24/04/2006
Having a windscreen repair or replacement will factor into most of our motoring lives at some point. Road debris flung up by vehicles in front or falling from bridges above can result in windscreen damage. Whether it’s a minuscule chip or a more substantial crack, the question for most of us is: does our screen need repairing or replacing? How you react to a damaged windscreen depends on the type of damage the screen has sustained. Some can be repaired, but in other cases, the screen must most definitely be replaced. Read on to find out what you might need.
To Repair or Replace?
A cracked windscreen can prompt an MOT failure. It all depends on the location and size of the damage. For MOT purposes, there’s an area known as the 'A zone'. This is 290mm wide and is in front of the driver, in line with the steering column. This must not have any damage greater than 10mm. The 'B zone' is the remainder of the area swept by the driver’s side windscreen wiper. This can have damage of up to 15mm – about the size of a five pence piece. The 'C zone' is the swept area in front of the passenger. Any damage to this part can be up to 25mm. The 'D zone' is the rest of the screen. This can have chips or cracks up to 40mm. Anything bigger than these specified dimensions and you must replace the screen for the car to be roadworthy.
What is a Windscreen Repair?
If your windscreen damage is small enough to be repaired, the technician simply cleans the problem area and injects it with a special resin. This resin is then cured (heated) so it bonds with the windscreen around it. When it’s polished, in many cases, you’d barely know it was there. The whole job should take around half an hour. The significant advantage is that it’s considerably cheaper than having a whole new screen fitted, and modern resins are so good they should last the lifetime of the vehicle.
Why Have a Windscreen Repaired?
As windscreen repairs are so much cheaper than having a whole new screen, the job may even be carried out for free, depending on your insurance cover. When a windscreen gets chipped, impurities such as dust and moisture get into the damaged area. Over time, and with movement and variations in temperature, even the smallest chip can expand into a windscreen-wide crack. Before you know it, your screen will need replacing, and that will definitely be more expensive than a repair.
Don't Just Forget About It
There’s one very good reason why you should repair or replace a windscreen: safety. A cracked or chipped windscreen isn’t as structurally sound as an undamaged one. If you’re in a crash and the airbags deploy, a damaged screen may mean you don’t reap the full benefits of the airbags. Furthermore, a hit from another piece of road debris could cause complete structural failure of the screen.
Check with Your Insurer
Rather than rushing for the phone to get your screen repaired, it’s best to use your insurer’s approved repair network. Many insurance policies include windscreen replacement. Sometimes there is no excess (the amount of an insurance claim you pay upfront); sometimes there is a small excess. Frequently, the windscreen excess is significantly smaller than the policy excess. Crucially, claiming for a windscreen repair or replacement should not affect your no claims discount. Often, the windscreen repair company will deal with the insurance company’s paperwork directly, making the process smoother for you.
Check with the Repairer
If your car has a heated windscreen, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, or advanced safety systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), make sure you notify the repairer. Cars fitted with this technology require special windscreens. Often, the sensors in the car require re-programming or recalibrating after a repair or replacement. According to National Windscreens, 75 per cent of these advanced systems need attention in a workshop following windscreen work. Despite this, your insurer should still cover the full cost of the repair, including any necessary recalibration.
Factors Affecting Repair vs. Replacement
| Damage Type | Size Limit (approx.) | Location Consideration | Repair Feasibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chip (not in A-zone) | Up to 25mm | Outside driver's direct line of sight | High |
| Chip (in A-zone) | Up to 10mm | Directly in driver's line of sight | Moderate (can fail MOT) |
| Crack (short) | Up to 15mm (B-zone) | Swept by driver's wiper | Moderate |
| Crack (longer) | Up to 25mm (C-zone) | Passenger side swept area | Low |
| Large Damage | Over 40mm (D-zone) | Any area | Not possible, requires replacement |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does my car insurance automatically cover windscreen damage?
A1: Not all policies are the same. Many comprehensive policies include cover for windscreen damage, but it's essential to check your policy documents or contact your insurer directly to confirm your specific cover and any excess that may apply.
Q2: Will claiming for a windscreen repair affect my no-claims bonus?
A2: In most cases, claiming for a windscreen repair or replacement will not affect your no-claims discount. Insurers typically treat this as a separate benefit.
Q3: What is the excess for windscreen claims?
A3: The excess for windscreen claims is often lower than your standard policy excess, or sometimes there is no excess at all. This varies between insurance providers, so check your policy details.
Q4: Do I have to use the insurer's approved repairer?
A4: While you can often choose your own repairer, using your insurer's approved network usually simplifies the process, as they often handle the direct billing and paperwork. If you choose your own repairer, you may have to pay upfront and then claim the money back from your insurer.
Q5: What if my car has advanced safety features like AEB?
A5: If your car has features like AEB, a heated windscreen, or rain sensors, ensure the repairer is aware. These systems often require recalibration after a windscreen replacement to function correctly. Your insurer should cover the cost of this recalibration as part of the windscreen claim.
The Importance of a Clear View
Your windscreen is a critical safety component of your vehicle. It provides visibility, supports the roof in a rollover, and is integral to the proper functioning of airbags. Ignoring even a small chip can lead to more significant damage and compromise your safety and that of other road users. Therefore, addressing windscreen damage promptly, and understanding how your insurance can help, is a vital part of responsible car ownership.
If you want to read more articles similar to Car Insurance and Windscreen Repair, you can visit the Insurance category.