Windscreen cover insurance

Key Takeaways

• Windscreen insurance can help with the cost of repairing or replacing your windscreen if it gets damaged

• Some policies also cover all glass in the car, including back and side windows as well as sunroofs

• Fully comprehensive car insurance will often include windscreen cover, while third-party and third-party, fire and theft policies usually offer it as a paid add-on

What is windscreen cover with car insurance?

Windscreen insurance is a type of cover that can pay out for the cost of repairing or replacing your windscreen in the event that it gets chipped, cracked or smashed.

Is windscreen cover usually included in car insurance?

Windscreen cover is often included in fully comprehensive car insurance policies as standard, but not always - check your policy documents to be sure. Without specific windscreen cover, you’ll need to pay the full excess to claim for damage - and risk losing your no-claims bonus.

Third-party and third-party, fire and theft policies are less likely to include it as standard, but it will usually be available at an extra cost.

Can I add windscreen cover to my insurance?

If windscreen insurance isn’t part of your standard policy, you should be able to take it out as a paid add-on, but you won’t normally be able to take out an entirely separate policy for it.

What is covered by windscreen car insurance?

Many policies extend windscreen cover to include all glass in the car, like the side and back windows and glass sunroofs. All policies will be different, but it can include:

• Repairing or replacing a damaged windscreen.

• Addressing windscreen damage that could lead to a failed MOT.

• Repairing or replacing all broken glass in the vehicle, including rear and side windows, as well as the sunroof.

• Covering repairs to the vehicle's body and paint if the windscreen breakage causes damage or scratches.

• Recalibrating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) after a windscreen repair.

What is excluded from windscreen cover?

Again, it will depend on the policy you take out, but often windscreen insurance excludes cover for:

• Damage caused deliberately by the policyholder

• Damage caused by careless driving

• Damage caused by driving where you shouldn’t, such as a race circuit

• Damage resulting from wear and tear

• Damage to lights and reflectors

How much does windscreen cover cost?

Adding windscreen cover to your policy usually costs around £20 to £30 for the year, and factoring in the reduced excess means it could result in a substantial saving if you ever need it.

How much does it cost to repair a windscreen?

Windscreen damage is a common problem, and while a crack may seem insignificant at first, it can quickly become more serious – not to mention expensive to fix. Small chips will cost around £50 to repair, but anything larger than the size of a £2 coin usually requires a full windscreen replacement, which could cost you between £200–£250.

How to make a claim on windscreen cover

To claim for windscreen damage on your car insurance policy, you should contact your insurer and let them know what happened. You might have an emergency number to call for situations like this, or they may give you a list of approved mechanics and repairers to use.

Do I pay excess on windscreen cover claims?

Sometimes - for minor damage like small cracks and chips you might not need to pay an excess at all. If the damage is more significant then you might need to pay towards the claim - it will vary between insurers and policies so be sure to check your documents.

If you prefer selecting your own windscreen repairer when getting it fixed or replaced, be aware that the excess you pay might differ.

Will a windscreen cover claim affect my no-claims discount?

Generally, a windscreen cover claim won’t impact your no-claims discount. It’s crucial to check the terms and conditions of your specific insurance policy, as policies can vary. Making a windscreen claim won’t necessarily increase your next premium either, but this isn’t always the case.

Will my cracked windscreen be repaired or replaced?

Windscreen replacement companies will look at the size of the chip and its location on the glass to determine whether your windscreen needs to be repaired or replaced. In most cases, you’ll be able to avoid a total replacement if:

• The windscreen chip or crack is shorter than 28mm, equivalent to a £2 coin

• The chip or crack is shorter than 10mm if it’s in the driver’s field of view

• The chip or crack is more than 7cm from the edge of the window

Can I drive with a cracked windscreen?

You shouldn’t drive with a cracked windscreen - it can even be considered a motoring offence that will lead to a fine or points on your licence. You might be charged with a more serious offence if you drive with a cracked windscreen and have an accident, so it’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible. Here's our guide on what to do if you have a chipped windscreen.

Common causes of windscreen damage

Windscreen damage is commonly caused by:

• Road debris: Stones or debris kicked up by the road or falling off vehicles.

• Bad weather: Extreme weather, high winds, and hailstones can lead to damage.

• Temperature changes: A sudden rapid change in temperature can cause the glass to contract or expand.

• Accidents: From traffic incidents to collisions with animals, bird strikes, or stray golf balls, various accidents can damage your windscreen.

• Vandalism: Thousands of drivers are affected by car crime each year and a smashed window is just one way you might be affected.

Here’s how to prevent chips and cracks in your windscreen:

• Keep your distance: Don’t get too close to vehicles in front of you, especially when on uneven, rocky roads

• Watch your speed: Slow down on newly-laid and resurfaced roads

• Check the weather: If overnight frost is forecast, you can use a cover to protect the windscreen and shouldn’t use hot water or sharp objects to defrost it

• Keep your car sheltered: Keeping your car sheltered when it’s parked will help prevent it from being struck by flying debris or affected by extreme weather

Compare 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.