windscreen
windscreen

How much does a windscreen replacement cost?

Barney Cotton

Barney Cotton

Consumer Editor

5 minute read|14th Nov 2025

Windscreens are an integral part of a vehicle – and replacing them is necessary if they are damaged beyond repair.

Chips and small cracks can often be repaired, but if it is distracting or dangerous, then you’ll need to take your vehicle to a trusted local garage.

This car maintenance guide will give you all the information you need about replacement costs for windscreens for all major manufacturers.

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How much does it cost to replace your windscreen?

According to the latest RAC data, costs to replace a windscreen can vary by vehicle make, glass type, and features.

However, drivers can expect to pay between £150 and £400.

A 2025 report from whocanfixmycar puts the average cost to replace a windscreen at £343.83.

It is important to remember that your vehicle will not pass its annual if the windscreen is severely damaged or hasn’t been repaired correctly.

Windscreen replacement by make

Below is a table that shows the average cost to replace a windscreen is in the UK, broken down by manufacturers.

Manufacturer

Cost to replace windscreen

Audi

£487

BMW

£392

Citroen

£225

Ford

£221

Mercedes

£412

MINI

£310

Nissan

£392

Peugeot

£236

Renault

£530

Vauxhall

£274

Volkswagen

£298

*Data from whocanfixmycar, November 2025 – figures are rounded to nearest whole number

Replacing your windscreen vs repairing your windscreen

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing to either replace or repair a damaged car windscreen.

Repair

  • Best for: Small chips or cracks (typically less than 40mm and not in the driver’s line of sight).
  • Cost: Usually cheaper than replacement and is often covered by insurance with little or no excess.
  • Time: Quick fix as the work is often completed in under an hour.
  • Environmental impact: More eco-friendly since it preserves the original glass.
  • Limitations: Not suitable for large cracks, edge damage, or compromised structural integrity.

Replacing

  • Best for: Large cracks, damage in the driver’s view, or compromised safety.
  • Cost: More expensive and may involve higher insurance excess or out-of-pocket costs.
  • Time: Takes longer than a repair as it typically involves a few hours work and then curing time for the sealant.
  • Safety: Restores full structural integrity and visibility.
  • Warranty: Often comes with a guarantee on workmanship and materials used.

No matter which option you choose, there are several other things to consider.

This includes the location of damage as chips and scratches in the driver’s line of sight usually require replacement.

Also, you (or a ) will need to assess the size and depth of any cracks as deeper ones can’t be safely repaired.

Anyone carrying out windscreen repair or replacement should check their policy to see what is and isn’t covered.

Is windscreen replacement covered by insurance?

It is important to remember that many comprehensive car insurance policies cover windscreen replacement.

However, it is vital that the policyholder checks with their insurer so that they understand the extent of the coverage.

Windscreen FAQs

When it comes to repairing a chip in the windscreen, this is often covered by an insurance policy. However, if they do choose to pay to have the work done on the vehicle, it will cost less than £100.

According to data from whocanfixmycar, the average cost to replace a car window ranges from £100 to £200. However, this could fluctuate a lot due to make, model, design and type of window that needs to be replaced.

Drivers who are waiting for their car windscreen to be replaced can expect to wait anywhere between four and six hours. This is due to the work that needs to be done, but also time for the windscreen to cure.

Get a service or repair at home

Get a service or repair at home

RAC Mobile Mechanics can come to you, saving you the hassle of going to a garage. 

Book now