Windscreen Repairs on a Lease Vehicle

Windscreen damage is undoubtedly one of the most common faults on a vehicle, and you'll likely experience it when behind the wheel. 

Whatever the range of damage, from a chip to a completely shattered windscreen, it's essential that you act fast to prevent further damage. If ignored, a damaged windscreen could be considered a motoring offence under the Highway Code, where you'd be liable for a fixed penalty of three points on your licence and a fine.

To help you understand what to do if the windscreen on your lease vehicle is damaged, car leasing experts, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, has put together a short guide, which covers:

Usually, the driver is responsible for repairing the windscreen on their lease car.

You'll need to arrange for a third party, such as Autoglass, to repair the windscreen. Autoglass is one of the UK's leading windscreen repair companies. They have a branch in most major UK towns and a mobile service covering the whole of the UK.

However, the decision of who you choose is entirely up to you. It's a good idea to shop around for a reasonable price but be aware that the windscreen replacement company may need to see the damage before fully committing to a price.

When it comes to a chip in the windscreen, usually caused by a stone or debris in the road, this can be repaired by a mobile technician from the chosen company if it's:

• No bigger than a £2 coin
• More than 7cm from the edge of the windscreen
• Not in the driver's line of vision (30cm wide, centred on the midpoints of the steering wheel), no more than 10mm across

If a chip can be repaired, a special resin and specialist tools are used to fix the problem, rather than run to the expensive cost of a new windscreen.

Remember that the condition of your windscreen is not only an integral and vital part of the safety of both driver and passengers but also part of your leasing contract when it comes to the condition of the car. It's in your interest to get it sorted as quickly as possible and to the best standard.

What type of windscreen or glass damage is acceptable under fair wear and tear?

Scratches to the windscreen that do not obstruct the driver's line of vision are accepted, as well as damage to the light lens (as long as it's not a crack and no water ingress has occurred).

Windscreen chips won't be accepted as fair wear and tear and must be fixed before you return your lease vehicle.

If you have a maintenance contract, windscreen repair might be included; however, this is rare. You should check the terms and conditions of your agreement to double-check. If windscreen repair is covered, follow the instructions outlined in your maintenance contract.

If your lease agreement stipulates that you have to cover windscreen repairs yourself, then you will need to organise for a third party to come out and repair the windscreen.

It is a good idea to shop around for a good price, but be aware that the windscreen replacement company may well need to see what damage has been made to the windscreen before fully committing on a price.

Is windscreen damage covered under my car insurance?

When leasing a car, it's the driver's responsibility to arrange their car insurance. Usually, windscreen insurance is only included in the most comprehensive policies, so it's your responsibility to make sure you take out cover with it included.

If it's included in your policy, your insurance provider will recommend a repair company and pay any associated costs.

My windscreen is chipped, what do I do?

The first port of call should be to get it repaired. Although windscreen chips might not seem urgent, leaving them alone could cause further damage.

If windscreen repair is included in your maintenance agreement or car insurance, ring your provider, and they should give you a list of recommended repairers.

If windscreen repair isn't included, you'll have to fix the chip yourself. The average cost of a chipped windscreen in the UK is between £40 - £118, depending on the size of the chip (Checkatrade).

My windscreen is cracked, what do I do?

Windscreen cracks cannot be repaired; they will have to be replaced.

Once again, it's worth checking if replacement is included in your vehicle maintenance contract and car insurance. If they are, follow the instructions outlined in your terms and conditions.

If you don't have replacement cover, you'll have to fix the windscreen yourself. The average cost to replace a windscreen in the UK is between £188 and £1,650, depending on the size of your vehicle and the technology used by the windscreen.

You don't legally have to get a chip in your windscreen repaired immediately; however, it's better to act quickly to prevent further damage.

If the chip turns into a crack and decreases the driver's view of the road, you'll be breaking the Highway Code and could be liable for three points on your licence and a fine.

Yes, it's safe to have your glass repaired rather than replaced. If your windscreen or windows have a chip, they will be able to be repaired back to normal and be completely safe when back on the roads.

Repairs are completed with a specialist resin and tools that have been rigorously tested.

It's the driver's responsibility to replace their windscreen wipers. This action should be taken around once every 12 months or when the wipers begin to show signs of wear and tear.

Windscreen wiper replacement isn't included in your maintenance contract, as a fault is normally due to wear and tear, not a manufacturer defect.

Even though a lot of damage to windscreens and windows is caused by unavoidable external factors, there are a few steps the driver can take to help prevent damage:  

• If frost is expected overnight, use a cover on the windscreen
• DON'T pour boiling water to get rid of ice/frost
• DON'T use sharp objects to defrost the windscreen because this could cause cracks or chips
• Defrost the car using a scraper or de-icer that's fit for purpose
• Ensure that washer fluid and antifreeze are topped up
• Replace the wipers as soon as they show signs of wear and tear

Unsure whether windscreen repair is included in your lease deal? Check out our vehicle maintenance guides or call our Customer Services Team at 0345 811 9595 for more information.