EXCESS LEDGER / 2026
Windscreen replacement insurance UK, what's covered.
Most UK comprehensive policies cover windscreen repair and replacement. Chip repair is usually free with no excess. Full replacement attracts your glass excess (typically £75 to £100) and does not affect your no-claims bonus.
QUICK ANSWER
What you actually pay.
Chip repair
£0
Zero excess on comprehensive, no NCB impact
Full replacement
£75 - £100
Your glass excess. Insurer pays the rest.
ADAS calibration
Included
Treated as part of the windscreen claim
BY INSURER
Typical glass excess by UK insurer.
Indicative figures from typical policy schedules. Always check your own policy document because excess varies by car, postcode and chosen options.
| Insurer | Chip repair | Replacement excess | NCB impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admiral | £0 | £75 | None |
| Direct Line | £0 | £75 | None |
| Aviva | £0 | £100 | None |
| LV= | £0 | £75 | None |
| Churchill | £0 | £75 | None |
| More Than | £0 | £100 | None |
| Hastings Direct | £0 | £75 - £100 | None |
| Saga (over 50s) | £0 | £75 | None |
PROCESS
How to claim, step by step.
- 1
Find the glass helpline
Look for the glass-only number on your policy schedule, app or insurer's website. It is separate from the main claims line and routes you to the glass team directly.
- 2
Describe the damage
Chip or crack, where on the windscreen, approximate size, and any active cracks. Have your registration and policy number to hand.
- 3
Choose a fitter
The helpline books a slot with the insurer's preferred network (often Autoglass, National Windscreens or Auto Windscreens). Ask whether mobile or workshop suits you.
- 4
Confirm ADAS coverage
Ask explicitly that any required calibration is included in the claim, not a separate cost to you. This avoids surprises at handover.
- 5
Pay the excess
Glass excess (commonly £75 to £100) is paid to the fitter at completion. Chip repair is normally £0.
- 6
Drive away
Safe Drive-Away Time is 30 to 90 minutes after fitting. Avoid car washes for 24 hours.
When paying cash makes sense
If your glass excess is close to the cash repair price, just pay cash. A £50 chip repair on a £75 excess means it costs less to skip the claim entirely.
Cash also gives you full choice of fitter (independent specialist, OEM glass preference, mobile-only). For replacement, cash rarely beats the insurer rate, but always run the numbers.
When to always claim
- + Full replacement on any car: cash bills are usually higher than excess.
- + ADAS-equipped car: insurer covers calibration, cash quote often does not.
- + Tesla, premium German, Range Rover: OEM-only fitments are expensive.
- + Anything classed as a screen replacement (not chip repair).
FAQ
Will claiming for a windscreen increase my premium?+
Windscreen claims are treated separately from at-fault claims by almost every UK insurer. They do not affect your no-claims discount and they rarely raise your renewal. The only exception is repeated claims in a short period, which can prompt the underwriter to ask questions. One claim a year is unremarkable.
Does windscreen cover come as standard?+
On comprehensive policies, almost always. Many insurers include zero-excess chip repair and pay full replacement after your glass excess. Third party fire and theft policies sometimes include windscreen cover, but check the schedule. Third party only policies do not. If your renewal removes glass cover, that is a meaningful drop in benefit.
Can I choose my own repairer on insurance?+
Sometimes. Many insurers route to a preferred network (often Autoglass, National Windscreens, or Auto Windscreens). Going outside that network can mean the insurer refuses to pay or only pays a portion. If you have a preferred independent fitter, ring the glass helpline first and ask whether they will authorise it. Some flex on this, especially for OEM-only luxury vehicles.