The No Claims Discount (NCD), sometimes called a No Claims Bonus (NCB), is a reward offered by insurers to drivers who complete a policy term without making a claim. This discount significantly reduces the annual premium, making its protection a high priority. For the majority of drivers holding a comprehensive car insurance policy, a claim made solely for windscreen repair or replacement will not typically affect the accumulated NCD. This protection is a standard feature designed to encourage drivers to maintain vehicle safety.
The General Rule: Why Windscreen Claims Are Protected
Most comprehensive insurance policies include a specific provision known as “glass cover” or “windscreen cover,” which operates independently of the main policy’s claims history. When a driver utilizes this specific cover for damage like a stone chip or crack, the incident is processed as a separate event rather than a standard “at-fault” or “own-damage” claim. This separation is the primary mechanism that shields the driver’s NCD from reduction or loss.
Insurers recognize that damage to vehicle glass, often caused by road debris or flying stones, is largely unavoidable and not a reflection of the driver’s skill or negligence. By treating these incidents differently, they remove the financial disincentive that might otherwise prevent a driver from seeking necessary repairs. This approach benefits both the policyholder and the insurer by promoting immediate action.
A damaged windscreen poses a significant structural and visibility risk. Encouraging immediate repair ensures the vehicle remains safe and roadworthy, preventing a small chip from becoming a large crack that compromises safety.
When a Claim Will Affect Your No Claims Discount
The protection afforded to the NCD is not universal and depends entirely on the specific terms of the insurance contract. If a driver holds a third-party only or third-party, fire, and theft policy, these typically do not include the specialized glass cover found in comprehensive plans. In such cases, any claim for windscreen damage would be processed as a standard claim against the policy, resulting in a direct loss or reduction of the accumulated NCD.
A claim will also be treated as a standard incident if the windscreen damage occurs as part of a larger event involving other vehicle damage. For example, if the glass is broken during a collision, a vandalism incident, or a theft attempt, the entire event is consolidated into a single claim. This single, larger claim will be recorded against the driver’s history and will almost certainly impact the NCD.
While a single, isolated windscreen claim is generally protected, some insurers may flag a pattern of repeated claims within a short timeframe. Multiple claims—perhaps three or more within a year—can lead the insurer to view the policyholder as a higher risk. This increased risk profile could result in the insurer declining to offer a renewal or imposing stricter terms.
Financial Costs Beyond the Discount
Even when the No Claims Discount is protected, a driver will almost always incur an out-of-pocket expense known as the excess or deductible. This is the fixed amount the policyholder must pay toward the cost of the repair or replacement before the insurer covers the remainder. The excess for a simple chip repair is frequently waived entirely by the insurer to encourage prompt action.
The excess for a full windscreen replacement, however, is typically mandatory and can range from approximately £50 to £150, depending on the policy terms and the vehicle type. This payment is a direct financial cost of making the claim, regardless of the NCD status. Drivers must confirm the specific excess amount for replacement versus repair before authorizing the work.
A potential financial consequence is an increased premium at the next renewal, even with the NCD preserved. Every claim, including those for glass, is recorded on the driver’s claims history database. Insurers use this history to assess future risk, and a recorded claim can signal a slightly higher propensity for future claims, leading to a modest increase in the renewal quote.
Deciding Whether to Claim or Pay Outright
When faced with windscreen damage, the most practical first step is to obtain a direct quote for the repair or replacement from a reputable glass specialist. This quote should then be compared directly against the mandatory excess amount stipulated in the insurance policy for a glass claim. If the total cost of the repair is less than or only marginally more than the policy excess, paying for the service out-of-pocket is often the most financially prudent decision.
Paying directly avoids making any formal claim against the policy, which keeps the claims history clean and eliminates any risk of a future premium hike at renewal. Before proceeding, the policyholder should always contact their insurer to confirm the exact excess amount. They should also verify that their specific policy includes the NCD protection for glass claims.