Windscreen repair is usually much quicker and simpler than most people think. If you’re trying to figure out how long you’ll be without your car and whether you can drive straight after the repair, this guide will give you the answers you’re looking for.
The Quick Answer
Most windscreen chip repairs take around 30 minutes to complete, and you can drive away immediately afterwards. It’s that simple. But there’s obviously a bit more to the story, especially when it comes to replacements, so let’s take a look at the details.
Windscreen Repair vs Replacement
First things first – there’s a big difference between repairing a chip and replacing the whole windscreen. The time, cost, and driving restrictions are completely different.
Chip repair is when we fill a small chip or crack with a special resin. This works for damage that’s smaller than a £2 coin and not in your direct line of sight. A windscreen chip repair will usually take 30 minutes to complete, and once the repair is completed, the vehicle can be driven immediately.
Full replacement means taking out the old windscreen and fitting a new one. This is necessary when the damage is too big to repair, affects your vision, or is near the edge of the screen, where it weakens the structure.
Here’s what you need to know: if your chip is smaller than 25mm (about the size of a £2 coin), it can probably be repaired. If it’s bigger than that, or if it’s directly in your line of sight, you’re looking at a replacement.
Read: Is a replacement windscreen as good as the original?
How Long Does Windscreen Repair Actually Take?
The repair process itself is pretty straightforward. The technician cleans the damaged area thoroughly, injects a special resin into the chip or crack, and then cures it using UV light. It usually takes around 20-30 minutes for a skilled glazier to repair a windscreen.
If the weather’s bad, they might need to set up a canopy to protect the work area, which adds about 10 minutes to the job. So you’re looking at 40 minutes maximum, even in poor conditions.
The best part? You can drive away immediately. The UV curing process means the resin is fully set by the time they finish the repair.
Windscreen Replacement Times
If you need a full replacement, you’re looking at a longer process. Replacing a windscreen usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, including removing the old screen, preparing the frame, and fitting the new one.
But here’s the crucial bit – you can’t just drive off straight away. The adhesive that holds the new windscreen in place needs time to cure properly. For glass replacements, we recommend that you do not drive your vehicle for 30 minutes after the work has been completed.
Some companies use fast-cure adhesives that set in 30 minutes, while standard adhesives need about an hour. Your technician will tell you exactly how long to wait based on what they’ve used.
Can You Drive Straight After Repair?
Yes, absolutely. With chip repairs, you can literally get back in your car and drive away as soon as the technician packs up their equipment. The UV light cures the resin instantly, so there’s no waiting around.
However, some technicians might ask you to avoid driving for the first hour after the repair, particularly if they’ve had to use specific resin compounds. This is rare, but if they mention it, it’s worth listening to their advice.
What About Insurance and Costs?
Here’s something that might surprise you – windscreen repairs are often free if you have comprehensive insurance. Many policies cover chip repairs without affecting your no-claims bonus, and some don’t even charge an excess.
The average cost of windscreen repair in the UK in 2025 is approximately £57 if you’re paying out of pocket. Companies like Halfords charge around £45 for a chip repair, so it’s not going to break the bank either way.
For replacements, you’re looking at anywhere from £150 for a basic car up to £1,650 for something fancy with all the technological bells and whistles. Insurance usually covers this too, though you might pay an excess.
Booking and Waiting Times
This is where things can get frustrating. While the actual repair is quick, getting an appointment can be another story entirely. Currently, some areas are seeing wait times of up to 10 days for appointments, particularly with the big national companies like Autoglass.
The industry is dealing with a massive backlog – Autoglass reportedly has around 40,000 jobs outstanding and is having to sub-contract work to clear the queue. So while your repair only takes 30 minutes, you might be waiting over a week to get it done.
If you’re in a hurry, try calling around local independent glaziers. They often have much shorter waiting times and can sometimes see you the same day or next day.
What Happens If You Don’t Get It Fixed?
You might be tempted to leave a small chip, especially if there are waiting times involved. Don’t. Even tiny chips can quickly turn into big cracks, especially with temperature changes or road vibrations.
More importantly, you could get in trouble with the law. Driving with a cracked windscreen can be considered a motoring offence if it affects your vision. You could face three points on your licence and a fine if you’re stopped.
Your MOT will also fail if there’s damage in the driver’s line of sight, so it’s not something you can ignore long-term.
Read: Can I Legally Drive with a Cracked Windscreen?
Mobile Services vs Garage Visits
Most windscreen repair companies offer mobile services where they come to you – at home, at work, or wherever your car is parked. This is incredibly convenient and means you don’t have to drive with damaged glass to get to their premises.
The repair time is exactly the same whether they come to you or you go to them. The only requirement is that they need enough space to open both front doors and, for replacements, at least 2.5 metres of clearance for their van.
Modern Cars and ADAS Technology
If you’ve got a newer car with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – things like lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, or adaptive cruise control – there’s an extra step after windscreen replacement.
These systems use cameras and sensors that are often mounted on or behind the windscreen. When the screen is replaced, these need to be recalibrated to work properly. This adds time to the job and extra cost, but it’s essential for your safety systems to function correctly.
Different Types of Damage
Not all windscreen damage is the same, and understanding what you’re dealing with helps you plan:
Small chips (under 3mm) might not even need repairing, though it’s usually worth getting them checked. Medium chips (3-25mm) are perfect for resin repair and take the standard 30 minutes. Large chips or cracks (over 25mm) usually need full replacement.
Star cracks that spread out from an impact point can often be repaired if they’re caught early. Long cracks usually mean replacement time. Edge damage where the chip is near the windscreen frame almost always needs replacement because it affects the structural integrity.
Planning Your Day
If you’re getting a chip repair, you barely need to plan at all. Block out an hour of your day (including travel time if you’re going to them), and you’ll be sorted. You can drive there, get it fixed, and drive away.
For replacements, factor in 2-3 hours total – the 60-90 minutes for the work plus the wait time before you can drive. If you’re getting mobile service, you’ll need to arrange alternative transport if you can’t wait at your car.
The Bottom Line
Windscreen repairs are one of the quickest car fixes you can get. Thirty minutes and you’re done, with no restrictions on driving afterwards. The only downside is the current waiting times to get an appointment.
Don’t put off getting chips repaired – they only get worse, never better. A quick 30-minute fix now saves you from a much more expensive and time-consuming replacement later.
And remember, if your insurance covers it (which it probably does), there’s really no reason not to get it sorted. Most people are pleasantly surprised by how quick and painless the whole process is once they actually get it done.
Read: Mobile Windscreen Replacements vs. Repairs: Which Is Best for You?
Professional Windscreen Repair in Essex
If you need windscreen repair in the Essex area, Fleet Motorglass offers comprehensive automotive services, including windscreen repairs and replacements. Our technicians can assess your windscreen damage and provide expert repair services to get you back on the road safely and quickly. Call us today on 01525 375050.