Windscreen claims rise by 17%

The cost to fix a chip or replace a windscreen has increased 17% year-on-year.

That was according to Allianz’s personal lines business, which said that repairs for small chips were up 4% between 2022 and 2023, while full glass replacements increased by 13%.

Figures also show that the insurer has spent an average of £327 per windscreen claim so far in 2024, up from £308 in 2022.

Caroline Johnson, claims director at Allianz’s personal lines business, said: “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.”

Complexity

Allianz also warned that as cars and the technology behind them evolve, so does the complexity and cost to fix repairs.

For example, with more vehicles being fitted with heated windscreens, claims have increased by 21% in 2023 compared to 2021.

And the number of vehicles that require advanced driver assistance systems calibration has risen year-on-year – in 2016, 1% of cars required this calibration, compared to 44% of claims in 2023.

In turn, Johnson said it was key to ensure that “car insurance offers a good level of cover to suit your needs”.

“We include windscreen cover in all our car insurance policies as we believe it’s an important feature to help customers if they need to make a claim,” she added.

“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.”