Last updated: February 2025
Dealing with a damaged windscreen is frustrating enough without worrying about insurance implications. If you're wondering whether getting your windscreen fixed will affect your policy, you're in the right place.
Quick Answer: Yes, windscreen replacement typically counts as an insurance claim, but most insurers treat these claims differently from other types. Many don't affect your No Claims Bonus, and often have lower excess fees.
Contents
Understanding Windscreen Claims
Let's face it – London's busy roads mean your car glass takes a beating. Whether it's stone chips from lorries on the M25 or accidental damage in a car park, windscreen issues are common.
When you make a windscreen claim, you're essentially asking your insurer to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged windscreen. But there's good news – these claims are usually handled differently from accident claims.
"Windscreen claims are among the most common and straightforward claims we process. Most insurers treat them as a separate category entirely." – James Peterson, Insurance Specialist at MyCarGlass
The Claim Classification
Insurance companies typically classify windscreen claims as:
Glass-only claims – Specifically for windscreens, side windows, and rear windows
Partial claims – Affecting only specific policy benefits
Service claims – Similar to roadside assistance
This classification often means better terms for you as the policyholder.
Windscreen Cover: What Does It Include?
Most comprehensive car insurance policies include windscreen cover as standard. This typically covers:
Full windscreen replacement
Repair/replacement of side windows
Repair/replacement of rear windows
Sunroof repairs (with some insurers)
But the details matter. Some policies might limit:
The number of claims per year
The maximum payout amount
Who can carry out the repairs
📝 Tip: Always check your policy wording for specific limitations on glass claims. Some insurers cap annual windscreen claim amounts at £1,000-£2,000.
How Claims Affect Different Policy Types
Not all policies handle windscreen claims the same way. Here's what to expect based on your cover type:
Comprehensive Policies
Comprehensive policies typically offer the most generous windscreen cover:
Often included as standard
Lower excess for glass-only claims
May not affect No Claims Bonus
Some offer unlimited glass claims
Third-Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT)
TPFT policies may:
Offer windscreen cover as an optional extra
Have higher excess fees
Limit claim amounts
Count claims against your No Claims Bonus
Third-Party Only
Third-party only policies typically:
Don't include windscreen cover as standard
Require separate glass insurance add-ons
Have more restrictive terms if cover is added
Commercial Vehicle Policies
Fleet and commercial policies often:
Include enhanced glass cover
Offer lower per-vehicle excess
Provide volume-based pricing
May include mobile repair services
The 2025 Policy Landscape
Recent changes in the insurance market have seen more insurers separating windscreen claims from other claim types. Our analysis of 15 major UK insurers in 2025 shows:
Insurer | Windscreen Claims Affect NCB? | Standard Glass Excess | Approved Repairer Required? |
Admiral | No | £60-£100 | Yes |
No | £75-£120 | No | |
Direct Line | No | £60-£90 | Yes |
LV= | No | £80 | No |
No | £75 | Yes | |
Yes (after 2 claims) | £90 | Yes | |
More Than | No | £85 | No |
No | £75 | Yes | |
Saga | No | £70 | No |
Esure | No | £75-£125 | Yes |
Impact on Your No Claims Bonus
The big question: will a windscreen claim affect your carefully accumulated No Claims Bonus (NCB)?
In most cases, windscreen claims don't affect your NCB. This policy is specifically designed to encourage drivers to promptly repair windscreen damage, which is a safety issue.
However, there are exceptions:
Some insurers may count multiple glass claims against your NCB
Claims exceeding certain amounts might affect your NCB
Combined claims (windscreen plus other damage) typically affect NCB
Example: The Multiple Claims Scenario
Meet Sarah from Croydon. She made three windscreen claims in 18 months:
First claim (stone chip): No impact on NCB, £75 excess
Second claim (crack after temperature change): No impact on NCB, £75 excess
Third claim (vandalism damage): Affected NCB, insurer applied full policy excess
The lesson? Check how your insurer handles multiple glass claims.
Excess Fees Explained
Excess fees for windscreen claims typically work differently than for other claim types. Here's what we've observed across London insurance policies in 2025:
Common Excess Structures
Tiered Excess System:
£0-£25 for chip repairs
£60-£120 for windscreen replacement
Higher fees for luxury/specialist vehicles
Approved Repairer Incentives:
Lower excess if you use the insurer's network
Some waive excess completely for chip repairs at approved centres
Higher fees for independent repairers
Claim Frequency Adjustments:
First claim at standard excess
Subsequent claims at increased excess
Reset annually on policy renewal
The Financial Math
Let's break down the cost considerations with a practical example:
Scenario: Your windscreen needs replacement, quoted at £320.
Option 1: Claim through insurance
Policy excess: £75
Your cost: £75
Impact on NCB: None
Future premium increase: Minimal/None
Option 2: Pay privately
Full replacement cost: £320
Your cost: £320
Impact on NCB: None
Future premium impact: None
In this case, claiming makes financial sense. But what if the replacement cost was £150?
Option 1: Claim through insurance
Policy excess: £75
Your cost: £75
Administrative hassle: Some
Claim on record: Yes
Option 2: Pay privately
Full replacement cost: £150
Your cost: £150
Administrative hassle: Minimal
Claim on record: No
The decision becomes less clear-cut when the repair cost is closer to your excess amount.
