is needed.
5. Pay your excess directly to the repairer.
6. The work is completed, often at your home or workplace.

Many insurers partner with national companies like Autoglass or National Windscreens. They will come to you, saving you a trip to the garage.

Do not delay. Driving with a damaged windscreen that obstructs your view is illegal. You could receive three penalty points and a fine. Check your MOT history too, as windscreen damage can cause an MOT failure.

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Windscreen Cover vs Standalone Policies

Some companies offer standalone windscreen insurance. These policies cover only your glass, separate from your main car insurance.

Standalone policies rarely make financial sense. They cost around £20–£50 per year. Most people are better off using the windscreen cover included in their comprehensive policy.

Consider standalone cover only if you drive frequently on roads with loose chippings. Even then, the maths often does not add up compared to paying for an occasional private repair.

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Top Tips For Windscreen Cover

Get the most from your windscreen cover with these tips:

• Fix chips immediately. Small chips become big cracks if left untreated.
• Check your excess amounts. Know exactly what you will pay before you claim.
• Keep your distance. Leave more space behind lorries and gritting vehicles.
• Read your policy. Some insurers limit the number of windscreen claims per year.
• Compare costs. Get a private repair quote before deciding to claim.

Understanding your windscreen cover helps you make smart decisions when damage happens. For more on keeping car running costs down, check our complete guide.

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