If you’ve tried to get a windscreen repaired or replaced recently, you’ve probably noticed that your insurance excess has likely gone up, and sometimes by quite a lot. Where you might have expected to pay around £100 towards a windscreen claim a few years ago, now it’s often £500 or more.
Whether you’re managing a few vans, running a big fleet, or just sorting out your own car, it’s important to understand why these changes are happening and how they affect you when it comes to windscreen repairs.
What Is an Insurance Excess?
An insurance excess is the part of a claim that you have to pay yourself. It’s basically your share of the cost when something goes wrong.
For example, say your windscreen replacement costs £600, and your excess is £500. You’d have to pay that £500, and your insurance would only cover the remaining £100. If the repair costs less than your excess, you wouldn’t get anything from your insurer—you’d have to pay the full amount yourself.
In the past, for something like a windscreen, the excess was usually quite low, maybe around £75 or £100. That made it easy for drivers to claim on insurance. But now, the situation has changed, and a lot of people are seeing excesses of £500 or more.
Also read: Everything You Need to Know about Windscreen Cover for Your Car
Why Are Excesses Going Up So Much?
There’s no single reason, but there are a few big things happening in the background that explain why your excess is going up.
First, cars have become a lot more complicated. Windscreens aren’t just pieces of glass anymore. Many modern vehicles have cameras and sensors built into the windscreen that are part of the car’s safety systems, like lane assist, adaptive cruise control, or emergency braking.
When a windscreen is replaced, those systems often need to be carefully recalibrated, and that’s not a quick or cheap job. It takes specialist equipment and skilled technicians, which naturally pushes up the overall cost of repairs.
Second, there are more claims than before. More claims mean more pressure on insurers, and when that happens, they often raise excess amounts to limit their own costs.
Third, the average cost of repairs is also going up. A typical windscreen claim went from £308 in 2022 to £327 in 2024, and that’s even higher in 2025, as prices for parts and labour continue to rise.
Lastly, insurers are trying to cut down on small claims. By raising the excess, they make it less appealing to make a claim for a smaller repair. After all, if your excess is £500, and your repair costs £400, you won’t bother claiming, you’ll just pay it yourself.
Also read: Am I eligible for free windscreen repair?
What Does This Mean for Drivers and Businesses?
It means that if you get a chip or crack in your windscreen, you’ll need to think carefully about whether to claim on insurance.
For example, if your excess is £500 and the repair costs £350, there’s no point claiming, you’ll be paying for it all yourself anyway. Even if the repair is £600, you’d still have to pay the first £500, so your insurer would only pay £100. That’s a lot of paperwork and waiting around for very little benefit.
This is why more and more people—both private drivers and businesses—are choosing to pay directly for repairs instead of making a claim. It’s often quicker, simpler, and less stressful than dealing with insurance companies.
Why Choose Fleet Motor Glass?
At Fleet Motor Glass, we know how much of a headache it can be when your windscreen is damaged. Whether you’re running a single van or managing a whole fleet, we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.
Our team is trained to handle modern windscreens with sensors, cameras, and all the latest technology. We use the right equipment to make sure everything works properly after the repair.
When you choose to pay directly with us, you’ll avoid the delays that often come with insurance claims. You’ll get a fair, competitive price, and we’ll get your vehicle back on the road as quickly as we can—because we know that when your vehicles aren’t moving, you’re losing time and money.
What Can You Do Next?
First, check your insurance policy. Look closely at your excess, especially for glass repairs like windscreens. If it’s £500 or higher, you might decide it’s not worth claiming for smaller repairs.
Second, if you get a chip or a crack in your windscreen, don’t wait. A small chip can usually be repaired quickly and cheaply, but if you leave it, it can turn into a big crack that needs a full replacement.
Third, if you’re worried about these rising excess costs, you might want to look into motor excess insurance. This is a separate policy that helps cover your excess if you need to make a claim.
Finally, if you’re not sure whether to claim or pay directly, give us a call. We’ll explain your options, give you a clear quote, and help you decide what’s best for you.
For a quote or friendly advice, give us a call on 01525 375050