Drivers at risk of points and a £2,500 fine for cracked windscreens

• Just 22 per cent of motorists are aware that driving with a seriously chipped or cracked windscreen could lead to three penalty points and a fine of up to £2,500
• Less than half had their car repaired immediately after a cracked or chipped windscreen appeared
• One in four drivers (26 per cent) would delay repairing a chip or crack to save money
• A fifth (19 per cent) of drivers know that a car could fail its MOT if there is a 10mm windscreen chip in the driver’s field of vision

Almost four in five motorists (78 per cent) are unaware that driving with a chipped or cracked windscreen could lead to three penalty points and a fine of up to £2,500¹, according to new research from Green Flag, one of the UK’s leading breakdown providers.

A damaged windscreen is a common occurrence for motorists, with over a third (36 per cent) reporting a chipped or cracked windscreen within the past two years. This rises to half (50 per cent) of all drivers in London.

The cost-of-living crisis appears to be impacting drivers’ repair habits. Only 47 per cent of drivers had their windscreen repaired immediately, with more than a quarter (26 per cent) saying they would delay repairs to save money. Over a quarter (26 per cent) of drivers said they would only get the issue repaired if it stopped them from seeing.

On average, a chipped windscreen costs between £40 and £118 to repair, depending on the vehicle.² However, a full windscreen replacement can cost from £188 to £1,650.² Almost one in ten (9 per cent) drivers said they waited for the chip to enlarge before getting it repaired.  

As well as the safety implications, chips and cracks can also lead to a failed MOT. Almost half (45 per cent) of drivers said they were unsure of what size the chip could be before it fails the MOT, with only one in five (19 per cent) aware that a car is likely to fail if there is a 10mm windscreen chip in the driver’s field of vision. According to the DVSA, 405,595 cars had visibility issues³ when checked during an MOT between October and December 2022.

Katie Lomas, Head of Green Flag Breakdown, commented: “Windscreen chips should be repaired almost as soon as they appear to prevent further damage spreading as these can easily turn into a crack and a much larger and more expensive problem. It’s also important to keep in mind that repairs are especially important when obscuring visibility for the driver.

“Seven in ten drivers said chips were caused by stones and debris flying up from the road. To put this into perspective, on a 30 mile per hour road, a small stone could have an impact speed with the glass at the equivalent of 40 to 50 miles per hour. It’s not surprising that there’s a chance it’ll take a toll on your windscreen if it hits.

“To avoid chips and cracks, it’s important to drive carefully and leave a greater distance between the vehicle in front of you on rough and busy roads where there may be loose debris. If you do get a crack, it’s key that you replace the windscreen as soon as possible. Repairing early on is a straightforward process that improves vehicle safety, visibility and saves money in the long run.”

Green Flag is one of the leading breakdown providers, offering drivers 24/7 assistance from 3,000 expert technicians all over the UK. For more information visit greenflag.com or download the Green Flag app.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

Survey conducted for Green Flag by Opinium of 2,000 UK adults between 31 March 2023 - 04 April 2023

¹ Highway Code penalty table. Source: https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/penalty-table.html

² Checkatrade data: Chipped windscreen and cracked windscreen repair costs, Great Britain, August 2022. Source: https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/windscreen-repair-cost/

³ 4.73 per cent of the 8,574,957 MOT tests conducted between October and December 2022. Source: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1126608/dvsa-mot-03-mot-class-3-and-4-vehicles-initial-failures-by-defect-category-.csv

About Green Flag 

With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required). 

Green Flag is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.  

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com