What Factors Affect the Cost of Windscreen Replacement?

Understanding why prices vary helps you make an informed decision and avoid overpaying — or worse, choosing substandard glass that compromises safety.

Here are the key cost drivers:

ADAS Calibration – The Biggest Cost Variable

This is the single largest factor affecting your windscreen replacement cost.

Modern vehicles (typically 2014 onwards) have cameras and sensors mounted behind the windscreen that power critical safety systems:

– Lane-keeping assist — keeps you centred in your lane
– Automatic emergency braking — detects hazards and brakes automatically
– Adaptive cruise control — maintains safe distance from vehicles ahead
– Traffic sign recognition — displays speed limits and warnings
– Collision warning systems — alerts you to potential impacts

⚠️ Mandatory Requirement:
When your windscreen is replaced, these ADAS systems must be recalibrated to factory specifications. Even a millimetre of misalignment can cause safety systems to malfunction.

The Cost Impact:
– Basic windscreen (no ADAS): £299–£450
– ADAS-equipped vehicles: £450–£1,200+

The calibration process requires specialist equipment and trained technicians, adding £150–£400 to the base glass cost.

Our quotes always include calibration when required — no hidden fees.

Common ADAS-equipped vehicles: VW Golf (2015+), BMW 3 Series (2012+), Mercedes C-Class (2014+), Audi A3 (2013+), Ford Focus (2018+), Nissan Qashqai (2017+), Range Rover Evoque (2011+)

Glass Quality & Supplier

Not all replacement glass is equal. The quality and source of your windscreen glass significantly affects both cost and safety.

We use OEM-quality glass from the same manufacturers that supply car factories:

– Pilkington — UK’s largest and most trusted glass manufacturer
– Saint-Gobain — French multinational with 350+ years of glassmaking expertise
– Guardian — US-based global supplier to major automakers

What makes OEM-Quality glass worth the investment?

The only difference between our OEE-certified glass and dealership glass is the logo stamp. Everything else matches original specifications:

✅ Optical clarity — distortion-free vision
✅ Impact resistance — meets safety standards for collisions
✅ UV protection — blocks harmful rays
✅ Sensor compatibility — works perfectly with ADAS cameras
✅ BS AU 242b:2022 compliance — UK safety standard for windscreen installation

Vehicle Make, Model & Year

As you’d expect, the type of vehicle significantly impacts replacement costs:

Budget vehicles (£299–£450)
Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, older vehicles without advanced features

Mid-range vehicles (£399–£700):
VW Golf, BMW 3 Series, Audi A3, Ford Focus with ADAS

Premium vehicles (£700–£1,200):
Range Rover, Mercedes E-Class, BMW X5, vehicles with heads-up displays

Ultra-premium vehicles (£1,200+):
Aston Martin, Bentley, high-end Tesla models, vehicles with complex glass specifications

Year matters too: A 2005 Ford Focus windscreen costs around £280, while a 2020 Ford Focus with ADAS costs £650–£850.

When Should You Repair vs Replace Your Windscreen?

Understanding the difference between repairable damage and damage requiring full replacement can save you hundreds of pounds — and keep you legal on UK roads.

Why This Matters: Safety & MOT Compliance

Your windscreen provides up to 30% of your vehicle’s structural strength in a collision, increasing further in frontal impacts or rollovers.

Driving with certain damage is illegal and an automatic MOT failure:

MOT Failure Criteria:
– Zone A (driver’s direct view): Damage over 10 mm (≈ 1p coin) = MOT failure
– Zone B (rest of windscreen): Damage over 40 mm (≈ £2 coin) = MOT failure
– Edge damage: Chips or cracks within 7 cm of the edge usually require replacement

Can Your Damage Be Repaired? (£78)

Repairable damage includes:

✅ Chip size: Up to 25 mm (≈ £1 coin) — in some cases up to £2 coin size if not in Zone A
✅ Crack length: Up to 75 mm (≈ 7.5 cm), provided it’s not in Zone A
✅ Location: At least 5–7 cm from the windscreen edge
✅ Driver’s view (Zone A): Under **10 mm** to remain MOT-compliant
✅ Damage types: Small chips, bullseye breaks, half-moon cracks, star breaks
✅ Glass layers: Surface damage only (not penetrated both layers)
✅ ADAS systems: No impact to cameras or sensors

Professional windscreen repairs cost £78  and meet BS AU 242b:2022 safety standards.

Repairs are safe, long-lasting, and usually barely noticeable once complete.

We always prioritize repairs over replacements when safe to do so — saving you money while meeting MOT requirements.

When Replacement Is Required (£299-£1,200+)

These types of damage cannot be repaired:

❌ Chip size: Larger than 25 mm
❌ Crack length: Over 7.5 cm
❌ Edge damage: Within 5–7 cm of the edge
❌ Driver’s view (Zone A): Damage larger than 10 mm = automatic MOT failure
❌ Damage type: Spider-web cracks, long or deep multi-layer cracks
❌ Glass layers: Damage penetrated both laminate layers
❌ ADAS systems: Damage affecting cameras or sensors (calibration would cost more than replacement)
❌ MOT compliance: Any damage severe enough to fail an MOT test

Act Quickly to Avoid Costly Replacement

⚠️ Important: Even a small chip can quickly spread into a full crack due to:

– Road vibrations
– Temperature changes (hot to cold)
– Further impacts from debris
– Stress from vehicle flex

Prompt repair can save you from:

– A failed MOT test
– Driving illegally
– The higher cost of full windscreen replacement (£299-£1,200+ vs £78 repair)

Summary: Repair or Replace?

Most chips and cracks CAN be repaired if caught early. However, once damage exceeds MOT limits or threatens structural integrity, replacement is the only way to keep your vehicle safe and road-legal.

Not sure which you need? Request a quote and we’ll assess your damage professionally, always recommending repair when safe to do so.

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 72 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 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 from the UK market.

Prices accurate as of October 2025
Next review: January 2026

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 24 hours before your appointment.

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.

Is ADAS calibration really necessary?

Yes — it’s a legal requirement and critical for safety. Even 1mm of misalignment can cause your lane-keeping assist or emergency braking to malfunction. All our quotes include calibration when required.

How long do I need to wait before driving?

After installation, your vehicle must remain stationary for 30 minutes minimum (Safe Drive-Away Time) to allow the adhesive to cure. Most customers can drive away within 2 hours of our technician arriving.

Will my windscreen be as good as the original?

Yes. We use OEM-quality glass from Pilkington, Saint-Gobain, and Guardian — the same manufacturers that supply car factories. The only difference is the logo stamp; all technical specifications are identical.

Do you cover my area?

We cover 95% of UK postcodes with our mobile service and operate 80 workshop locations nationwide. Enter your postcode in our quote tool to confirm availability and see next-day service options.

What if the wrong glass is ordered?

We verify your glass specification against your VIN three times before ordering. If we make an error, we’ll reorder the correct glass at no cost to you.