Does car insurance include windscreen cover?

Key takeaways

• Comprehensive car insurance often includes windscreen cover, but it is not guaranteed, so check the individual policy

• MoneySuperMarket does not offer standalone windscreen insurance, but you can compare full car insurance policies to find one with windscreen cover included

• Windscreen claims usually have their own excess and often won't reduce your no-claims discount, although the claim may still affect future insurance prices

What is windscreen cover?

Windscreen cover is insurance that can pay towards repairing or replacing your car's windscreen if it is chipped, cracked or smashed.

Depending on the policy, cover may also extend to other vehicle glass, such as side and rear windows. Some policies cover additional glass or related technology, while others only cover the windscreen itself.

Is windscreen cover included with comprehensive insurance?

Yes, windscreen cover is included as standard in most fully comprehensive car insurance policies, though some basic or budget comprehensive tiers exclude it, so it's worth checking each individual policy when comparing quotes.

When included, it typically covers repair or replacement of the front windshield, side windows, and rear glass, usually subject to a smaller glass excess.

How can I tell if a policy includes windscreen cover?

To find out if windscreen cover is included when comparing quotes on MoneySuperMarket, look for the glass or windscreen icon, or click 'policy details' to read the fine print regarding repair and replacement inclusions and excess fees.

Check your policy features and documents for:

• Whether windscreen cover is included

• Whether it can be added as an optional extra

• The excess for repairs and replacements

• Which windows or glass are covered

• Any limits on claims or replacement costs

• Whether you need to use an approved repairer

Can I add windscreen cover to my policy?

Yes, you can usually add windscreen cover to your car insurance policy as an optional extra if it is not already included, though some insurers may require a photo or vehicle inspection to prove the glass isn't already damaged.

Availability depends on the insurer and policy, so check before buying or contact your insurer if you already have cover.

Can I buy windscreen cover separately?

MoneySuperMarket does not currently offer standalone windscreen insurance. You can buy standalone windscreen insurance separately from niche providers, though it is rare.

Most drivers purchase it as an add-on bolt-on to an existing third-party or comprehensive car insurance policy, or rely on it being included standard.

What does my windscreen insurance cover?

Windscreen insurance usually covers repairing or replacing a damaged windscreen, but protection for other glass and related costs varies by policy.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can use cameras and sensors fitted around the windscreen for features such as lane assistance and automatic emergency braking - these systems may need specialist recalibration after a windscreen replacement. Check whether your policy covers this work rather than assuming it is included with the glass replacement.

How much excess will I pay for a windscreen claim?

You will usually pay a windscreen or glass excess, but the amount depends on your policy and whether the glass is repaired or replaced. This can be separate from the compulsory and voluntary excesses that apply to other car insurance claims.

Repairs often have a lower excess than full windscreen replacements, and some policies may not charge an excess for certain repairs. Check both the repair excess and replacement excess before buying a policy.

How do I make a windscreen claim?

Start by checking your policy and contacting the insurer or glass repair company it tells you to use - the process will normally look something like this:

1. Check your cover: Make sure that windscreen or glass damage is included and check your excess

2. Contact the right provider: Your insurer might ask you to contact an approved windscreen company directly

3. Give your details: You may need your vehicle registration, policy information and details of the damage

4. Have the damage assessed: The repairer will decide whether the windscreen can be repaired or needs replacing

5. Pay your excess: You pay the amount shown in your policy and the insurer covers eligible remaining costs, subject to its terms

Some insurers use a separate glass-claims process rather than treating windscreen damage like a normal accident claim.

Do I have to use my insurer's approved repairer?

Not always, but using someone else could reduce what your insurer pays - check with your insurer before arranging work yourself. They might apply a higher excess or a much lower payment limit if you choose a repairer outside the insurer's approved network.

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. Here are ballpark figures from Checkatrade for various window replacement costs.

Will a windscreen claim affect my car insurance?

It can, although a dedicated windscreen claim often has different consequences from a normal car insurance claim.

Will it affect my no-claims discount?

Usually not, but check your policy. Many insurers protect your no-claims discount when you make an eligible windscreen or glass claim.

Could my premium still increase?

Yes, potentially. Keeping your no-claims discount does not guarantee that your next insurance price will stay the same. Insurers use several factors when setting premiums, and some may consider previous glass claims when calculating future prices.

Do I need to declare a windscreen claim?

Yes, if an insurer asks you about previous glass or insurance claims. Answer questions about your claims history accurately when you renew or switch insurers.

Will my windscreen be repaired or replaced?

It depends on the type, size and location of the damage. Small chips can often be repaired, while larger cracks or damage affecting the safety of the windscreen may require a replacement.

Cars with cameras or sensors fitted around the windscreen may also need ADAS recalibration after replacement. For more detail on assessing chips and cracks, read our guide to what to do if you have a chipped windscreen.

Can I drive with a damaged windscreen?

Do not drive if the damage affects your view of the road or makes the car unsafe - your windscreen must be kept in a condition that does not obscure your view.

Windscreen damage can also lead to an MOT failure if it significantly affects the driver's view, with the MOT inspection taking the location and extent of the damage into account.

You should arrange to have your car looked at by a professional if you're unsure whether the vehicle is safe to drive.

How can I compare car insurance with windscreen cover?

You should compare each policy's features rather than assuming every comprehensive policy includes the same windscreen protection - be sure to check:

• Whether windscreen cover is included

• The repair and replacement excess

• Whether side and rear glass are covered

• Whether panoramic roofs or sunroofs are included

• Whether ADAS recalibration is covered

• Any restrictions on which repairer you can use

MoneySuperMarket does not currently compare standalone windscreen policies. Our quote journey compares full car insurance, so check the windscreen features of each policy before choosing one.