What happens if you ignore a windscreen chip?..

Well, a lot of people do. Although a windscreen chip might look insignificant, if ignored it quickly turns into a much bigger problem.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. The glass is weakened immediately

There’s a reason a chip is an MOT failure. A chip compromises the structural integrity of the windscreen. Even small damage creates a stress point that’s far more likely to fail than intact glass.

2. Temperature changes causes cracks to spread

Cold mornings, heated air inside the car, or sudden weather changes cause the windscreen to expand and contract. That pressure concentrates around the chip, often causing it to turn into a crack without warning.

3. Driving makes it worse

Every pothole, speed bump and motorway mile adds vibration. Over time, that vibration causes the damage to spread – even if the chip looks unchanged day to day.

4. A crack forms

Once a crack appears, repair is likely no longer possible. What could have been minor suddenly becomes a full windscreen replacement, and often when you least expect it.

So what happens now?

• Replacement becomes unavoidable (and expensive)
• Lengthy vehicle downtime as you wait for your repair or replacement 
• You risk automatic MOT failure 
• Insurance excess comes into play (and possible premium impact)

The solution:

Most cracked windshields didn’t fail suddenly – they started as small chips that were left untreated.

The solution to avoiding replacements is to get the chip looked at (and repaired) as soon as possible.

The solution to avoiding windscreen damage in the first place is a preventative option like windscreen protection film. This is an impact resistant layer, much like a phone screen protector but for your car. This will stop chips from forming in the first place, so no repairs or replacements (and the headache that goes with it) will be necessary.

Prevent chips and cracks from ever forming with Armourtec Windscreen Protection Film

We are thrilled to announce that Clarus Protect has become the official glass protection partner of Porsche Club GB.

Porsche Club GB brings together passionate Porsche enthusiasts from across the country – celebrating the brands heritage and community. As a partner of the Club, Clarus Protect is proud to offer members access to innovative glass protection solutions, ensuring their cherished cars stay shielded from chips, cracks and costly replacements – without compromising driving experience.

Whether your Porsche features modern ADAS-equipped windscreens or rare, original classic glass, the risks and cost of damage are real. That’s where our flagship product, Armourtec™, makes a difference. Designed and tested for performance, Armourtec™ offers high-performance protection to keep you on the road, driving with clarity and confidence.

Clarus Protect delivers more than just windscreen protection, with our focus on total glass protection, including windscreen film, headlight and in-car screen protection. We look forward to working closely with Porsche Club GB and its members to enhance ownership enjoyment, protect investments and keep the driving experience as excellent as it should be. Members will receive exclusive offers and ongoing support from the Clarus team.

👉 For more information about the partnership and member benefits, contact us at: info@clarusprotect.com.

We are always open to exploring new partnerships and expanding our network. If you are interested in partnering with us as a car club, insurer, dealership, installer, or car storage business click the links below to enquire via our partner pages:

CAR CLUB | INSURER | DEALER | INSTALLER | CAR STORAGE

Porsche is making headlines with the interior of its upcoming Cayenne Electric. At its heart is the ‘Flow Display’ – a continuous curved OLED panel that stretches across the dashboard, merging infotainment, driver and even passenger displays behind a single expanse of glass.

With additional 14-15 inch driver and passenger screens this is Porsche’s most ambitious use of in-car glass to date. But it also raises an important question: what happens when this glass gets damaged?

The challenge of futuristic next-gen glass

• Complexity: These are no longer simple glass panes – they contain integrated smart tech and touch controls

• Cost: Replacing or repairing isn’t just a glass job, it involves recalibration, electronics and OEM parts. This could be eye-wateringly expensive, not to mention the downtime and stress.

As manufacturers continue to push glass innovation in their new vehicles, it poses a real threat and uncertainty for the consumer. This trend goes far beyond dashboards. Today’s vehicles rely on glass-tech for everything: windscreens packed with sensors, headlight units and touchscreen interfaces. Each is becoming increasingly costly to replace.

That’s where we aim to provide a solution. Our glass protection acts as an invisible shield, preserving optical clarity while absorbing impacts that would normally cause chips, cracks and damage.

