Windscreen Chip Repair Assessment

FAQ - Windscreen Repair

Is windscreen repair possible or do I need a replacement?

Windscreen repair or replacement criteria

Repair is possible (£78) if all these apply:

• Chip is smaller than a £1 coin (25mm)
• Crack is shorter than 7.5cm
• Damage is over 5cm from the windscreen edge
• In driver's direct view: damage is under 10mm (smaller than a 1p coin)
• Only the outer layer is damaged

Replacement is required if any of these apply:

• Chip is larger than a £1 coin
• Crack is longer than 7.5cm
• Damage is within 5cm of the edge
• In driver's direct view: damage exceeds 10mm (MOT failure)
• Damage has penetrated both glass layers
• Multiple cracks forming a “spider web”
• Damage affects rain sensors or ADAS cameras

Why it matters

A £78 repair today can prevent a £299–£1,200 replacement tomorrow. Even small chips can spread rapidly due to temperature changes or road vibrations. If repairable, we'll always recommend repair over replacement.

MOT warning

Damage over 10mm in the driver's view results in an automatic MOT failure, even if the windscreen appears fine otherwise.

How long does it take to repair a windscreen chip?

Remember that a windscreen repair is an emergency solution that can help prolong the replacement down the line. A windscreen chip or crack usually takes 15-20 minutes to repair. But it is not guaranteed that the crack will not occur or expand once again at a later point.

What does the result of a windscreen chip repair look like?

The windscreen repair process requires the technician to be extremely careful to obtain the best result. In most cases, you will only notice a chip repair if you look for it. However, a shade or matte stain can be visible after a repair, mainly because other materials, such as resin and a pit-filler, are injected into the glass. These plastic substances are not as blank in their property as windscreen glass.