When you notice a chip or crack in your windscreen, it’s natural to wonder whether you should claim on your insurance or pay for the repair yourself. Let’s talk through the pros and cons:

Pros of claiming on windscreen insurance

• No upfront cost
  If you’ve got comprehensive cover with a dedicated glass or windscreen section, your insurer will often cover the entire cost of a repair (and sometimes a replacement) with no excess to pay. That means you can get back on the road without dipping into your savings.
• Speedy repairs
  Insurers usually partner with approved repairers who can come out to you—at home or work—and fix small chips within hours. This convenience saves time and hassle.
• Full replacements covered
  For serious damage where the whole windscreen needs swapping, a claim means you won’t be lumbered with a bill of several hundred pounds. Windscreen replacements can cost upwards of £200, so this can be a real help.
• Preserves your own funds
  Even if you have to pay an excess, it’s likely to be much less than the total repair bill. That way, you keep your savings intact for other emergencies.

Cons of claiming on windscreen insurance

• Not all policies include glass cover as standard
  Some comprehensive policies don’t automatically include windscreen or glass cover—you may have to add this as an extra. If you haven’t opted in, you’ll face the full repair or replacement cost yourself.
• Potential premium increase
  While many insurers treat glass claims as “no-fault” and won’t raise your premium, others may see any claim as a risk indicator and bump up your renewal cost. It’s worth checking your policy’s small-print before you call them.
• Excess to pay
  If you haven’t chosen “zero-excess windscreens,” you’ll be charged your standard glass excess. Depending on your policy, this might be close to what you’d pay privately for a small chip repair, making the claim less worthwhile.
• Limit on the number of claims
  Some insurers restrict the number of glass claims you can make in a year. If you make a claim early on and later pick up another chip, you may find you’ve used up your allowance and face hefty private fees.
• Time and paperwork
  You’ll need to call your insurer, fill in forms and sometimes wait for authorisation. By contrast, paying privately can be as simple as booking online and handing over your card.

What’s best for you?

If the repair is under, say, £50 and your excess is higher than that, it might make more sense to pay yourself—especially for small chips that can be fixed in minutes. But for a full windscreen replacement, claiming usually wins out, unless your premiums surge as a result.

Ultimately, weigh the repair cost against your excess, check whether your policy already covers glass, consider how many glass claims you’ve made recently and give your insurer a quick ring to clarify any premium implications. That way, you’ll know you’ve made the right call—and hit the road with confidence.