Windscreen Cover
Get chips and cracks sorted with windscreen cover.
Windscreen cover helps pay for repairs or replacements and is often included with comprehensive car insurance. If not, many providers offer it as an optional add-on.
Through Asda Money, you can:
- Compare car insurance quotes from trusted UK providers
- Fill out one simple form to get started
- Find policies with windscreen cover or add it on
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What is windscreen cover?
Windscreen cover helps pay for repairs or a replacement if your windscreen gets chipped, cracked, or broken. It’s usually included with comprehensive car insurance policies, but if not, many providers offer it as an optional extra.
This type of cover can apply to front and rear windscreens, side windows, and in some cases, sunroof glass.
Even minor windscreen damage may lead to more extensive issues if left untreated, which could result in higher repair costs.
Is windscreen insurance worth it?
Repairing or replacing a windscreen can be costly. Damage can happen in various ways, from small chips caused by debris to larger cracks from more significant impacts. In many cases, the size and location of the damage can affect the cost of the repair or replacement.
Windscreen cover typically includes protection for repairs or full replacement, helping to reduce or eliminate the cost to the policyholder.
Some insurers also note that certain types of windscreen damage could lead to an MOT failure if not resolved.
Including windscreen cover in a policy may offer added peace of mind, depending on how much cover is included and the provider’s terms.
What does windscreen cover typically include – and what’s not usually covered?
Windscreen cover can help cover the cost of a replacement or any repairs to your windscreen, but it may not cover every scenario. Here’s what is and isn’t typically included in windscreen cover.
| What’s usually covered | What’s usually not covered |
|---|---|
| Repairs for chips and cracks | Intentional damage |
| Full windscreen replacement if repair isn’t possible | Damage caused while breaching policy terms (e.g. unnamed driver) |
| Side and rear windows (with some providers) | Non-glass damage (e.g. paintwork) |
| Access to emergency repair services (depending on the provider | Any damage not reported within the required timeframe |
Will my cracked windscreen be replaced or repaired?
Whether your windscreen is repaired or replaced depends on the size and location of the damage.
Windscreen repair specialists typically divide the glass into zones – from Zone A (the area directly in front of the driver) to Zone D (the outer edges of the glass).
Small chips and cracks in Zone A are generally limited to about 10mm for repair, while in Zone D, damage up to around 45mm can often be repaired safely. Damage exceeding these limits in any zone usually requires a full windscreen replacement.
Is windscreen cover included within car insurance?
Windscreen cover isn’t included in all car insurance policies. It’s often part of comprehensive cover but can also be offered as an optional extra – or may not be included at all.
When comparing car insurance policies, you can check whether windscreen cover is included and whether claims impact your no claims bonus or require an excess payment. This helps ensure your policy cover what’s important to you.
Windscreen insurance FAQs
- Can I drive with a cracked windscreen?
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Driving with a cracked windscreen may present safety concerns, especially if the damage is within the driver’s line of sight. Some insurers or authorities could consider this a risk. In certain cases, driving with a damaged windscreen may affect your insurance cover or legal compliance.
- How can I avoid damaging my windscreen?
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While some damage is unavoidable, avoided, regular checks for chips or cracks can help identify issues early. Maintaining clean wiper blades and keeping a safe distance from vehicles on roads with loose chippings may reduce risk. Rapid temperature changes, such as using very hot water to de-ice, could also contribute to damage.
- Does a cracked windscreen count as a claim?
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Whether a cracked windscreen counts as a claim depends on your insurer and policy. Many insurers treat windscreen claims differently and may not affect your no claims discount. Excess amounts for windscreen claims are often lower than other claims, but this varies by provider.
- How much does a new windscreen cost without insurance?
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Without insurance, windscreen replacement can cost around £345 on average, while repairs typically cost about £57[1]. Prices vary depending on vehicle type and location.
- Is it illegal to drive with a cracked windscreen?
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In some cases, driving with certain types or sizes of cracks – especially those obstructing the driver’s view – may breach legal requirements or cause MOT failure. Specific rules vary, so checking local regulations is recommended.
- Can I add windscreen cover and then claim?
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Windscreen cover needs to be part of your car insurance policy before any damage occurs. You cannot add windscreen cover after your windscreen is already cracked or damaged and then make a claim for that existing damage. It’s important to check your policy details to understand when cover starts and what’s included.
- Can I claim for a windscreen replacement straightaway?
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If your windscreen is damaged after your windscreen cover is in place, you can usually claim for repair or replacement promptly. You’ll typically need your policy number and insurer details to make a claim.
- Can I add windscreen cover to my existing insurance?
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Windscreen cover is often included in comprehensive car insurance policies. If it’s not, many insurers offer it as an optional add-on. Some may also provide standalone windscreen cover policies.
- Is a scratched windscreen covered by insurance?
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Scratches on your windscreen may be covered if your policy includes windscreen cover. Coverage depends on your insurer and policy type, with many comprehensive policies including this as standard or offering it as an add-on.
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