More drivers make insurance claims for cracked windscreens – and bad roads are to blame

Motorists are being forced to make more insurance claims for cracked windscreens, with bad roads, poor weather and fancier technology to blame.

Insurer Allianz said it is spending an average of £327 per windscreen claim in 2024, up 17 per cent from £308 in 2022.

Windscreen repairs for small chips were up 4 per cent by volume in 2023 versus 2022 according to Allianz, which owns major car insurer LV.

Likewise, claims for full glass replacements were up 13 per cent in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Windscreen damage claims are rising in part because of increasingly poor roads.

The state of the roads are a consistent bugbear for motorists with the number of potholes rising steeply as cash-strapped councils cut back on repairs.

Cracked windscreen claims are also increasing due to extremes of heat and cold, which can worsen any damage. 

Greater car technology is behind the rising cost of windscreen repairs.

As more vehicles being fitted with heated windscreens, claims have increased by 21 per cent in 2023 compared to 2021.

Caroline Johnson, of Allianz, said: ‘We’re seeing more and more claims for windscreen chips and replacements, so it’s a good idea to check what you are and aren’t covered for, as well as any excesses to pay if making a claim.

‘There are many different reasons why we’re seeing an increase in windscreen claims. This ranges from road conditions such as potholes, to extremes in temperatures. 

‘Cold snaps during winter, and sudden heat waves during summer can cause chips to turn into cracks. It’s also a good idea to get any small chips looked at as soon as possible, before they get worse over time and cost more to fix.’

Is my windscreen claim covered?

Drivers are also being warned that not all windscreen insurance claims will be covered.

This is because cheaper ‘essentials’ policies increasingly leave out cover that drivers might expect, such as for damaged windscreens – which can be a problem if drivers are unaware.

Insurers strip out cover to make their policies cheaper and therefore more attractive in a competitive market.

Cheap car cover is particularly appealing because of rapid insurance price hikes that mean the average driver now pays a record £635 a year for cover.

Drivers should be aware of what their car insurance deal covers – and what it doesn’t.

Standalone windscreen cover can be added to most car insurance deals for around £20 to £30 a year, or bought as a standalone policy typically costing around £50.