Direct Billing Process
One advantage of windscreen claims is the streamlined process. At MyCarGlass, we handle insurance paperwork directly, making your experience hassle-free.
The Direct Billing Journey
Initial Contact: Call us with your vehicle and insurance details
Verification: We confirm your coverage directly with your insurer
Appointment: We schedule your repair/replacement at your convenience
Service: Our technicians complete the work to manufacturer standards
Billing: We handle all insurance paperwork and billing directly
Excess Payment: You pay only your excess amount to us
Documentation: We provide all necessary claim documentation
This approach means:
No upfront payments (in most cases)
Reduced paperwork burden
Faster processing times
Expert handling of insurance requirements
Real-Life Claim Examples
Understanding how claims work in practice helps clarify the process. Here are three recent cases from our London customers:
Case Study 1: Fleet Manager in Canary Wharf
Client: Corporate fleet with 38 vehicles Situation: Regular windscreen damage due to construction debris Insurance: Commercial policy with Admiral Outcome:
No impact on fleet policy NCB
Excess: £50 per vehicle
Unlimited claims allowed
Direct billing arranged
Mobile service provided to minimize downtime
Key takeaway: Commercial policies often offer more flexible glass claim terms to accommodate higher claim frequency.
Case Study 2: Family Car in Bromley
Client: Private customer, 2022 Ford Focus Situation: Cracked windscreen from temperature change Insurance: Comprehensive policy with Aviva Outcome:
No impact on 9-year NCB
£75 excess paid
ADAS recalibration included
Next-day mobile service
All insurance documentation handled directly
Key takeaway: Comprehensive policies typically offer the smoothest windscreen claim experience with minimal financial impact.
Case Study 3: Classic Car Owner in Richmond
Client: Private customer, 1967 Jaguar E-Type Situation: Specialist windscreen replacement needed Insurance: Specialist classic car policy Outcome:
Agreed valuation policy
Specialist glass sourced
Higher excess (£250) but no NCB impact
Original specification installation
Insurance-approved restorer used
Key takeaway: Specialist policies may have higher excess fees but offer appropriate coverage for unique vehicles.
Making Smart Decisions
When deciding whether to claim for windscreen damage, consider these factors:
When to Claim
✅ Claim when:
Repair/replacement cost significantly exceeds your excess
You have multiple vehicles on policy (potentially lower per-vehicle excess)
Your policy guarantees no NCB impact
You need specialist work (ADAS calibration, heated windscreens)
You're concerned about safety implications of DIY or budget repairs
When to Pay Privately
✅ Consider paying privately when:
Repair cost is close to your excess amount
You've made multiple recent glass claims
Your policy doesn't protect NCB for glass claims
You're approaching renewal and concerned about premium increases
You can access quality repairs at competitive rates
The Long-Term Perspective
Think beyond immediate costs. Consider:
Safety implications of proper repairs
Manufacturer certification requirements
Insurance policy terms for future claims
Impact on vehicle resale value
Warranty coverage for future issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Does windscreen replacement affect my no claims bonus?
Most comprehensive insurers don't count windscreen claims against your NCB. However, this varies by insurer – some may count multiple windscreen claims or claims above certain values. Check your policy documents or call your insurer to confirm.
Is it worth claiming on insurance for a windscreen?
It depends on your excess and the repair cost. If your excess is £75 and the repair costs £300, claiming makes financial sense. If the repair costs £100, paying privately might be preferable to avoid having a claim on record.
How many windscreen claims can I make per year?
Most policies don't specify a limit, but making multiple claims within 12 months may trigger a review. Some insurers implement higher excess fees for second or third claims within a policy year.
Will my insurance premium increase after a windscreen claim?
Generally, a single windscreen claim shouldn't significantly impact your renewal premium. However, multiple glass claims might be factored into risk calculations. Some insurers offer protected glass claims that explicitly won't affect premiums.
Is there a difference between claiming for a repair versus a replacement?
Yes. Many insurers charge a lower excess (sometimes £0) for chip repairs versus full replacements. This incentivises early treatment of chips before they require more expensive replacement.
Do I need to use my insurer's approved repairer?
Not necessarily, but using approved repairers often comes with benefits:
Reduced or waived excess
Guaranteed work quality
Direct billing arrangements
Manufacturer-approved materials
Proper ADAS calibration (if required)
Using non-approved repairers might incur higher excess charges or require you to pay upfront and reclaim costs.
What if my windscreen has ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)?
Modern vehicles with ADAS require proper calibration after windscreen replacement. Many standard policies now cover this, but always confirm. Improper calibration can affect safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings.
Need Assistance with Your Windscreen?
At MyCarGlass, we're experts in handling insurance claims for windscreen repair and replacement. Our team can advise on your specific policy terms and provide hassle-free service across London and surrounding areas.
Contact us today:
Phone: 020-8909-2300
Email: info@mycarglass.co.uk
Online: www.mycarglass.co.uk
This article was last updated in February 2025. Insurance policies and terms may change. Always check your specific policy details.
About MyCarGlass: With over 30 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement, MyCarGlass has been London's trusted glass specialist since 1995. Our expert technicians serve all London boroughs with mobile services available 7 days a week.
Comments