What to do if Your Car Windscreen is Chipped or Cracked

As any driver knows, a chip or crack in the car’s windscreen can happen at any time. One minute you’re driving along happily listening to the radio and then out of nowhere, a lorry passes by on the opposite side of the road and flicks up a loose piece of tarmac that damages your once perfect windscreen.

It’s a frustration shared by many motorists and can prove an inconvenience to get fixed. In this article dedicated to the topic, we talk you through what to do if your car windscreen is chipped or cracked, explain the different types of windscreen damage, when it’s safe to drive with a chip or crack on your windscreen, and what the law says. Read on to find out more..   

What are the types of windscreen chips and cracks?

Did you know there are different types of chips and cracks that cause damage to your windscreen? Although they may appear the same on the surface, depending on the type of damage caused can decide how urgent it is to get the chip or crack fixed. 

Here’s the most common types of windscreen chips and cracks:

• CHIP - The most common type of windscreen damage where minute pieces of glass come away, usually caused when a small hard object flings up from passing traffic. It can sometimes be difficult to notice them without further inspection. 
• BULLSEYE CHIP - Caused by larger rounded objects coming into contact with your windscreen, such as a stone which makes a circular chip which is slightly dented in appearance. Although there’s no ‘double bull’ points when this hits the mark.   
• HALF MOON CHIP - Much like a bullseye chip and usually caused by a similar hard rounded object, but the damage doesn’t create a full circle appearance; it looks more like a crescent moon instead. 
• STAR BREAK - This is when a hard sharp object hits your windscreen and the point of impact causes a series of cracks heading off in different directions, much like a starburst shape. 
• COMBINATION BREAK - This occurs when a hard object causes both a chip and a crack in your windscreen.  
• FLOATER CRACK - Usually stemming from an original small chip, this type of crack will form horizontally from the centre of a chip.
• STRESS CRACK - Different to a crack caused by an object, this type of damage is usually caused by sudden temperature changes or dramatic weather conditions. 
• EDGE CRACK -  Likely to be caused by a chip on the edge of your windscreen, the crack forms continuously from the outer edge towards the centre of your screen. 

Can a chipped windscreen be repaired?

Most standard windscreen chips can be repaired simply and quickly. You will need to take your vehicle to an authorised repair centre where the chip will be checked for its size, depth and whereabouts on the windscreen it is located. 

When determining the size of a windscreen chip, here are the three golden rules:

1. If a chip is less than 3mm wide, there is no urgency to get it repaired.
2. Most chips smaller than a £2 coin can be repaired.
3. Any chips over 25mm are usually unable to be repaired and will result in your windscreen being replaced instead. 

To fix a small chip in the windscreen will cost around £40 to £50 in the UK, although if you need the windscreen completely replaced, you’ll be looking at a price of between £200 to £250. 

Can a cracked windscreen be repaired?

Depending on the size of the crack, it should be possible to have the windscreen repaired rather than replaced. Of course we’d recommend it being checked by a specialist first to confirm this. 

Think of your windscreen being divided into different ‘zones’ to determine the severity and urgency of the crack; zone ‘A’ being the driver’s side and zone ‘B’ being the passenger side. If a crack is small and not in your direct vision of sight while driving, it is likely to still be safe enough for you to drive until you can get it fixed. 

The sooner you can fix a crack the better, as this will prevent it from spreading further.  

Is it safe to drive with a chipped or cracked windscreen?

It may be safe to drive with a chip or crack in your windscreen, but equally, you may also be breaking the law - it all depends on the size of the chip or crack in question. As far as the law is concerned, a driver must have full view of the road ahead without it being impaired in any way. 

To reiterate the rules of windscreen chips and cracks, you should only continue driving with a damaged windscreen if the chip or crack is less than 3mm wide. If the damage is at least 10mm or over, you must get the windscreen repaired or replaced straightaway. 

Can you claim for a chipped or cracked windscreen?

If you have a fully comprehensive car insurance policy, it’s likely that windscreen cover is included as standard. In this case, your insurance company will pay out for any chips or cracks in the windscreen, or for it to be replaced instead. Remember you’ll have to pay the agreed excess towards the cost if you claim. 

If you have a policy such as third party, fire and theft, you will be able to add windscreen cover as an additional benefit from as little as £30 a year.    

Can a windscreen chip or crack cause an MOT fail?

Yes, your car or van can fail an MOT if your windscreen has a chip or crack of a certain size. Damage that results in an automatic fail includes:

• A chip or crack that is at least 40mm in size anywhere on the windscreen
• A chip or crack that is at least 10mm in size and present on the driver’s side (zone ‘A’) affecting the line of vision 
• A sizeable chip or crack on either side window 

What is the law regarding a damaged windscreen?

Depending on the size and amount of damage to the windscreen, it can be deemed a motoring offence to be caught driving with a chip or crack that obscures your vision or hinders your driving ability. 

The Government’s Department for Transport (DfT) outlines guidance to all drivers regarding windscreen vision being obscured. The general requirements for safe and legal driving is that the driver must have a full view of the road ahead, while all glass fitted to the vehicle must be maintained so it doesn’t obscure the driver’s vision in any way. 

Failure to comply with guidance outlined by the DfT and The Highway Code could result in a fine and penalty points on your licence. 

Wilsons Epsom Accident Repair Centre

Here at Wilsons Epsom, we don’t just sell cars but you can also rely on us for manufacturer-approved repairs too. At our Surrey-based dealership, we offer the full treatment at our dedicated Accident Repair Centre.

So if you’ve got a chipped or cracked windscreen and need to get it fixed or replaced, then our team of expert technicians will have you back on the road in no time. Don’t leave your damaged windscreen to chance, get in touch with us for a free repair quote and we’ll get you booked in. 

We are certified to carry out accident repairs on all makes and models, and our repair services are manufacturer-approved, so we only use authorised parts. Should your car take longer to repair than first thought, we’ll also provide you with a courtesy car to keep you on the road while we give yours some much-needed TLC.