Windscreen Cover: Cost, Claims & MOT Rules

A damaged windscreen isn't just an unsightly nuisance; it's a significant safety hazard that no motorist should ignore. A chip or crack, no matter how small, can rapidly escalate, obscuring your vital view of the road, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Furthermore, it compromises the structural integrity of your vehicle, potentially leading to far more serious consequences in the event of an accident. Understanding your insurance options and the legal implications of driving with windscreen damage is paramount for any responsible driver in the UK.

This comprehensive guide delves into the nuances of windscreen cover, helping you navigate the complexities of car insurance policies, the claiming process, and the strict rules governing windscreen damage under the MOT test. We'll explore what causes these frustrating damages, what steps you should take immediately after spotting a chip, and whether a repair is a viable option for you. Equipping yourself with this knowledge can save you both money and, more importantly, ensure your safety on the road.

Does Car Insurance Cover Windscreen Damage?

The extent to which your car insurance policy covers windscreen damage largely depends on the type of cover you have in place. Generally speaking, if you hold a comprehensive car insurance policy, you will likely find that windscreen damage, including chips and cracks, is included as standard. This means that should your windscreen suffer damage, you may be able to claim for its repair or replacement under your existing policy.

However, if your policy is a 'third party, fire and theft' policy, it's highly improbable that windscreen damage will be covered. These policies offer a more basic level of protection, primarily covering damage to other vehicles or property, as well as theft and fire damage to your own vehicle. They do not typically extend to accidental damage to your own car, such as a chipped or cracked windscreen.

It's always advisable to review your policy documents carefully or contact your insurer directly to confirm the specifics of your cover. Understanding these details before an incident occurs can save you time, stress, and unexpected costs.

What is Windscreen Cover?

Windscreen cover, when included as part of your comprehensive car insurance policy, provides specific protection for damage to your vehicle's glass. This isn't limited solely to the front windscreen; it typically extends to cover all windows of your vehicle, including side windows and the rear screen. The primary benefits of having this cover are:

• Repairing Chips: For smaller damages, often referred to as chips, the cover will usually facilitate a repair. This is generally a quicker and less expensive process than a full replacement.
• Replacing Windscreens or Other Windows: If the damage is too extensive for a repair, or if it's located in a critical area, the cover will pay for a full replacement of the windscreen or any other damaged window.

When you make a claim under your windscreen cover, you will typically be required to pay an excess. This is a fixed amount that you contribute towards the cost of the repair or replacement. The amount of this excess can vary significantly depending on your insurer and the specific level of car insurance you have. It's often lower for repairs than for full replacements, encouraging drivers to address minor damage promptly.

If windscreen cover isn't automatically included in your comprehensive policy, many insurers offer it as an optional add-on. This can be a worthwhile investment. For instance, standalone windscreen cover can be acquired for around £60 a year. While this might seem like an additional expense, consider the potential savings: a full windscreen replacement can easily cost several hundred pounds, depending on your car's make and model. By having this cover, you not only avoid a hefty out-of-pocket expense but also protect your no-claims discount, as windscreen claims often don't affect your no-claims bonus unless the damage was due to an accident involving another vehicle or incident you also claim for.

How Do I Claim for Windscreen Damage?

Claiming for windscreen damage on your insurance is generally a straightforward process, but following the correct steps is crucial to ensure a smooth resolution. Here's a typical procedure:

1. Contact Your Insurer: As soon as you discover the damage, get in touch with your insurance provider. Most insurers offer multiple contact methods, including phone helplines and online claim portals. Have your policy number readily available, as this will expedite the process.
2. Provide Details: Be prepared to explain what happened. You'll need to tell them where and when the damage occurred, and if you witnessed anything specific (e.g., a stone hitting your windscreen from another vehicle).
3. Follow Insurer's Advice: Your insurer will review your claim and advise you on the next steps. It's extremely important to follow their instructions precisely.
4. Use Approved Repairer: In most cases, your insurer will direct you to an approved repairer or a specific network of glass specialists. Using their recommended service provider is vital, as going to a non-approved repairer could result in you having to pay the full bill yourself, or at least a significantly higher excess. These approved repairers often have direct billing agreements with insurers, simplifying the payment process.

