If Your Neighbour Breaks Your Car Windscreen: What to Do Next (UK Step-by-Step)

A cracked or shattered windscreen is more than an inconvenience — it can be unsafe, it can lead to fines if the car is not roadworthy, and it can turn into a neighbour dispute fast.

This guide is written for the UK and focuses on practical steps, evidence, insurance, and what to do if the neighbour refuses to cooperate.

1) Make it safe first

If the windscreen is badly damaged

• Do not drive if the damage blocks your view or the glass is unstable.
• If you must move the car a short distance for safety, do it carefully and only if visibility is still safe.

Protect the interior

• Cover the broken area temporarily (e.g., a car cover or plastic sheeting) to prevent water damage, but don’t destroy evidence.

2) Document everything immediately

This is the part that makes the rest of the process (insurance, police, or small claims) much easier.

• Take photos and video from multiple angles:
  • close-up of the damage
  • wider shot showing where the car was parked
  • any objects that may have caused it (stones, tools, debris)
• Note the date and time you discovered it.
• If you saw it happen, write down what happened while it’s fresh.

If there are witnesses, ask for:

• their name
• contact details
• a short written account (even a text message is useful)

3) Check if it was accidental damage or malicious

This affects whether you:

• handle it privately,
• treat it as a civil dispute,
• or report it as criminal damage.

Examples:

• Accidental: a football from their garden, DIY debris, reversing into your car, tree branch fell during cutting.
• Potentially malicious: you heard shouting, saw deliberate impact, repeated incidents.

If you suspect it was intentional, treat it as possible criminal damage.

4) Speak to your neighbour (calmly) and ask for their details

If it’s safe to do so, speak to them quickly.

Ask for:

• their full name
• address
• phone number
• and (if it involved their vehicle) their car registration and insurer details

Keep it factual:

• “My windscreen was broken at [time/date]. I believe it was caused by [what happened]. Can we sort out repairs?”

Avoid threats or escalation. You want cooperation.

5) Decide: private settlement vs insurance claim

Option A: They pay directly (often simplest)

If they accept responsibility, ask them to:

• pay the glass company directly, or
• reimburse you via bank transfer once you provide an invoice

Tip: Get a written confirmation by message:

• “Confirming you’ll cover the windscreen replacement cost quoted at £X.”

Option B: You claim on your own insurance

Many comprehensive policies treat windscreen claims differently from normal accident claims:

• often a fixed excess (e.g., £10–£115 depending on repair vs replacement)
• often it may not affect your no-claims discount (but policies differ)

If you claim, your insurer/glass provider may ask:

• where it happened
• whether it involved another person’s actions
• crime reference number (if vandalism)

Option C: Your neighbour claims on their insurance

If they caused it (e.g., reversing into your car, their vehicle door impact, etc.), they can claim through their insurer.

If they refuse, your insurer can still advise you — but you may need to pursue costs separately.

6) If the neighbour refuses to pay

Send a short written request

• what happened
• what you are requesting (e.g., payment of £X)
• a deadline (e.g., 14 days)

Consider “letter before action” (small claims)

If they still refuse, you can consider the small claims process (Money Claim Online) to recover the cost.

Evidence that helps:

• photos
• witness statement
• invoice/quote
• any messages where they admit responsibility

7) When to report to the police

Report if:

• you believe it was criminal damage
• there are threats or harassment
• there’s evidence of intentional harm

In England & Wales:

• emergencies: 999
• non-emergency: 101 or report online via your local police website

A police report can also provide a crime reference number which insurers sometimes request for vandalism claims.

8) Check whether your car is still legal to drive

In the UK, driving with a windscreen crack in the driver’s view can be illegal and unsafe.

General rule-of-thumb many UK sources cite:

• damage in the driver’s direct line of sight or above a certain size may be considered dangerous

If in doubt:

• do not drive
• get a mobile windscreen repair/replacement

9) Costs: repair vs replacement

Typical windscreen outcomes:

• chip repair (if small and not in critical area)
• full replacement (if crack spreads or damage is severe)

Costs depend on:

• car model
• sensors (rain/light sensors)
• camera calibration (ADAS systems)

If your car has lane assist / camera systems, make sure the replacement includes recalibration if required.

10) Quick checklist

• Take photos/video + note time/date
• Ask neighbour for details + keep messages
• Get a quote from a windscreen provider
• Choose: private payment or insurance claim
• If intentional: report to police + get a reference
• If refusal: written demand → letter before action → small claims

Sources (UK)

• GOV.UK: The Highway Code (windscreens and vision / vehicle safety principles)
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code

• Citizens Advice: Small claims / taking court action and resolving neighbour disputes
  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/small-claims/

• GOV.UK: Make a court claim for money (Money Claim Online guidance)
  https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money

• Police (England & Wales): report non-emergency crime via 101 / online (varies by force)
  https://www.police.uk/

• Auto Windscreens: typical UK windscreen repair/replacement & insurance process overview
  https://www.autowindscreens.co.uk

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not take into account individual circumstances. If you feel unsafe or threatened, contact the police.