Cheapest Car Insurance Policy With Windscreen Cover
It starts with a tiny chip. You spot it one morning on the drive, nothing dramatic. Next thing you know, a temperature drop or a pothole hit turns it into a full-blown crack running across your windscreen like a lightning bolt. Not the kind of surprise you want before work, right?
That's where windscreen cover earns its keep. But finding a policy that includes it - without costing the earth; takes a bit of digging. Some drivers assume it's standard. Others don't even know whether their policy covers it until the glass gives up completely. Let's clear things up.
What's Behind Windscreen Cover?
Windscreen cover means your insurer will pay for the repair or replacement of your windscreen, side or rear windows, and sometimes sunroofs - depending on the policy. Usually, it covers:
- Stone chips and cracks
- Full windscreen replacement
- Window damage caused by vandalism or flying debris
You'll usually pay a small excess - typically 10 pounds to 25 pounds for a repair, and 75 pounds to GBP00 punds for a replacement. But it's a fraction of what it would cost privately, especially for newer vehicles with heated glass or sensor systems built into the windscreen.
Which Policies Tend to Include It?
This is where things get a bit tricky. Windscreen cover is almost always included in comprehensive car insurance policies. However, it's not always automatic; and even when it is, the level of cover can vary massively between insurers.
- Third party only - no windscreen cover.
- Third party, fire & theft - rarely includes windscreen cover unless added as an extra.
- Fully comprehensive - most likely to include it, but always check the fine print.
Just imagine: you're on the M6, something flicks up from a lorry tyre, and *smack*, you've got a spiderweb crack right in your line of vision. You call your insurer expecting help, only to find your "comprehensive" cover doesn't actually include glass. Cue frustration, and an unplanned bill.
Insurers Known for Including Windscreen Cover
- LV= (Liverpool Victoria)
Windscreen cover is included with most comprehensive policies as standard, and they often work with recognised repair networks for quicker fixes. - Aviva
Includes windscreen repairs and replacements with many of their comprehensive policies. Repairs are sometimes even free if you go through an approved partner. - Hastings Direct
Offers windscreen cover with certain tiers of their comprehensive plans. Some options may require you to select it as an extra, so check during the quote. - Direct Line
Typically includes windscreen cover with fully comp policies - but since they're not on comparison sites, you'll need to check with them directly. - Admiral
Often includes glass cover with their comprehensive policies. Replacement excess tends to be around 115 pounds, so it's worth weighing the overall price when comparing.
What to Check in the Fine Print
Not all windscreen cover is created equal. Look out for:
- Excess amounts - What you'll pay for a chip vs a full replacement.
- Approved repairers - Some policies only cover the work if you use one of their selected partners.
- Glass-only claims - Many insurers won't affect your no-claims bonus for a windscreen claim, but not all are so kind.
- Sunroof and rear window cover - Not every policy extends beyond the front windscreen.
Why It's Worth Having; Even on a Budget
Windscreen repairs aren't just about visibility. Cracks can weaken the structural integrity of your car - and in some cases, your vehicle can fail an MOT because of it. A single repair job can easily cost 200 pounds or more privately, depending on your car's tech. If your policy includes it and you only pay a 25 pounds excess, you're already ahead.
One driver shared how a minor chip left too long grew into a full-screen crack after a frosty night. Their policy had no windscreen cover, and the repair cost more than their entire insurance premium. Ouch.
Want to Make Sure You're Covered?
If you're seeing how quotes stack up and hoping to stay around the GBP500 mark, don't forget to check if windscreen cover is included - or if you may need to add it. Sometimes it only costs a few extra pounds a year, and it's money well spent the first time your screen gets peppered with gravel on the dual carriageway.
Click here to compare car insurance quotes now - find out which providers include windscreen cover and get the protection you'll be glad you have when the glass starts cracking.