Written by Paul
What’s the cost? With modern vehicles and a wide range of windscreen types, the answer is more complex than you’d expect.
This article aims to answer frequently asked questions about the cost of windscreen replacement. We will focus on the various factors that affect pricing.
The windscreen serves as the occupants’ primary defence against injuries caused by accidents, debris, and the elements. It also gives the driver an excellent view of the road and other vehicles.
Modern vehicle windscreens are increasingly essential for the advanced systems in more expensive models.
Unfortunately, a single small stone from a passing vehicle or a combination of extreme weather and poor car maintenance practices can damage your windscreen.
Sometimes, it may be possible to repair limited damage instead of replacing the entire windscreen.
We will discuss the considerations and hopefully help you make an informed decision.
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Windscreen Replacement: What You Might Expect to Pay
In the UK, the cost to replace a windscreen can vary widely, starting from two to three hundred pounds and potentially reaching thousands.
The final price is influenced by several factors:
Make
The term make is abbreviated for an automaker and refers to a car manufacturer such as Audi, BMW, Ford, or Land Rover.
Usually, the replacement cost will increase for the premium brands.
Model
Manufacturing companies market their products in ranges and models.
Each range (an example is BMW 3 Series) may consist of different models of essentially similar vehicles. The models differ regarding body, features — and price.
Year
The built year or year model is a significant cost driver.
A 1980 Audi Coupe will have fewer features (thus cheaper) than a 2020 Audi Coupe (more expensive).
Extent of the damage
A minor small stone crack compared to a brick shattering the whole screen.
Limited damage might be repairable, but it becomes irrelevant once the damage exceeds specific criteria. It will then require complete replacement.
Where and who to for repairs
The company you choose for repairs or fitment will significantly affect the cost and service level.
To avoid financial damage, frustration and time-wasting, supporting a company with excellent car glass reviews make sense.
📞 Give us a call at 0330 818 7198
What Factors Affect the Cost of Windscreen Replacement?
As discussed, numerous contributors such as manufacturing year and model play a role in the price but note the following which might heavily influence the cost.
- Premium brands (e.g., Aston Martin) will have replacement costs similar to the price of a small car!
- High-tech features (head-up display, programmable wipers, tinting, etc.)
If you’re wondering how to obtain an accurate quote for your car glass replacement, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve detailed the entire process in our blog post titled How to Get a Car Glass Quote Online: A Step-by-Step Guide.
There are 5 reasons to replace a windscreen, these are:
- Your windscreen is severely cracked.
- There are seven or more stone chips present.
- Signs of wear and tear are evident.
- A stone chip is located close to the edge of the windscreen.
- A crack that is too extensive to be repaired.
Important Considerations Before Repairs are Possible:
Type and Size: Most chips smaller than a £2 coin and cracks shorter than 7.5 cm are likely repairable.
Common repairable types include:
- Bullseye: circular crack with a clean centre break
- Half Moon: half a bullseye, often with a dull edge
- Star Break: impact hole with small outward cracks
Location: Repairs are typically possible when damage is:
- Not in the driver’s line of sight
- At least 7 cm from the windscreen’s edge
Depth: Damage affecting only the outer layer of glass is usually repairable.
Important Considerations:
- Cracks tend to spread, so prompt repair is crucial
- Damage in the driver’s view or near edges often requires full replacement
- Deep damage compromising all layers of glass necessitates replacement
- Some complex breaks, like combination breaks from severe impacts, generally require replacement
Remember, a professional assessment is always recommended to determine whether a repair is sufficient or a full replacement is necessary for your specific situation.
Windscreen Repair Assessment
Is there an Excess for a New Windscreen?
When your car’s windscreen suffers damage, many comprehensive motor insurance policies cover its replacement.
However, you’ll typically need to pay an excess fee—a predetermined amount you contribute towards the claim.
This excess is often lower for windscreen claims compared to other types of damage.
It’s advisable to check your policy details or ring your insurer to confirm the specific terms and excess amount applicable to windscreen claims before proceeding with any work.
Did you know that UK Car Glass network can assist you with your insurance claim? We currently support claims through 70 different insurance companies.
Can I get my Windscreen Replaced for Free?
Not likely, but some insurers may waive the excess entirely if you opt for a windscreen repair rather than a full replacement, provided the damage is minor.
Windscreen Insurance Claim
How Much does it Cost to Replace a Windscreen?
Whilst replacing the entire windscreen is often the last resort, it occasionally proves to be the only viable solution.
Typically, more extensive chips in the windscreen will lead to a crack spreading across the entire glass.
When such a crack reaches the edge, a complete replacement is usually necessary.
The cost of replacing a windscreen depends on several factors:
- The year, make, type and model of the vehicle and the size of the windscreen
- The extent of the damage, especially the window frame
- Your insurance coverage and policy details
Current prices for windscreen replacement in the UK generally range from £280 and £1,000.
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Windscreen Replacement Price List
Ever wondered about the cost? Your answer is just a click away on our website.
We’re thrilled to present our extensive online guide, detailing prices for a total of +100 unique car models.
*under review March 2024
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All Your Questions Answered: Windscreen Replacement Cost FAQ
For a comprehensive FAQ overview covering every aspect of car glass and windscreen replacement, visit our website.
Our extensive FAQ section provides detailed answers to all your questions, ensuring you have all the information you need before making any decisions.
How does payment work?
Your card will only be charged after the replacement. Until then, the funds are temporarily reserved, usually for up to six days, before they are automatically deducted. This process is only relevant if you book more than a week in advance.
How do cancellations work?
We offer a free-of-charge cancellation policy until the day before your appointment. If you choose to cancel last minute for any reason other than an error on our part, a £68 cancellation fee will be charged.
Do you provide a warranty?
We offer a two-year warranty on all car glass replacements. Just let us know if anything hasn’t gone the way you wanted with the car glass installation, and we’ll come out to repair or replace it as soon as possible.
Is there any extra cost?
No! That would be unfair; we aim to provide the correct replacement price the first time, as long as the correct attributes have been selected in the process. Requests for extra payments will only occur if you have booked a glass that is entirely different from what your vehicle is equipped with.
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Paul
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