Getting a crack or chip on your windscreens is easily done but it can lead to costly repairs. If you notice a tiny chip you might not initially think it is a big deal but if it is left, the chip could turn into a crack which could eventually shatter the windscreen. The good news is that all of our comprehensives motor insurance policies come with windscreen cover insurance. This allows you to replace damaged windscreen glass without having to pay a large excess should it become cracked, chipped, or broken.
What are the most common causes of windscreen chips and cracks?
Accidents and collisions
Traffic accidents are a huge risk as well as accidentally hitting an animal on the road.
Bad weather
Extreme weather can cause damage to windscreens, as well as the rest of the vehicle. Tree branches and other debris blown by high winds can cause the same damage as stones from the road, as can heavy hailstones.
Debris from the road
Stones or other debris flying up from the road (or falling off the back of a lorry) are some of the most common ways a chip or crack a windscreen. Look out for loose stones on a road, especially when road works are taking place, drive slowly and take extra care.
Sudden changes in temperature
A sudden rapid change in temperature can cause the glass to contract or expand. During the winter months icy conditions can happen very quickly from milder temperatures and leaving your car sitting in direct sunlight on a very hot day both can contributors.
Can I drive with a cracked windscreen?
Driving with a cracked windscreen can be considered a motoring offence. It could constitute use of a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition. If you’re driving with a cracked windscreen and you have an accident, you could be charged with a more serious driving offence. The accident could be your responsibility because you were driving with a damaged windscreen.
The Highway Code states that drivers should have a full view of the road ahead and glass should be maintained in a good condition. A cracked windscreen can obscure driver view – if a motorist is stopped, it could result in a fixed penalty of three points on their licence and a fine.
Can a cracked windscreen fail an MOT?
Damage on your car’s windscreen could result in an MOT fail depending on the size and location of the damage.
If the damage is 40mm or over in size on the windscreen then your vehicle will fail its MOT. This will then need to be fixed before being re-tested. Although, even a smaller sized crack could result in an MOT failure if it falls within what is known as windscreen Zone A. This zone is the section of the windscreen that is centred over the steering wheel – in other words, directly in the driver’s line of vision.
Will my cracked windscreen be repaired or replaced?
Windscreen replacement will depend on the size of the chip and its location on the glass to determine whether your windscreen needs to be repaired or replaced.
How can I protect my windscreen?
- Keep your distance: Do not travel too close to vehicles in front of you, especially when on uneven, rocky roads or through road works.
- Watch your speed: Slow down on newly-laid and resurfaced roads
- Check the weather: If overnight frost is forecast, you can use a cover to protect the windscreen and never use hot water or sharp objects to defrost it.
- Keep your car sheltered when at home or when it is parked at work or out and about.
For more information regarding our windscreen insurance cover, please get in touch with our team here.