Acting quickly is key, as delaying a repair can allow dirt and moisture to ingress into the chip, making a successful repair more difficult or even impossible, thus necessitating a more expensive replacement.

Is it Legal to Drive with a Chipped Windscreen?

The legality of driving with a chipped or cracked windscreen in the UK is governed by the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. These regulations clearly state that:

“All glass or other transparent material fitted to a motor vehicle shall be maintained in such condition that it does not obscure the vision of the driver while the vehicle is being driven on a road.”

This means that while a tiny, almost imperceptible chip in an non-critical area might be permissible, any damage that significantly impairs the driver's view is illegal. The key factor is whether the damage "obscures the vision of the driver."

The size and position of the chip or crack are critical in determining its legality and safety. A small chip that might seem minor to you could, depending on its location, fall within a critical area of the windscreen that affects your line of sight. If you're unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and arrange for a repair before you drive extensively. Driving with an illegal windscreen could lead to a fine, points on your licence, or even invalidate your insurance in the event of an accident.

What are the MOT Rules for a Damaged Windscreen?

The MOT test has specific and stringent rules regarding windscreen damage, designed to ensure driver visibility and vehicle safety. The windscreen is divided into two primary zones for the purpose of the MOT inspection, with different criteria applied to each:

Windscreen MOT Zones and Damage Limits

It's important to note that even if a chip is within the passing limits for its zone, it can still spread and become a larger crack that would fail an MOT. Therefore, addressing any damage promptly, even if small, is highly recommended to avoid an MOT failure and ensure continued safety.

What Causes a Cracked Windscreen?

Windscreens are remarkably robust, but they are not indestructible. Various factors, both common and less obvious, can lead to chips and cracks:

• Stones and Grit: This is by far the most common culprit. Small stones, gravel, and road grit are frequently picked up by vehicle tyres and propelled at high speed towards other cars, often resulting in sudden, sharp impacts that cause chips or cracks. Maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle in front can reduce this risk, though damage can also be caused by oncoming vehicles.
• Cold Temperature and Thermal Shock: Extreme temperature changes can be particularly damaging. If you have an existing small chip, trying to clear a frosty windscreen with hot water can cause a rapid expansion of the glass around the chip, turning it into a significant crack due due to thermal shock. Always defrost your car gradually.
• Potholes: While seemingly unrelated, hitting a deep pothole can send a significant jolt through your vehicle's chassis. If your windscreen already has a minor chip, this sudden shock and vibration can exacerbate the damage, causing the chip to spread into a larger crack.
• Weather Conditions: Severe weather can contribute to windscreen damage. Heavy hailstones, large chunks of ice falling from trees or other vehicles, or even branches carried by strong winds can impact the glass with enough force to cause a chip or crack.
• Manufacturing Defects or Installation Errors: In rare cases, a windscreen might crack due to a pre-existing manufacturing defect or improper installation, leading to uneven stress points in the glass.
• Impact from Debris: Beyond stones, other forms of road debris like fallen cargo, small tools, or even discarded items can strike a windscreen, causing damage.

Understanding these causes can help you take preventative measures, though some are simply unavoidable. The key is to act quickly once damage occurs.

What Should I Do if I Get a Chipped Windscreen?

