What do I do if I have a chipped windscreen?

Key takeaways

• Car insurance policies, especially comprehensive cover, often cover windscreen repair costs without affecting the no-claims bonus, though terms and excess vary

• Driving with a cracked windscreen that obstructs the driver's view is illegal

• Windscreen damage can result from road debris, sudden temperature changes and structural weaknesses

What should I do if I have a chipped or damaged windscreen?

If you have a chipped or cracked windscreen you should:

Is it illegal to drive with a cracked windscreen?

Yes, it is illegal to drive with a cracked windscreen if it obstructs your view of the road. If you are stopped by the police you could get three penalty points on your driving licence and a fine.

If you have an accident while driving with a cracked windscreen you could face more severe charges.

If you're unsure about the severity of a crack, consult a professional.

Will my car fail its MOT if it has a chipped windscreen?

Yes, depending on the size of the chip and where it is located on the car windscreen your car could fail its MOT.

The MOT tester has to check the condition of the windscreen and your car will fail its MOT if:

• There is a chip more than 10mm in diameter in the driver’s line of vision

• If the chip is outside this area but is more than 40mm in diameter

If you’ve had a windscreen chip repaired, the rules state that as long as it’s a ‘barely detectable repair, finished flush with the surrounding glass’ it won’t count as damage.

Does car insurance cover chipped or cracked windscreens?

Yes, car insurance, particularly a comprehensive policy, often includes windscreen cover.

You will usually need to pay an excess - a contribution towards the cost of the repair or windscreen replacement. This amount can vary by insurer so make sure you check your policy’s terms. You’ll also need to use an insurer’s approved windscreen repairer.

If you have third party only car insurance or third party fire and theft you may be able to add windscreen cover as an optional extra.

Will claiming for a chipped or cracked windscreen affect my no-claims bonus?

No, claiming for a chipped or cracked windscreen, if you have windscreen cover, doesn’t usually affect your no-claims bonus. But check your own insurance policy details to make sure as each insurer has different rules, conditions or exceptions.

Look out for exceptions that might impact your no-claims status, such as limits on claims per year or repair location requirements.

📣 Did you know? About two-fifths (39%) of drivers assume claiming for a windscreen replacement through their car insurance will affect their no-claims bonus, according to an Autoglass survey. But, in reality, most insurers don’t penalise drivers for this type of claim.

Can a chipped windscreen be repaired?

Yes, a chipped windscreen can be repaired but the feasibility of repairing rather than replacing a windscreen depends on:

Size and location of the chip

If the chip is smaller than a £2 coin (about 25mm) or more than 7cm from the edge of the windscreen, it’s usually repairable. If the chip or crack is in the driver's line of sight it may be repairable if the chip or crack is shorter than 10mm across its diameter.

Repair techniques

Technological advances have introduced efficient methods to mend windscreens. Special resins injected into the chip restore the glass's structural integrity and clarity, making the damage nearly invisible.

Structural risk

Despite the best repair efforts, some situations still require a full windscreen replacement. This is especially true for larger cracks, those that have spread significantly, or chips at the windscreen's edge, as these can compromise the glass's structural safety.

How long does it take to repair a chipped windscreen?

It usually takes about 30 minutes to repair a chipped windscreen.

You don’t have to take your car to a garage, the windscreen repair can be carried out at your home or office car park or even some supermarket car parks with a mobile repairer.

How much does it cost to repair a chipped windscreen?

Small chips can cost from £45 to £90 to repair, if you don’t have windscreen insurance. If you claim on your insurance you might only pay a small excess (£10-£20).

How long does it take to replace a windscreen?

A windscreen replacement could take an hour or more. If your car is fitted with safety features known as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) then the cameras and sensors fitted to the windscreen will need to be realigned. You’ll hear this referred to as ADAS recalibration. This can take another 45 minutes.

How much does it cost to replace a windscreen?

If you don’t have windscreen cover you could pay a few hundred pounds to replace a windscreen. The average cost of a windscreen replacement in 2025 was £307.37, according to FixMyCar's data but the costs will vary depending on the make and model of your car, whether you need ADAS recalibration or not, and mobile call-out fees.

If you have windscreen insurance your excess is likely to be less (about £100) but double check your policy details to find out the exact excess.

What causes a cracked or chipped windscreen?

• Road debris like stones and gravel

• Bad weather including hailstones and storms

• Sudden temperature changes

• Poor installation or inherent structural weaknesses in the windscreen

• Accidents

• Vandalism

How can I prevent my windscreen getting damaged?

Most of the time you can’t prevent a windscreen chip or windscreen crack. However, these tips can help:

• Make sure you use an ice scraper or de-icer to clear a frozen windscreen. Never pour hot water or boiling water onto it

• Replace your windscreen wipers regularly (ideally, once a year) and especially if you notice signs of damage or if they’re leaving streaks on your windscreen as worn wiper blades could cause windscreen damage

• If you’re driving on a road which has recently been resurfaced make sure you obey the temporary speed limit to avoid loose chippings damaging your windscreen

• Keep a sensible distance from the vehicle in front especially if you’re driving on uneven roads or gravel

• Think carefully about where your car is parked, especially in stormy weather

Should I use car insurance to replace my windscreen?

Yes, if you have windscreen cover then paying the policy excess to replace your windscreen often works out cheaper than paying out of pocket for a windscreen replacement, particularly if your car has a heated windscreen, rain sensors or safety technology which requires sensors and cameras to be recalibrated.

However, it’s a good idea to contact a windscreen repairer for a quote and to double-check the excess your insurer charges as this can vary between insurance providers before claiming on your insurance.

If you have a no-claims bonus you should also check with your insurer whether this will be affected by a windscreen claim (it usually won’t).

💡 Top tip: Bear in mind that even if your no-claims bonus isn’t affected you’ll usually need to declare a windscreen claim when you renew your car insurance or if you switch insurance providers, and this could increase the cost of your next premium.

What should I do if my car insurance doesn’t cover windscreen damage?

If your car insurance doesn't cover windscreen damage, you should get quotes from a number of independent repairers to compare costs and see whether the damage can be repaired or whether you need a new windscreen.

You should do this as soon as possible to avoid a small chip turning into a crack or to ensure your car is still legal to drive if you already have significant damage.

Once you’ve paid for the repair or replacement, consider adding windscreen cover to your car insurance before a future incident.

How do I add windscreen cover to my car insurance?

If your car insurance doesn’t include windscreen cover you may be able to add it mid-policy but you won’t be able to claim for any pre-existing windscreen damage.

Alternatively, when you renew your car insurance or take out a policy with a new insurance provider you can look for comprehensive policies which include windscreen cover or give you the option to add it for a small fee.

When comparing car insurance quotes check:

• The different levels of excess for a repair or full windscreen replacement

• Whether your no-claims discount will be affected if you claim

How can I find cheap car insurance with windscreen cover?

Comparing car insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket is a quick and easy way to find affordable cover. All you need to do is tell us a little about yourself, the car you’re insuring, and your driving history and we’ll put together a list of quotes tailored to your needs.

We do not offer windscreen cover as a standalone policy, but it can be included as standard or as an add-on to your car insurance policy.