INSURANCE GUIDE
Windscreen Insurance UK
How windscreen repair and replacement claims work and how to protect your no-claims bonus.
TL;DR
- Windscreen damage is covered under the glass or windscreen section of comprehensive car insurance.
- Windscreen claims generally do not affect your no-claims bonus.
- Chip repair is preferred by insurers over full replacement - it is cheaper and quicker.
- A separate windscreen-only excess typically applies and is lower than the main policy excess.
Windscreen Cover in Car Insurance
Comprehensive car insurance policies include a glass or windscreen section that covers damage to the windscreen, rear window, and side windows. Stone chip damage, cracks, and shattered glass are all covered events. Windscreen claims are handled separately from accident claims and have their own specific excess, which is typically much lower than the main policy excess.
No-Claims Bonus Impact
Windscreen and glass claims are generally treated as separate from the main claims history and do not affect your no-claims bonus (NCB). This is a specific feature of the windscreen section - making a glass claim should not reduce your NCB at renewal. Confirm this is the case with your specific insurer before making a claim, as a small number of insurers treat all claims the same regardless of type.
Repair vs Replacement
Insurers strongly prefer chip repair over full windscreen replacement where the damage is repairable. A chip smaller than a defined size - typically 10mm - in a position outside the driver's primary field of vision can often be repaired rather than replaced. Repair is cheaper for the insurer and quicker for the driver. If you report a chip promptly before it spreads into a crack, it is more likely to be repairable. A crack across the windscreen typically requires full replacement.
Approved Repairers
Most car insurers have an approved windscreen repair network - typically national chains such as Autoglass, Speedy Glass, or the manufacturer's dealer network. Using an approved repairer means the insurer handles the claim directly with the repairer and you only pay the windscreen excess. Using a non-approved repairer may mean paying upfront and claiming reimbursement, and some insurers restrict cover to approved repairer costs.
Related Guides
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Kaeltripton.com is not regulated by the FCA. Always read policy documents in full before purchasing cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does windscreen insurance cover the rear screen?
Yes. The glass or windscreen section of a comprehensive policy typically covers the front windscreen, rear screen, and side windows. The same excess and no-claims bonus treatment applies to rear screen and side window damage as to windscreen damage. Convertible hood windows and panoramic roof glass coverage varies - confirm with your insurer whether these are included.
How quickly should I get a windscreen chip repaired?
As quickly as possible. Temperature changes - particularly moving between a cold exterior and a heated interior - cause chips to expand into cracks. A chip that costs a small excess to repair can become a full replacement within days if left untreated. Most approved windscreen repairers offer same-day or next-day appointments for chip repairs.