Discovering a chip or crack in your windscreen can be frustrating, but your immediate actions can significantly impact whether the damage can be repaired or if a full replacement will be necessary. Prompt action is crucial:

1. Act Quickly: The sooner you address a chip, the better. Dirt, moisture, and even cleaning fluids can get into the chip, making a visually acceptable repair more difficult or impossible.
2. Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes: If the weather is cold, heat your car's interior and windscreen gradually. Similarly, avoid pouring hot or warm water directly onto a frozen windscreen, as this can cause thermal shock and turn a small chip into a large, irreparable crack.
3. Defrost Carefully: Use your car's demister or a suitable de-icer spray. Never scrape aggressively around the chip.
4. Park in the Shade: If possible, park your car in the shade. Direct sunlight can cause the glass to expand and contract, potentially worsening the damage. A heat-reflecting car shade can also help.
5. Avoid Slamming Doors: A sudden change in air pressure inside your car, caused by slamming a door, can sometimes put additional stress on a weakened windscreen and cause a chip to spread.
6. Do Not Pick at the Damage: Resist the urge to pick at the chip or try to clean it with sharp objects, as this can introduce more dirt or enlarge the damage.
7. Contact Your Insurer/Repairer: As outlined earlier, contact your insurance provider or a reputable glass repair specialist as soon as possible to arrange an assessment and repair.

Remember, a small chip, if ignored, can grow rapidly due to vibration, temperature fluctuations, and everyday driving stresses, turning a simple repair into a much costlier replacement.

Can I Repair a Chipped Windscreen?

The good news is that many windscreen chips can be successfully repaired, often saving you the cost and inconvenience of a full replacement. However, whether a repair is possible depends on several factors, primarily the size, type, and location of the damage.

• Size Limits: For damage located directly in the driver's line of sight (Zone A, as defined for the MOT test), only chips up to 10mm wide are typically repairable. Elsewhere on the windscreen, chips up to 40mm wide can often be repaired. Cracks, especially long ones, are generally not repairable and will require a full windscreen replacement.
• Type of Damage: Star breaks, bullseyes, and combination breaks are often repairable. Complex cracks or those that have penetrated both layers of the laminated glass are usually not.
• Location: Damage at the very edge of the windscreen, or very close to the windscreen's frame, is often difficult to repair safely due to the structural stress in these areas.
• Contamination: As mentioned, dirt or moisture getting into the chip will make a visually acceptable repair more difficult. This is why quick action is so important.

The repair process typically involves cleaning and drying the damaged area thoroughly. A clear resin, with properties similar to glass, is then injected into the chip under pressure. This resin fills the voids, is cured with ultraviolet light, and then polished smooth. While the damage won't completely disappear, the chip will be significantly less visible, and the structural integrity of the windscreen will be restored, preventing the chip from spreading further.

Repairing a chip is almost always more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than replacing the entire windscreen. It also avoids the potential hassle of recalibrating Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) that are often integrated into modern windscreens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does a windscreen repair take?

A typical windscreen chip repair is surprisingly quick, often taking as little as 20-30 minutes. A full windscreen replacement, however, can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, plus an additional period for the adhesive to cure before the vehicle can be safely driven.

Q2: Will a windscreen claim affect my no-claims discount?

Many comprehensive car insurance policies include windscreen cover that allows you to make a claim for repair or replacement without affecting your no-claims discount. This is because windscreen damage is often considered a 'non-fault' incident. However, it's essential to check your specific policy details, as some insurers might have different terms, especially if the damage was part of a larger accident claim.

Q3: Can I repair a crack instead of a chip?

Generally, small chips are repairable, but cracks are not. A crack, by definition, is a linear break in the glass, and its structural integrity is significantly compromised. Most repair services and insurers will advise a full windscreen replacement for cracks, especially if they are longer than a few centimetres or located in critical viewing areas.

Q4: What should I do if my windscreen cracks while driving?

If your windscreen cracks suddenly while you're driving, remain calm. Reduce your speed, pull over safely when it's safe to do so, and assess the damage. If your vision is severely obscured, do not continue driving. Contact your breakdown service or insurer for advice and assistance. It's best to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Q5: Is it safe to drive with a small chip in my windscreen?

While a very small chip outside of your direct line of sight might not immediately impair your vision, it is never truly 'safe' to drive with any windscreen damage. Chips can spread rapidly due to vibrations, temperature changes, and impact from bumps or potholes, turning into dangerous cracks at any moment. It's always best to get even small chips repaired promptly to prevent them from worsening and to ensure your safety and compliance with road regulations.

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