Understanding Windscreen Cover and ADAS Calibration

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become standard in modern vehicles, helping drivers stay safer on the road through technologies like lane assist, front cameras, automatic braking and collision detection. But these safety features are heavily reliant on sensors and cameras, many of which are mounted on or around the windscreen.

When your car suffers glass damage — from a cracked windshield, chipped screen or broken glass — replacing the windscreen isn’t just about fitting new glass. It often requires ADAS recalibration to ensure that cameras and sensors continue to work correctly. This adds complexity to windshield replacement, raises questions about insurance coverage, and affects how insurance companies handle claims.

This guide explains how windscreen insurance works, why ADAS calibration matters, what happens to your no claims discount (NCD) if you make a claim, and whether it’s worth adding windscreen cover to your car insurance policy.

What is ADAS calibration and why is it necessary?

ADAS calibration is the process of re-aligning the cameras, radar and sensors after a damaged windshield has been repaired or replaced.

• Why calibration matters: If a front camera or radar sensor is even a few millimetres off, lane assist, automatic emergency braking, or collision warning systems may fail or trigger incorrectly.
• When it’s needed: After windshield replacement, significant repairs, or sometimes after a severe pothole impact or collision.
• Type of recalibration: Vehicle manufacturers specify either static recalibration (done in a workshop using a target board) or dynamic recalibration (requiring test driving with specialised equipment).
• Vehicle models: The process depends on the model of your vehicle and the safety system installed. Luxury vehicles or newer models often need more time-intensive recalibration.

Without calibration, a safety system may not function as intended — putting the driver, passengers and other road users at risk.

What are the risks if ADAS calibration is not performed?

Failing to calibrate ADAS after windshield damage poses real risks:

• Incorrect lane assist readings – The car may drift or misjudge lane boundaries.
• Front camera errors – Lane departure warnings or automatic braking may fail.
• Insurance liability – If you’re in an accident and investigations show your safety system was misaligned due to no calibration, your insurer could challenge the claim.
• Increased repair costs – Not calibrating properly can damage sensors and cost hundreds more in repairs later.
• Safety compromised – Ultimately, your car’s crash-prevention features may be ineffective, increasing accident risk.

How do windscreen insurance claims work?

Most car insurance policies include windscreen cover under comprehensive coverage. It works like this:

1. Assess damage – If it’s a small chip or crack (usually less than 10mm in the driver’s view or 40mm elsewhere), it may qualify for repair instead of replacement.
2. Contact insurer – Inform your insurance provider before work begins. Many insurers use approved glass repair networks.
3. Pay excess – Most policies have a small glass excess (£10–£25 for repairs, £75–£125 for replacement).
4. No-claims discount (NCD): In many policies, a glass claim does not reduce your no claims discount, though your renewal price may still increase. Always check your policy terms.
5. Approved repairer – Using your insurer’s provider ensures ADAS calibration is included where needed.

Does ADAS calibration affect insurance costs?

Yes — calibration adds cost to windshield replacement.

• Windscreen repair: ~£50–£100 (chip fix, no calibration).
• Windscreen replacement (no ADAS): ~£250–£400.
• Replacement with ADAS calibration: ~£500–£1,000 depending on the vehicle manufacturer and system type.

Most insurers cover these costs under glass cover, but you’ll usually need to pay your policy’s glass excess. Some insurance companies may charge a higher premium at renewal if you’ve made a glass claim, even if your NCD is unaffected.

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Is calibration a legitimate service or a scam?

Some drivers worry they’re being upsold calibration unnecessarily. In reality:

• Legitimate requirement: Vehicle manufacturers and safety regulators state that ADAS must be recalibrated after glass work.
• Proof of service: A genuine provider will give you a calibration certificate and results.
• Scam warning: If a cheap repair centre says no calibration is needed when your car clearly has ADAS (cameras on the windscreen, lane assist, etc.), that’s a red flag.

Calibration is not a scam — it’s a vital step in keeping your safety system functioning correctly.

Will replacing my windscreen affect car safety features?

Yes, temporarily. Until recalibration is performed, systems like:

• Lane assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Emergency braking
• Collision detection

may not work as intended. Once recalibration is completed, these features return to manufacturer specification.

Does making a windscreen claim affect NCD?

In most UK policies:

• Windscreen repairs or replacement do not reduce your no claims discount.
• Your insurance provider may still increase your premium at renewal (as they now view you as slightly higher risk).
• If multiple glass claims are made in a short period, some insurers may treat them differently.

Will insurance cover the cost of windscreen replacement and ADAS calibration?

Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage.

• Included: Glass damage, replacement, recalibration costs.
• Excess: You’ll pay the agreed windscreen excess.
• Excluded: Third-party only or third-party fire & theft policies usually do not include windscreen cover.

Is windscreen insurance worth adding?

For ADAS-equipped vehicles, yes.

• High cost of calibration: £200–£500 per session without cover.
• Peace of mind: Avoid unexpected costs after a cracked windshield or broken windshield.
• Good news for NCD: Most policies protect your claims bonus against glass claims.

If your car is older, has no ADAS, or is inexpensive, it may be cheaper to self-fund minor repairs.

Can I choose my repairer, or must I use my insurer’s?

Most insurers require you to use their approved repairer network.

• Pros: Guaranteed recalibration, direct billing, lower excess.
• Cons: Less choice of where to go, and some non-approved centres may refuse insurer paperwork.

If you insist on using your own repairer, your insurer may only reimburse part of the cost.

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Step-by-step: ADAS recalibration after windscreen replacement

1. Windshield is removed and replaced.
2. ADAS sensors (front camera, radar) are checked.
3. Static recalibration in workshop OR dynamic recalibration on the road.
4. Test drive and system validation.
5. Calibration certificate issued.

Worked Example: Windscreen Claim with ADAS

FAQs about Windscreen & ADAS