Drivers oblivious to penalty points and £2500 fine for chipped windscreen

Eight out of 10 motorists are unaware that driving with a chipped or cracked windscreen can result in three penalty points and a fine of up to £2500, according to a recent study by Green Flag.

The study revealed that 36% of drivers had a chipped or cracked windscreen within the past two years. In London, the figure rose to 50%.

Only 47% of drivers had their windscreen repaired immediately, with over a quarter (26%) saying they would delay repairs to save money. Additionally, 26% of drivers said they would only get the issue repaired if it stopped them from seeing.

A chipped windscreen can cost anywhere between £40 and £118 to repair, depending on the vehicle, while a full windscreen replacement can cost from £188 to £1650. Despite this, almost one in ten (9%) drivers said they waited for the chip to enlarge before getting it repaired.

The report further showed that chips and cracks could lead to failed MoT tests, with almost half (45%) of drivers being unsure about the size of the chip before it fails the MoT.

Only 19% were aware that a car would fail if there was a 10mm windscreen chip in the driver's field of vision. According to the DVSA, 405,595 cars had visibility issues during an MoT between October and December 2022.

Katie Lomas, Head of Green Flag Breakdown, said that windscreen chips should be repaired as soon as they appear to prevent further damage.

"Repairs are especially important when it comes to obscuring visibility for the driver. Seven in ten drivers said chips were caused by stones and debris flying up from the road. On a 30mph road, a small stone could have an impact speed with the glass at the equivalent of 40 to 50mph," she said.

Lomas added that to avoid chips and cracks, drivers must be careful and maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front on rough and busy roads where loose debris may be present.

Ask HJ

Is windscreen repair a claim against insurance?

I have a chip on my windscreen. If I go through my insurance for a repair, do insurance companies register these types of repairs as a claim? Alternatively, I have bought a windscreen repair kit from a leading national store, is it recommended to go via this route - are these DIY kits worthwhile?

Many (if not most) insurance companies will register a windscreen repair as a claim, however some will make an exception to that - it's worth checking the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. We'd usually recommend letting a professional carry out the chip repair. DIY kits can be effective if used correctly, but equally you could end up causing more damage or view obstruction that can't be repaired and means a replacement screen.

Answered by Lawrence Allan

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