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How much does it cost to repair or replace a damaged car windscreen?
The average cost of windscreen replacement has risen significantly due to the integration of advanced safety technology, now typically exceeding £450 plus VAT for modern vehicles (but closer to £250 plus VAT for an older car with a simple windscreen). Even a windscreen repair has seen price increases, now costing around £68 plus VAT for a modern car (or £55 plus VAT for an older car) .
| Average cost to fix a windscreen | Newer Car (Modern Windscreen) | Older Car (Simple Windscreen) |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | £68 + VAT | £55 + VAT |
| Replacement | £450 + VAT | £250 + VAT |
| ADAS Recalibration | Required (£150+) | Not Required (£0) |
Average cost to repair a windscreen
For our 2026 research, we based our quotes on two of the UK's most popular models: the Ford Puma and the Nissan Qashqai.
Using data from major national retailers, the average nationwide figure for a professional windscreen chip repair is now £82.50 + VAT.
While some specialized mobile services charge a premium, the most competitive rate available from reputable national chains currently sits at £68.00 + VAT (£81.60 including VAT).
Older Cars
While modern tech-heavy cars are expensive, a standard windscreen replacement for an older vehicle (without sensors or cameras) typically costs around £250 plus VAT.
Note: Even for older cars, the price of glass has risen by about 15-20% since 2024 due to increased logistics costs and the rising price of energy used in glass manufacturing.
Average cost to replace a windscreen
Using the Ford Puma and Nissan Qashqai (models equipped with standard ADAS safety cameras), we surveyed five major retailers for full replacement costs.
The national average for a full replacement, including the mandatory recalibration of safety sensors, has climbed to £685.00 + VAT.
Even when excluding the most expensive specialist outliers, the average remains high at £475.50 + VAT (£570.60). We observed a much wider pricing differential of £120 between the major retailers
Older Cars
A simple chip repair on an older car remains a more affordable option, averaging £55 plus VAT.
Windscreen insurance
For many motorists, car insurance includes ‘windscreen cover’ as standard, but in 2026, you must check your policy wording carefully.
To combat rising premiums during the cost-of-living crisis, many insurers have introduced 'Essential' or 'Basic' tiers—such as Admiral Essential—which frequently exclude windscreen cover entirely to keep costs down. Furthermore, with the average replacement cost for a tech-heavy car like a Nissan Qashqai now reaching hundreds of pounds, some budget policies have introduced specific 'glass excesses' as high as £150, making it vital to confirm your level of protection before a chip occurs.
Some policies could have a partial payment toward the cost of replacing or repairing a windscreen, others may cover the cost entirely (minus policy excess payment), and depending on the policy, you may find that your NCB (No Claims Bonus) or NCD (No Claims Discount) is affected. And just to further confuse things, the excess payment on windscreen repair or replacement, may not be the same as an excess payment for other damage.
However, if you do have windscreen insurance then be sure to check your policy details before you book a repair or replacement, because in most cases the coverage is higher (e.g., unlimited) if you use one of their "approved" glass repairers.
Different types of windscreen damage
Typically, a car windscreen can be damaged in a number of ways, but all forms of damage lead to just two outcomes—repair or replacement.
It’s useful to understand the structure of a modern-day windscreen, to get a clear picture as to why some damage may not be quite the disaster it first seems though.
Going back a decade or two, car windscreens were made from toughened safety glass, the point being that instead of splintering (like regular glass), it would shatter into sizeable chunks, minimising the risk of cutting, or damage to the eyes of the occupants.
Laminated glass was available, but wasn’t quite so common as toughened glass, but the increase in safety procedures led to manufacturers adopting laminated glass en masse. Essentially, this is two pieces of treated glass, sandwiching a layer of plastic; the plastic being used to stop the glass shattering, or at least, from coming loose.
Bullseye, chip, stone damage
The first (and most common) type of damage that you’re likely to find in a windscreen would be a ‘chip’, usually from a stone hitting the screen at speed, these are also known as ‘bullseyes’. Most chips can be repaired with specialist equipment (size dependent), often leaving a near invisible finish.
Crack
A crack in the screen is exactly what you’d imagine—a crack running along the outer glass, which may start at one edge. It’s also entirely possible for the crack to be in the middle of the screen, but these typically happen due to a chip that hasn’t been repaired. Some cracks can be repaired with the same specialist equipment, but again, it’s dependent on size.
Visual damage
Visual damage tends to occur on high-mileage or older vehicles, and it usually stems from poor wiper blade quality, or damaged blades. There are some processes that can help clean the damage up, but it’s unlikely that you’ll remove the damage entirely.
Why is it important?
Aside from the basic functionality of keeping debris from entering the cabin, or sealing the car from the elements, a car windscreen plays an important role in the structural integrity of the vehicle; they are bonded in place, which adds rigidity to the body.
Depending on the extent of the damage, your vehicle could fail the MOT (Ministry of Transport) test with a damaged screen, it could lead to serious injury in the event of a collision, and of course, there’s a further element of danger should the windscreen become displaced while driving.
Questions and thoughts …
- A stone chip or crack may be repairable, don’t assume that you need a replacement windscreen.
- As your insurance company whether your NCB/NCD will be affected
- Also, ask your insurance provider what the excess payment would be
- Check prices with a windscreen replacement company to see if it’s cheaper to purchase than replace through the insurance
- Most service providers offer a mobile service for little to no extra cost
- There will be a waiting time between having a screen replaced, and being able to drive the vehicle
- When having a new windscreen fitted, it’s always sensible to replace the windscreen wipers at the same time, but be wary of overpriced offerings from the retailer
- If your car is fitted with automatic technology (rain sensing wipers, auto headlights etc), check them at the earliest opportunity
Conclusion
Trusted, local, independent workshops can often provide a more cost-effective service than national retailers, but with windscreen replacement or repair being such a specialised process, it’s likely that they won’t be able to purchase a replacement screen with enough markup left over to be competitive.
Should you find yourself in the situation of having a windscreen crack while driving, don’t panic; the triple-layer lamination process means that it will hold together, and unless a large amount of significant damage has occurred, the inside layer of glass will remain intact, albeit the overall structural integrity will be weakened.