Frequently Asked Questions

Is my windscreen insured?

Most drivers assume that cover for repairing or replacing their windscreen is automatically included in their insurance policy, however often this is not the case. Even if you have a fully comprehensive insurance policy, it does not mean you are covered. Please check your policy details to be certain. If you are not covered by insurance then we can help you find the best rate possible at the most convenient time.

Can my car fail an MOT because of the windscreen?

Yes, your car can fail it’s MOT if there is a crack larger than 1.5cm. As your windscreen is crucial to a drivers visibility any crack or chip can be a cause of a failed MOT test. Which means you will need to get a windscreen chip repaired before an MOT assessment.

Do you offer a mobile windscreen replacement service?

Windscreen compare works with the best companies who offer a mobile windscreen repair service in most areas.

Is my no claims bonus going to be affected by having a windscreen repair?

Getting your windscreen repaired should never affect your no claims bonus. If you have your windscreen replaced then you may need to check with your insurance provider.

Do you offer a guarantee on my windscreen replacement or repair?

Yes all of our technicians offer a lifetime windscreen repair guarantee for as long as you own the vehicle.

Who to contact if you have a problem with a windscreen repair?

If you have any issued with your windscreen or any glass on your vehicle that you have received from one of our partnered technicians then please contact our customer support team on 0203 2899 899.

Is the Windscreen Compare website secure?

We only ever use HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) which is the protocol over which data is sent between your browser and this website. The ‘S’ at the end of HTTPS stands for ‘Secure’. It means all communications between your browser and this website are encrypted.

How long do replacements usually take?

Our mobile replacement service operates during normal working hours from 8am to 5pm. Our technicians will call you to confirm your 2 hour time slot. Once your time slot is confirmed, you will also receive a call approximately 30 minutes prior to arrival. Majority of replacements will be completed in less than an hour, however please be aware that all cars must remain stationary for a minimum of 30 minutes after the replacement to ensure no damage is caused before the repair is completely set. 

Where do I go for my replacement?

You don’t have to go anywhere! All you have to do is go to your computer or smartphone, and fill out a simple webform to use our super convenient and awesome mobile replacement service! Our nationwide network of technicians can come right to your door to carry out the replacement from the comfort of your own home, or anywhere else you may be for that matter, and operate within all mainland locations or anywhere reachable by bridge. Unfortunately it is not possible to carry out repairs in wet conditions. However, if you have a dry/sheltered space our technicians can work under, then you’re in business! 

What kind of glass is used for replacements?

All glass used by technicians from Windscreen Compare meets the Original Equipment (OE) requirements and is sourced from certified glass manufacturers who also supply glass directly to the car production companies. All of the glass is of the highest quality and safety standards, so you can rest assured that when you choose us, you are receiving a premium service with top market glass.

How soon can you replace my cracked or smashed windscreen?

We can get your windscreen replaced on the same day if you book it in before 1pm. If it is after 1pm then we can book you in for a next day service or at a time that best suits you.

Is it possible to replace the side window of my car?

Of course! Our technicians offer a complete service, meaning you can use our mobile service to repair or replace any glass from your car, including side windows and rear windscreens! 

What is ADAS?

ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, is based on Artificial Intelligence and is integrated into the vehicle to provide a safer driving experience. This extremely advanced technology can be used to automatically make drivers aware of and protect them from situations such as oncoming collisions, unsafe changing of lanes, low tyre pressure and can even help with parking! The technology can alter the vehicle speed and direction to avoid harmful situations. 

Can a damaged windscreen affect my MOT?

Yes. To pass the MOT, there cannot be a chip any bigger than 1cm within the drivers view. Any chips or cracks will make it harder to pass the MOT, with a chip or crack anywhere on the windscreen that is larger than 4cm nearly always resulting in an automatic fail. 

Are there any hidden costs with Windscreen Compare?

No! Your quoted price is exactly what you’ll pay. We promise. 🙂 

How do I schedule my mobile replacement?

Our mobile technicians will call you the day of the replacement to confirm your 2 hour time slot, and will also notify you approximately 30 minutes prior to arrival. 

Can you fix my windscreen if my car has ADAS?

Yes. Our technicians are capable of calibrating ADAS windscreens after a replacement. In some cases, it might be necessary to travel to our nearest repair centre to complete the replacement, as special equipment may be required to carry out the calibration.

How do I use Windscreen Compare to replace my windscreen?

At Windscreen Compare, our mission is to make it as easy as possible for you to find the perfect repair/replacement solution for your windscreen or any car glass, at the best price available!

Using our free quotation tool, we’ll ask you for your vehicle registration and details about the damage such as which glass area is affected and to what extent (cracked, smashed etc.). From here, we’ll need to know what days suit you best to have the work carried out, which time slots work best for you and whether or not you’re paying for the work yourself or via an insurance policy. 

Once you’ve completed these steps, we’ll take care of the rest! After you confirm that you’re happy to move forward with the service, our technicians will be in touch to arrange when the repair/replacement will be completed. Yes, it really is that easy!

