Windscreen replacement cost
A windscreen replacement typically costs £180–£450 on an ordinary car in the UK, but £400–£800+ on cars with a camera behind the glass, because the ADAS system must be recalibrated. A chip repair is £60–£120 and often free through insurance, which is why speed matters.
What it costs
| Job | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Chip repair | £60–£120 (often free via insurance) |
| Windscreen replacement, no camera | £180–£450 |
| Replacement with ADAS recalibration | £400–£800+ |
| Heated / acoustic / HUD glass | adds £100–£300 |
The ADAS bit nobody mentions
If your car has lane assist or a forward camera by the mirror, the camera looks through the glass, so after replacement it must be recalibrated, either statically with targets or on a road drive. Skipping it can leave lane keep and emergency braking misjudging the road. If a cheap quote does not mention calibration on a camera car, that is why it is cheap.
Chip now or screen later
A chip smaller than a £2 coin and out of the driver's direct view can usually be resin-repaired in 30 minutes. Heat, frost and one good pothole turn chips into 40cm cracks, usually the week before the MOT. Repair is quick, often free, and keeps the original factory seal, which is always better than any replacement.
MOT rules on damage
In the driver's central sweep (zone A), damage over 10mm is an MOT failure. Elsewhere on the swept area the limit is 40mm. A long crack anywhere in the swept area is a fail, so a cracked screen is not a "leave it for now" item if your test is due.
Common questions
Does claiming for a windscreen affect my no-claims bonus?
On most comprehensive policies, no. Glass claims usually sit outside the no-claims calculation, with a separate, smaller glass excess. Check your own policy wording to be sure.
How long does a windscreen replacement take?
Around 1 to 2 hours to fit, plus curing time before the car should be driven, typically another hour. ADAS calibration adds 30 to 60 minutes on camera cars.
Can any garage replace a windscreen with ADAS?
Only if they have the calibration equipment or partner with someone who does. Always ask how the camera will be recalibrated. If the answer is vague, go elsewhere.
Is a cracked windscreen illegal to drive with?
Damage in the driver’s line of sight can be a construction and use offence and an MOT failure. A small chip is fine to drive on but repair it before it spreads.