RAC Windscreen Replacement: Everything You Need to Know

When you discover a crack or chip in your windscreen, it can be a stressful experience. For many drivers in the UK, the first thought that comes to mind is their RAC membership and the potential for a streamlined, cost-effective repair or replacement service. Understanding the ins and outs of RAC windscreen replacement is crucial for making an informed decision and getting back on the road safely and quickly. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from assessing the damage to completing the claim, ensuring you are fully prepared.

The RAC, or Royal Automobile Club, is one of the UK’s most recognized breakdown and motoring assistance organizations. While primarily known for their roadside recovery services, they also offer extensive windscreen cover as part of their insurance and breakdown policies. This cover is designed to take the hassle out of a situation that can otherwise be inconvenient and costly. The process is typically managed through their approved network of windscreen repair specialists, ensuring a high standard of workmanship and materials.

So, how do you know if your windscreen damage requires a simple repair or a full RAC windscreen replacement? The decision often hinges on the size, type, and location of the damage.

• Repairable Damage: Small chips and cracks, typically those smaller than a £2 coin (around 25mm in diameter), can often be repaired. The location is also key; damage outside the driver’s direct line of sight is more likely to be repairable.
• Replaceable Damage: A full RAC windscreen replacement becomes necessary when the damage is too large, deep, or located in a critical area. Cracks longer than 25mm, complex starburst patterns, or damage directly in the driver’s field of vision usually necessitate a complete replacement. Furthermore, any damage that compromises the structural integrity of the glass or affects the sensors embedded within it (for ADAS systems) will require a new windscreen.

Ignoring a small chip can be a costly mistake. Changes in temperature, pressure from driving, or even a minor bump in the road can cause a small chip to rapidly spread into a long crack, turning a simple, often free, repair into a more expensive replacement. It is always advisable to address any windscreen damage as soon as it occurs.

Initiating an RAC windscreen replacement is a straightforward process designed for member convenience.

1. Assess and Report: As soon as you notice the damage, take clear photos of it for your records. Then, contact the RAC windscreen claims line. This number can be found on your policy documents or the RAC website. You will need to provide your membership or policy number, vehicle registration, and details about the damage.
2. Approval and Booking: The RAC advisor will assess whether a repair or replacement is needed based on your description. Once approved, they will book an appointment with one of their approved fitting partners, such as AutoGlass or National Windscreens, at a time and location that suits you—often at your home or workplace.
3. The Fitting Process: A certified technician will arrive at the scheduled time. For a replacement, the old windscreen is carefully removed. The area is thoroughly cleaned and prepared, and a new, OEM-quality windscreen is fitted using the correct adhesive. The technician will also recalibrate any Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like lane departure warnings or automatic emergency braking, which is a critical safety step.
4. Post-Replacement Care: After the RAC windscreen replacement, the technician will advise you on how long you must wait before driving the vehicle. This is typically to allow the adhesive to cure properly, which can take anywhere from one to several hours. You may also be advised to avoid high-pressure car washes for a few days.

One of the most significant advantages of using your RAC cover is the financial aspect. If you have comprehensive windscreen cover as part of your RAC policy, you will likely only have to pay a policy excess for a replacement. This excess is usually a fixed, reasonable amount, such as £75 or £100, while the RAC covers the remainder of the cost, which can be several hundred pounds. In many cases, small repairs are completed entirely free of charge, with no excess to pay. This can result in substantial savings compared to paying for a replacement out-of-pocket.

The quality of the replacement is paramount. RAC-approved fitters use windscreens that meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards. This ensures the glass has the correct optical clarity, strength, and compatibility with your vehicle’s features. Using substandard glass can lead to issues with distortion, poor fit, and malfunctioning sensors, compromising both your safety and your vehicle’s value.

For modern vehicles, the recalibration of ADAS is a non-negotiable part of a professional RAC windscreen replacement. These cameras and sensors are often mounted on or near the windscreen. Even a millimeter of misalignment after a replacement can cause these systems to fail, with potentially dangerous consequences. A reputable service will always include a full diagnostic check and recalibration using specialized equipment, ensuring all your safety systems function correctly.

While the RAC provides an excellent service, it’s wise to be an informed consumer. Before proceeding, confirm the details of your cover. Check your policy documents to understand your excess fee and any specific terms and conditions. When the technician arrives, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Are they certified? What brand of glass will be used? Will ADAS recalibration be performed and documented? A professional will be happy to provide these assurances.

Many drivers wonder about the legality of driving with a cracked windscreen. The UK’s Highway Code states that windscreens must be kept clean and free from obstructions to the driver’s view. A crack or chip that falls within the area swept by the windscreen wipers—specifically in the 290mm zone directly in front of the driver—can be deemed illegal and result in a failed MOT and a potential fine. Therefore, arranging a prompt RAC windscreen replacement or repair is not just a matter of convenience but also a legal requirement for roadworthiness.

In conclusion, an RAC windscreen replacement offers a structured, reliable, and cost-effective solution for dealing with windscreen damage. From the moment you make the call to the final safety check, the process is designed with member support in mind. By understanding when a replacement is necessary, how the claims process works, and the critical importance of quality parts and ADAS recalibration, you can navigate this common motoring mishap with confidence. Protecting your windscreen is an integral part of vehicle maintenance, and utilizing your RAC cover ensures that your safety on the road remains the top priority.