Do I need to provide anything for the replacement to be carried out?

Once our technicians have access to your vehicle and an area to complete the work, you’re all set! 

How do I reschedule an appointment?

In the event of bad weather conditions such as rain or strong wind, we may need to reschedule the appointment. But don’t worry, we’ll get in touch and keep you informed. If for any reason you are unable to provide access to the vehicle or need to move the appointment to another day, please reach out and let us know and we can reschedule for you also. 

What happens if I order the wrong glass?

Our service is designed to gather the exact information from you to ensure the glass is the perfect fit, so please take your time when completing the online form and ensure you have entered all of the correct information. If there’s anything you’re unsure of, just get in touch and we’ll help you get it sorted. 

I’m not sure what brand my car is?

You can usually find out what brand or model your car is by reading the logo on the front or rear bumper of the car. Sometimes you can find this on the steering wheel also. You can enter your registration number and we’ll be able to identify the make and model of your vehicle. 

Can I choose the car glass myself?

Sure! While you’re filling out our online form, we’ll gather all the necessary information needed to find the perfect car glass for you. You’ll be able to select the best fit from the car glass options provided. 

How do I know if my windscreen has a rain sensor?

While filling out the webform, we’ll ask you if your vehicle has a rain sensor. But if you’re unsure, don’t worry – we’ll provide you with the help and information you need to find out! We’re here to help. 🙂

 

To check if your windscreen has a rain sensor, look from the outside of the windscreen to see if there is a sensor located behind the rear view mirror. Check out the image below to see what it might look like. If your wipers begin to work automatically when it starts to rain, then this is also an indication that your windscreen has a built in rain sensor. 

How do I know if my car has a heated windscreen?

Don’t worry – our webform will provide clear information to help you know whether or not the model of your car has a heated windscreen

 

To see if your car has a heated windscreen, you’ll likely be able to see small, thin lines embedded in the glass. These are heat strips, and resemble defrosters which are often seen on rearview windscreens.

How do I know if my windscreen is coated?

It’s all good – our webform will also tell you whether or not your car has a coated windscreen. 

 

To check if your windscreen has a rain sensor, look from the outside of the windscreen to see if there is a sensor located behind the rear view mirror. Check out the image below to see what it might look like. If your wipers begin to work automatically when

How can I tell if my car glass has a colour tone?

It comes as a surprise to most people, that over 90% of windscreens do in fact have a green colour tone. The easiest way to know for sure is to hold a piece of white paper against the windscreen, and if it has a slight green/blue tint, then your windscreen has a colour tone. If your windscreen does have a colour tone, that means the rest of your car glass has a colour tone too. 

 

To check if your windscreen has a rain sensor, look from the outside of the windscreen to see if there is a sensor located behind the rear view mirror. Check out the image below to see what it might look like. If your wipers begin to work automatically when

Is there a range of different prices when choosing a windscreen?

There sure is! After completing the webform and providing all the necessary info, we’ll provide a range of options for you to choose from. Then all you have to do is choose the option with the price that is best for you.

Can I use a windscreen replacement centre near me?

At windscreen compare, we offer a fully mobile service. But don’t worry, our mobile service comes at no extra cost! We’re happy to come to you, and it doesn’t matter where you are! Once you can give us the key and a little time and space to get the job done, we’ll get you sorted. 🙂 

Is my replacement covered under a warranty?

All of our replacements and repairs come with a 2 year guarantee. There are some limits to our guarantee. 

All windscreen wipers supplied and fitted by our technicians are covered under a 12 month guarantee. This guarantee applies solely to faults associated with material and manufacturing. 

In the event that a chip develops into a crack while the technician is attempting to carry out the repair, this will result in the repair no longer being possible and a full windscreen replacement needed instead. If this occurs, the customer will be expected to pay the additional fee required to complete the windscreen replacement.

Any calibration of ADAS systems will be carried out accurately and appropriately at the time of installation and will not be covered under our guarantee.

Do I have to pay extra once the replacement has been carried out?

Nope! No extras and no hidden costs. You’ll pay the exact same price you receive in your quotation and that’s it. If there happens to be a pricing error and the price needs to be changed, we’ll be sure to make you aware of this. You can then choose to accept the updated price or cancel the job at no extra cost. 

 

As long as the work performed is equal to that in the quote received, you will not have to pay any additional fees. However, in some cases, the rubber moulding around the windscreen may not be in suitable condition for the technician to safely and effectively complete the replacement and therefore will need to be replaced also. If the rubber moulding does need to be replaced, this usually costs approximately £30-£40. 

Can you carry out the repairs in any weather conditions?

It’s difficult to repair or replace car glass in wet or extremely windy conditions Luckily, some of our technicians have a mobile canopy unit as part of their equipment, and therefore will be able to provide their own shelter to ensure the work can still be carried out.. However, if you are able to provide our mobile technicians with some cover or a dry area to complete the job, even better!

