What is windscreen cover?

Some of the most common questions we get asked are: what is windscreen cover, do I have it and why do I need it?

Windscreen damage is normally due to chips or cracks in the glass which can be a distraction when driving as they can impair vision.

Windscreen chips can occur when vehicles drive over loose stones or when there’s airborne debris.

It’s always important to have any chips to your windscreen seen to by our approved glass repairers as soon as possible, as if they are left unrepaired, they can later turn into a crack. A chip repair is quicker, cheaper and more environmentally friendly than a windscreen replacement.

Windscreen cracks can occur due to several different reasons, such as:

• a sudden impact, like hitting a pothole or kerb (and if there is a chip already on the windscreen, this could then turn into a crack)
• cold or hot weather putting stress on the glass due to temperature changes
• an object impacting the windscreen

Windscreen claims are extremely common and our claims team deal with thousands of glass claims every year.

Does fully comprehensive car and van insurance cover windscreens?

Many motor insurance comprehensive policies include windscreen cover but check with your insurer to make sure. 

Windscreen repair and replacement cover is included in our comprehensive policies (excluding Essential tier) as standard. 

You can add it as an extra on other policies too.

If you need to replace your windscreen, the cost to do this through your insurance with us is an excess of £115. Windscreen repairs carry an excess of £25 if you make a claim. 

You should always check your policy book to confirm these excesses.

What do I do if I have a chipped or cracked windscreen?

If you’re insured with us with a comprehensive policy (excluding customers on Essential tier) and discover damage to your windscreen take the following actions:

For car policy holders: book online with Autoglass® or call 0333 220 2025 to make a windscreen or glass claim.

For van policy holders: book online with Nationwide Windscreen Services or call 0333 234 0013 to make a windscreen or glass claim.

If you have windscreen cover included in your policy, the following excesses will apply:

• £25 for repaired glass
• £115 for replaced glass

Other things to consider when claiming for windscreen damage

• if you don’t use our approved glass repairer, the maximum we can pay out is up to £25 for a repair and £50 for a replacement (after the relevant excess has been deducted)
• a windscreen chip can develop into a crack at any time, so get the chip repaired as soon as you spot it
• if you fail to get a repair before the damage spreads, you could invalidate your claim and your insurance may not cover it
• driving with a damaged windscreen could be considered dangerous if your vision is impaired, and your car could potentially fail its MOT

How to avoid damaging your windscreen

We asked our car windscreen supplier Autoglass® for their top tips on glass maintenance:

• check the weather – if you expect overnight frost, use a windscreen cover 
• don’t be rash – pouring hot water or using sharp objects to defrost your windscreen could lead to cracks or chips
• take it slow – defrost the vehicle slowly using de-icer or a suitable scraper
• top up – remember to keep washer fluid and anti-freeze topped up
• wipe away – you need to replace your wipers as soon as they show signs of wear and tear

Our claims page should have all the information you need.