Finding out you need a new windscreen isn’t exactly the highlight of anyone’s week. Whether it’s a crack from a stray stone on the motorway or a chip that’s grown into something far less manageable, at some point most drivers will have to deal with windscreen replacement. The good news? It’s not as complicated or stressful as it might sound – once you know the process.

How do you know you need a new windscreen?

Sometimes, the signs are obvious – a large crack, severe damage after an accident, or a chip directly in your line of vision. In other cases, it’s more about a small problem getting worse. If a chip is too big to repair, or sits in a position that affects your driving view, replacing the windscreen is usually the safest option.

A good rule of thumb: if you can cover the chip with a £1 coin and it’s not directly in the driver’s eyeline, it might be repairable. Anything bigger (or more awkwardly placed) is likely going to need replacing.

How to arrange a new windscreen

You’ve got a few options here, depending on your situation:

• Through your insurance – Many policies include windscreen cover. You’ll usually just pay an excess and your insurer will arrange the work for you.
• Direct with a windscreen company – If you don’t have cover or prefer to go private, you can get an instant windscreen replacement quote here. This can sometimes be quicker than going through insurance.
• Via your dealership – If you drive a newer car or one with specialist glass, your dealership can arrange a replacement. This is often pricier, but some people prefer to stick with the manufacturer.

What happens during the fitting process?

A professional windscreen replacement is usually quicker than most people expect. In most cases, the process takes around 60–90 minutes. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Preparation – The technician will cover your car’s bodywork to protect it and check the damage.
• Removal – The damaged windscreen is carefully cut away from the frame.
• Cleaning and prepping – Any old adhesive is removed, and the frame is cleaned and prepped for the new glass.
• Fitting – The new windscreen is positioned and bonded in place with a strong automotive adhesive.
• Curing time – You’ll usually need to wait a short while before driving away to let the adhesive set properly.

Some companies offer a mobile service, meaning they’ll come to your home or workplace, which can make life much easier.

Choosing the best provider

Not all windscreen companies are created equal. Here are a few things worth checking before you book:

• Experience and reviews – Look for companies with a solid reputation and positive feedback.
• Quality of glass – Make sure they use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or equivalent glass.
• Warranty – A decent warranty gives you peace of mind if anything goes wrong.
• Availability – If your windscreen is badly damaged, you’ll want it replaced quickly, so check how soon they can fit you in.
• Cost transparency – If you’re paying privately, ask for a clear quote upfront so there are no surprises.

What about calibration?

Many modern cars have driver assistance features like lane departure warnings or automatic braking. These systems often rely on sensors and cameras mounted behind the windscreen. If your car has these, the windscreen replacement will usually need a recalibration afterwards to make sure everything works correctly. Not all providers can do this in-house, so it’s worth checking in advance.

How much does a new windscreen cost?

Costs can vary depending on your car’s make, model, and features. For a standard car without special tech, you might be looking at around £250–£450. For vehicles with advanced features, the price can be higher. If you’re using insurance cover, you’ll just need to pay your policy excess, which is often around £75–£150.

Final thoughts

Needing a new windscreen might feel like a hassle, but the process is straightforward once you know what to expect. The key is to act quickly – driving with a damaged windscreen can not only be unsafe but could also land you in trouble with the law if it affects your vision.

Whether you go through insurance or book privately, choose a provider you trust, make sure they’re using quality glass, and double-check they can handle any calibration your car needs. That way, you can get back on the road safely, with a clear view ahead.