When you spot a chip on your windscreen, it’s tempting to ignore it. Perhaps you’re busy, or you assume it’s not a serious matter. But delaying windscreen chip repair can cost you more than just time. At Advanced Auto Glazing, we see it every day: a small chip turns into a costly windscreen replacement. Acting fast protects your wallet, your safety, and your car’s MOT status.
The Science Behind Windscreen Damage
A windscreen chip usually occurs when a stone or debris hits the surface at high speed. The outer layer of glass shatters slightly, but the plastic layer underneath holds it together. Moisture, dirt, and temperature changes then worsen the damage.
Repairing the chip early involves cleaning and sealing the damaged area with a clear resin. The process helps restore strength and prevent the spread. Once the damage expands beyond a certain point, this repair is no longer possible. That’s when complete windscreen replacement becomes your only option.
The True Cost of Ignoring a Windscreen Chip
A chip may seem harmless, but your windscreen handles up to 30% of your vehicle’s structural strength. Once damaged, that integrity drops. Heat, vibration, or even a speed bump can cause a chip to spread into a crack. When that happens, a simple chip repair isn’t enough – you’ll need a full windscreen replacement.
Repairing a chip early often costs less than a takeaway meal. A complete replacement can cost hundreds of pounds, especially if your car has advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that require calibration. If the damage spreads to your rear windscreen, you’ll face an even higher rear windscreen replacement cost.
Insurance Matters
Most insurers cover chip repairs at little or no cost. If you leave the chip untreated and it cracks, your excess will be applied towards a replacement. Repairing early saves both your money and your no-claims bonus.
MOT and Legal Implications
During an MOT, the tester checks your windscreen for damage in the driver’s view. A chip larger than 10mm in this area, or a crack larger than 40mm anywhere else, can result in an automatic MOT failure. That means more expense, and possible fines if you continue driving with a damaged screen.
Your vehicle’s windscreen isn’t just glass; it’s a key part of your car’s safety system. Sensors for lane assist, rain detection, and automatic braking rely on a clear, undamaged screen. If you delay windscreen repair, you compromise both safety and compliance.
Long-Term Safety Risks
When you drive with a damaged windscreen, every vibration and temperature change increases stress on the glass. A chip might seem stable, but it can expand suddenly. This risk grows during cold weather or when using your car’s heater or air conditioning.
A cracked windscreen can distort your view, increasing reaction time and reducing visibility. In a collision, it also weakens your vehicle’s roof support and airbag deployment. Replacing the windscreen later is far more disruptive than a quick chip repair now.
Why Quick Action Saves You Money
Lower Repair Costs
Chip repair typically costs a fraction of the cost of replacement. Acting quickly prevents the damage from spreading, which means less material, less labour, and no calibration cost for ADAS systems.
Reduced Downtime
A chip repair can be done in under 30 minutes. A replacement takes longer and may require your vehicle to stay off the road until the adhesive sets or sensors are recalibrated. For businesses and busy drivers, time is money.
Better Insurance Outcomes
Most UK insurance policies treat chip repair as preventative maintenance. It doesn’t affect your no-claims bonus, and in many cases, insurers cover it in full. Delaying the turn that would free the fix into a bill of several hundred pounds.
When a Replacement Is the Only Option
If the chip is in the driver’s line of sight, larger than 10mm ( roughly the size of a 5p coin), or located on the edge of the glass, repair may not be possible. In that case, a replacement is the safest option. Modern windscreens with built-in sensors and cameras require precision fitting and recalibration to maintain system accuracy.
The rear windscreen replacement cost can also surprise many drivers. Rear screens often contain embedded heating elements or antenna lines. Replacing these involves both specialised glass and skilled installation. Regular checks and quick action prevent these high-cost jobs.
Simple Steps to Avoid Bigger Bills
- Inspect regularly – Check your windscreen every few weeks for chips or cracks.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes – Don’t blast your heater or air conditioner when the glass is cold.
- Get repairs done immediately – Contact a specialist as soon as you spot a chip.
- Ask about calibration – If your car uses ADAS, confirm that recalibration is included after replacement.
Choosing the Right Repair Service
A qualified technician will assess whether a chip can be repaired or if replacement is needed. Advanced Auto Glazing provides both mobile and workshop services, using manufacturer-approved materials and calibrated equipment. That ensures your vehicle stays compliant, safe, and ready for the road.
When choosing a service provider, always look for:
- Certified technicians
- Quality guarantee or warranty
- Insurance-approved processes
- Experience with ADAS systems
These details matter for long-term performance and compliance.
Your windscreen does more than keep the wind out. It protects you, supports the vehicle’s structure, and ensures that key safety systems function correctly. A small chip might not seem urgent, but neglecting it can cost you far more in repairs, insurance, and safety risk.
At Advanced Auto Glazing, we recommend acting at the first sign of damage. A quick chip repair today is far cheaper and safer than a windscreen replacement tomorrow.
For more information on MOT windscreen regulations, visit the UK Government guidance.