Arranging a time and date

We’ll ask you to select a time and date that best suits you when you’re filling out our Windscreen Compare webform. If the parts are readily available, you may have the option to avail of our super quick same-day service. Otherwise, the best value option will be available and this will take place at a later date. Usually, we’ll be able to accommodate your preferences, but we’ll always call to confirm the day and a 2 hour time slot, and also call you 30-60 minutes prior to arrival on the day.

How long does a car glass replacement take?

We provide our customers with a 2 hour time slot within which our technicians will arrive. We will call to confirm this slot, and also call you 30 mins prior to arrival. Once there, it rarely takes more than an hour to get the job done. 🙂 

Can I use my insurance to pay for my windscreen replacement?

Yes. If you’re seeking to pay for the work carried out via your insurance, you have two options. 

The first is by selecting the ‘paying via insurance’ payment option when completing the webform. After providing your insurance details, the insurance company will have to provide pre-approval before the job is confirmed and the work is complete.

Alternatively, you have the option of paying the balance of the replacement yourself and forwarding the invoice to your insurance company after to receive compensation.

If you’re filing an insurance claim, you’ll first have to pay the balance of your replacement and then forward the invoice to your insurer to receive compensation.

Do I need to get a small chip in my windscreen repaired?

If you have a small chip on your windscreen then by law you do not need to get it repaired. However a small chip most often leads to a larger chip or crack which can result in the windscreen having to be replaced. This will cost a lot more to replace than repair if your insurance does not cover windscreen replacement.

How soon can you repair my chipped windscreen?

We can get your windscreen repaired on the same day if you book it in before 2pm. If it is after 2pm then we can book you in for a next day service or at a time that best suits you.

Is my no claims bonus going to be affected by having a windscreen repair ?

Windscreen repairs through Windscreen Compare should not affect your no claims bonus. We always try to repair your windscreen so you don’t have to have a replacement. 

Might the chip that has been repaired develop into a crack afterwards?

After completion of a successful repair, the chip should not crack further and the repair should pass an MOT. In the unlikely event that a crack develops, Windscreen Compare will refund back to you the cost of the repair. If the repair has been carried out through your insurance, Windscreen Compare will make the refund back to your insurance company. 

Can a windscreen chip be repaired?

Some chips can be repaired and will not require a full replacement. Once the chip is smaller than the size of a one pound coin and sits more than 5-6cm from the edge of the windscreen, it’s likely our technicians will be able to carry out a repair. If you’re unsure whether or not you need a repair or a full replacement, get in touch with us and send us a photo of the chip. We’ll be able to provide you with a free consultation and advise what solution is needed. 

How effective is a windscreen chip repair?

Our technicians use the latest technology and equipment to repair windscreen chips, and the results are pretty impressive. The repair is barely noticeable, however from time to time a very small smudge or stain may be visible. 

How long do windscreen chip repairs take?

Our technicians are great at what they do, and can complete chip repairs in as little as 15 minutes. Pretty great, right? 

Do I really need to repair windscreen cracks?

At first, a small windscreen crack may not seem so bad. However, even the smallest of cracks can quickly go from bad to worse! If the crack spreads it might mean that you will require a complete replacement rather than a simple repair. Fluctuations in temperature or hitting rough terrain while driving which causes the car to bump and jolt are two of the major reasons for cracks spreading and becoming much worse. This is why it is so important to repair any chips or cracks ASAP, to ensure your safety while driving and also save yourself time and money in the future. We recommend placing some tape or a small sticker over the crack/chip until you get it repaired. This will keep the damage clean and dry and help prevent it from getting any worse until you get it fixed.

What we are doing

We are updating our employees and technicians, as soon as more guidelines and advice is provided from the health authorities and Government. Making sure that we take all necessary precautions to keep our employees and customers safe. 

  •   All technicians are cleaning their hands before and after carrying out a windscreen replacement or repair.
  •   For each job the technician will wear disposable gloves and dispose of them after completing the job.
  •   We are following social distancing measures by staying at least 2 metres away from customers to reduce interaction between the technician and customer.

 

  •   All technicians are cleaning their hands before and after carrying out a windscreen replacement or repair.
  •   For each job the technician will wear disposable gloves and dispose of them after completing the job.
  •   We are following social distancing measures by staying at least 2 metres away from customers to reduce interaction between the technician and customer. 

What we ask of you

  •   If you, or anyone in your household, are self-isolating, you can still contact us and we will be happy to carry out your windscreen replacement or repair once your self-isolation period has ended.
  •   If we are due to carry out your windscreen repair and you, or anyone in your household has a temperature or a cough, please let us know and we will rearrange your visit once the 14-day isolation period has safely ended.

During these difficult and challenging times, we want to cause as little disruption as possible, whilst ensuring the health and safety of our employees, technicians & customers. We really appreciate your efforts in working with us to trust us to look after your vehicle and trusting us to take all necessary steps to reduce risk.

  •   All technicians are cleaning their hands before and after carrying out a windscreen replacement or repair.
  •   For each job the technician will wear disposable gloves and dispose of them after completing the job.
  •   We are following social distancing measures by staying at least 2 metres away from customers to reduce interaction between the technician and customer. 

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