A damaged or cracked windscreen could result in an MOT fail.

If there is windscreen damage of 40mm or more in size, anywhere on the windscreen, your vehicle will fail its MOT. And the crack will need to be fixed before being re-tested.

However, even a 10mm-sized damage on a cracked windscreen results in MOT failure if it falls within what is known as windscreen Zone A. This zone is the section of the windscreen that is 290mm wide and centred on the steering wheel – in other words, directly in the driver’s line of vision.

If your car’s MOT is due and you have a cracked windscreen or a chipped windscreen, you must arrange for repairs – or the vehicle will not be deemed as roadworthy.

A cracked windscreen is a common problem for drivers but if it happens to you, just ensure it is repaired as soon as possible. Don’t forget, window glass repair and replacement is usually covered by a fully comprehensive insurance policy.

Can I claim for a windscreen replacement on my car insurance?
In short, yes you can claim for a windscreen replacement. However, there are exceptions to this and you should always speak to your insurer as soon as you notice anything.

In some cases, you can have your damaged or cracked windscreen replaced under your car insurance policy, without impacting your no claims bonus. But it will ultimately come down to the type of policy you have – always check with your insurer.

Ask your insurance company first before you get any work done as they usually have certain windscreen companies they work with and if you use their company, usually a repair is very cheap or free and a replacement is a lot cheaper than if you went elsewhere. Many insurance policies also have a much lower excess for glass than any other sort of claim too.