Windscreen chip repair cost guide

Whether it’s a tiny chip from a passing lorry or a long crack creeping across your screen, you’ve probably got one question on your mind when it comes to repairing a windscreen:

“How much is this going to cost me?”

The good news is, repairing a chipped windscreen is usually fast, simple, and far cheaper than a full replacement. Here’s your handy guide to windscreen chip repair costs, what affects the price, and how to make your next visit to the garage a little more bearable with Bumper.

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How much does it cost to repair a chipped windscreen?

In the UK, repairing a chipped windscreen typically costs £40–£70. The exact amount depends on the size and position of the chip, the type of vehicle, and your garage’s rates.

Smaller chips, especially ones that haven’t spread, can often be fixed quickly and affordably. But leave it too long, and that small chip could develop into a full crack, leading to a full windscreen replacement – and a much higher bill.

How do professionals repair windshield chips?

Most professional windscreen chip repairs take less than 30 minutes if the chip is small, shallow, and hasn’t started to spread.

Here’s how it works:

A specialist resin is injected into the damaged area.
The resin is cured with UV light, restoring the windscreen’s strength.
The surface is polished smooth, making the chip barely visible and preventing it from spreading.

How much does a cracked windscreen repair cost?

If your chip has turned into a crack, the cost increases quite a bit. Replacing a cracked windscreen in the UK can cost between £180 and £400, depending on your car.

Why is a cracked windscreen more expensive?

Replacing a cracked windscreen costs more than a simple chip repair because modern car windscreens are far more advanced than they used to be – often integrated with high-tech features that require specialist parts and extra labour, including:

Heated windscreens
Heads-up displays (HUD)
Rain sensors and automatic wipers
Lane assist and emergency braking features

These need to be carefully removed, replaced, and recalibrated when the windscreen is changed. The result? More time in the workshop, higher part costs, and sometimes even specialist tools or software to reset the tech. Expect replacement costs for these kinds of windscreens to reach anywhere up to £1,000.

The data speaks for itself

Windscreen repairs are becoming more frequent and more expensive. According to insights from insurance firm Allianz, the average windscreen claim in 2024 reached £327, up from £308 in 2022 – a £19 increase in just two years!

And it’s not just individual claim costs going up; the volume of claims is increasing too. More drivers are reporting windscreen issues and needing repairs, particularly for small chips, which rose 4% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Full windscreen replacements saw an even sharper increase, up 13% year-on-year.

One of the key drivers? These modern, new-fangled windscreens!

Claims for heated windscreens alone increased by 21% between 2021 and 2023. The rise of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)-equipped vehicles is also pushing costs higher. In 2016, just 1% of windscreen claims involved ADAS recalibration. In 2023, that number jumped to 44% (that’s nearly half!). As these systems become more common, repairs require precise recalibration of sensors and cameras to make sure the road safety features work properly.

Can you repair a stone chip in a heated windscreen?

Yes, you can repair a stone chip in a heated windscreen, but it might be slightly trickier. Heated windscreens contain ultra-thin heating wires embedded between layers of glass. These wires are designed to defrost your windscreen quickly in cold weather. If a chip or crack forms near or over these elements, it can be trickier to repair without damaging the heating system. That being said, a repair is usually possible if the chip is small, hasn’t spread, and if the heating elements aren’t visibly damaged.

Your garage may recommend replacing a heated windscreen if:

The chip affects the heating wires or interferes with defrosting
There’s a risk of the chip expanding due to heat cycles
The vehicle has other specialist features, like lane assist or rain sensors

Did you know? Ford’s original heated windscreen tech – dubbed “Quickclear” in the UK – first appeared in the 1980s Granada Scorpio, using a barely visible mesh of wires to clear frost in under three minutes. It’s now a staple feature on many mainstream models, though replacing one can still cost significantly more than a standard screen.

What causes windscreen chips?

Windscreen chips are typically caused by sudden impacts from small, hard objects that have enough force to displace the glass they hit. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Bad weather conditions

Harsh UK weather (e.g. hail, heavy rain, and grit spread during winter) can lead to sudden impact or gradual wear on your windscreen. Winter driving increases the risk of a chip, especially on rural or poorly maintained roads.

Loose stones and road debris

One of the most common causes of windscreen chips is loose stones or grit kicked up by other vehicles’ tyres, especially lorries and vans. These stones hit windscreens at high speeds and cause immediate impact damage to the glass.

Natural wear and tear

Over time, windscreen glass becomes more vulnerable to damage. Older windscreens may have developed tiny surface cracks or weakened areas due to natural wear, making them far more likely to chip when hit with even small debris.

Suspension and coil spring issues

Faulty or worn suspension components can indirectly damage your windscreen due to increased vibrations or harsh jolts when driving over potholes or speed bumps. Over time, these can weaken the windscreen structure or turn a small chip into a larger crack.

How soon should I repair my windshield chip?

You should repair a windscreen chip as soon as you spot it. Chips can spread fast, especially with temperature changes or when driving over potholes. Not sure whether the chip needs repairing or replacing entirely? Here are some signs it might be too late for a repair:

The windscreen chip is larger than a £2 coin
It’s within the driver’s field of vision
It has turned into a crack or has formed a “starburst shape”
Moisture or dirt has already entered the chip and discoloured it

What happens if you delay a windscreen chip repair?

If you leave your windshield repair too late, you risk the damage getting worse and making it much harder to legally drive on the road:

Temperature fluctuations over time can expand the chip into a crack
Moisture and dirt can enter the chip and make it harder (or impossible) to repair
You may fail your MOT if the damage is considered a risk to visibility or safety
A growing crack can worsen your windscreen’s integrity, which supports the side airbag deploying properly in the event of a crash.

Get your windscreen chip repaired easily with Bumper

A chipped windscreen repair cost is annoying, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. Get it looked at early, compare costs at your local garages, and pay your way with Bumper’s car repair finance. We partner with over 5,000 trusted garages and dealerships across the UK to help drivers spread the cost of vehicle repairs into simple, interest-free, monthly payments – even something as small as a windscreen chip repair costs! Applying takes minutes and doesn’t affect your credit score. Get back on the road today without breaking the bank – start now!

Windscreen repair FAQs

Is a windscreen chip repair worth it?

Yes, repairing a windscreen chip is absolutely worth it. A small chip can usually be fixed for £40-£70. If left untreated, it can crack and require a full windscreen replacement, which can cost up to £400, especially on modern vehicles.

Can I get a windscreen chip repaired for free?

You might be able to get a windscreen chip repair for free with comprehensive car insurance. Some policies cover chip repairs without affecting your no-claims bonus, usually with an approved repairer. Always check for excess charges, any annual limits, and whether your garage is part of your insurer’s network.

Is it okay to drive with a chipped windscreen?

It’s legal to drive with a chipped windscreen in some cases, but it’s not always safe. Driving with a damaged windscreen can:

Cause your MOT to fail
Weaken the structural integrity of the glass
Put you at a higher risk of a collision by disrupting your view of the road