Windscreen cover in Ireland: does a claim affect your no claims bonus?

Updated 3 November 2026 · 3 min read

For most drivers, the first question after a cracked windscreen is not "how is it fixed?" but "who pays, and will it cost me my no claims bonus?" In Ireland the answer is usually reassuring, but it depends on your policy wording.

Windscreen or glass cover is a common feature of Irish car insurance, particularly on comprehensive policies. It is designed for exactly this sort of damage and is treated differently from an accident claim. Here is how it generally works, and what to check in your own documents.

Is windscreen cover included in my policy?

Look at your policy schedule, the page that lists your cover, excesses and any extras. Glass or windscreen cover is commonly:

• Included as standard on many comprehensive policies.
• Available as an add-on on some third party, fire and theft policies.
• Not included on basic third party only cover.

Some policies cover the windscreen only; others cover all glass, including side windows, rear screen and sometimes sunroofs. There may also be a cap on how much the insurer will pay for glass. If the schedule does not mention windscreen cover, ask your insurer or broker before arranging any work.

Does a windscreen claim affect your no claims bonus?

With most Irish insurers, a claim made under windscreen cover does not reduce your no claims bonus. Several major insurers state this in their published policy information. The usual condition is that the claim is for glass damage only and is made under the windscreen section of the policy.

The exceptions are worth knowing:

• The cover must be on your schedule. If you claim for glass that is not covered by a windscreen section, it may be treated as an ordinary claim.
• Glass damaged in an accident is normally part of the accident claim, which can affect your bonus.
• Policy wording varies. Some policies limit the number of glass claims in a year or set conditions on which repairer you use.

If in doubt, ask the insurer directly: "If I claim for this windscreen under my glass cover, will it affect my no claims discount or my renewal?" Write down the answer and the name of the person you spoke to.

Excesses on windscreen claims

An excess is the part of a claim you pay yourself. On glass claims, insurers in Ireland commonly:

• Charge no excess for a chip repair, because a repair is far cheaper than a replacement.
• Apply a smaller, separate excess for a replacement, or none at all on some policies.
• Apply a different excess if you use a repairer outside their approved network.

The exact figures are on your schedule. Compare the excess with the likely cost of the job before claiming. For a small repair it may make sense either way; for a modern screen with a camera, heating element or head-up display, the claim is likely to be well worth making.

Approved repairers and direct billing

Most insurers work with a network of approved windscreen repairers. If you use one, the repairer can usually confirm your cover with the insurer and bill the insurer directly, so you pay only the excess (if any). This is often called direct billing.

Using a repairer outside the network is sometimes allowed, but you may have to pay up front and claim the money back, or accept a higher excess or a lower limit. Check before you book.

How to make a windscreen claim

1. Photograph the damage, with something for scale if it is a chip.
2. Check your schedule for glass cover, limits and excesses.
3. Ring the insurer's glass claims line or the number on your policy documents. They will often pass you straight to an approved repairer.
4. Have your policy number, registration and a description of the damage ready. Mention if the car has a camera behind the screen, a heated screen or a head-up display.
5. Ask whether the repairer will handle calibration if it is needed. See windscreen calibration and ADAS.
6. Keep the invoice and any calibration report.

Company cars, fleets and farm vehicles

Fleet, commercial and agricultural policies vary more than private car policies. Some include glass cover with its own excess, some exclude it, and claims are often handled through a broker. If you drive a company vehicle, tell your fleet manager before arranging any work. For specifics see truck, coach and plant glass and tractor glass.

If something goes wrong

If you are unhappy with how a glass claim is handled, complain to the insurer first, using its formal complaints process. If that does not resolve it, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (fspo.ie) deals with complaints about insurers in Ireland. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (ccpc.ie) has general guidance on car insurance and your consumer rights.