Looking forward

The Porsche Cayenne EV is a reminder of how far manufacturers are aiming to push glass tech in modern vehicles. Protecting it isn’t just about avoiding a costly bill – its about preserving technology, safety and the driving experience.

Click here if you’re interested in protecting your vehicle’s glass

We’re proud to announce a new partnership between Clarus Protect and The Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain. This collaboration marks an exciting step forward as we continue to bring innovative glass protection products to some of the most passionate and discerning drivers in the UK.

Recently we were invited to the Club Concours & Ferrari Owners’ Day at Goodwood, where we had the pleasure of meeting many Ferrari owners and enthusiasts. This highlighted just how important proactive protection is for these incredible vehicles, especially as windscreens become increasingly costly and complex to replace. Read more about our visit to the Club Concours & Ferrari Owners’ Day

Through this partnership, Ferrari Owners’ Club members will have access to exclusive offers for our glass protection products, including Armourtec – our Thatcham-tested windscreen protection film. This will give members the peace of mind that their prized vehicles are better protected against stone chips, cracks and costly glass replacements.

As car enthusiasts ourselves, we’re delighted to support a community that shares our passion for automotive innovation, preservation and excellence. We look forward to working closely with the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain in the months ahead and ensuring that members can enjoy their cars with clarity, confidence and protection.

We are always open to exploring new partnerships and expanding our network. If you are interested in partnering with us as a car club, insurer, dealership, installer, or car storage business click the links below to enquire via our partner pages:

CAR CLUB | INSURER | DEALER | INSTALLER | CAR STORAGE

For most drivers, a cracked or chipped windscreen means one thing: calling the insurance company. But what many don’t realise is that the insurance excess for windscreen replacement is often the same as – or even more than – the cost of fitting windscreen protection film (WPF).

So, is it really worth waiting until the damage happens? Let’s break it down:

The Hidden Cost of Windscreen Claims

Modern windscreens aren’t what they used to be. They house advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), sensors and heating elements. That means replacement costs are higher than ever – with many premium models topping £1,000+ for a single new screen.

Even if your insurer covers the majority of the bill, your excess can now easily range from £100–£250 per claim. Add the inconvenience of downtime, recalibration and lost journeys, and the true cost quickly mounts up. This is especially true for campervans, motorhomes and supercars and classics where windscreen excesses have risen sharply, or breakages may no longer even be included in your standard policy

Prevention over Cure 

You’ve probably the heard the expression ‘Prevention is better than cure’, well, Armourtec Windscreen Protection Film (WPF) now costs about the same as a single excess payment. The difference? Once it’s fitted, it proactively prevents chips and cracks from happening in the first place.

That means instead of paying your excess every time bad luck strikes, you could protect your windscreen and avoid multiple claims altogether. One of our customers left this Google Review – after paying out for THREE windscreen replacements in ONE YEAR. He is now very pleased to now be able to drive with absolute peace-of-mind.

The Benefits Go Beyond Cost

• No downtime: Keep your vehicle on the road instead of off it for days.

• Clear and discreet: Armourtec is optically clear and Thatcham tested, with no impact on your driving experience.

• Peace of mind: Drive knowing that stones, debris, and daily hazards aren’t threatening your windscreen.

• Waste less time on hold with your insurance company! 

The Smart Choice

Think of it this way:

• Pay your excess –  your screen gets replaced after it’s already damaged.

• Pay for protection –  your screen stays clear, intact and protected from day one.

With insurance excesses rising and less insurers covering windscreen replacements, more drivers are seeing that investing in prevention is smarter than paying for cure.

Learn more about how Armourtec can save you money and hassle 

On August 17th, Clarus Protect had the privilege of attending the Club Concours & Ferrari Owners’ Day at Goodwood Motor Circuit, as guests of Lockton Performance and Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain.

It was a fantastic opportunity to meet likeminded people across the community, discuss the future of vehicle protection and the exciting direction Clarus is heading. A highlight was our CEO, Ian Fisher, being interviewed on stage by Lockton – a great platform to share our vision and announce an exciting new partnership.

The Goodwood Motor Circuit provided the perfect backdrop for a spectacular backdrop of Ferrari models, spanning decades of history. From timeless classics to the latest modern supercars, it was a reminder of why Ferrari continues to capture the attention of car lovers worldwide.

For Clarus Protect, it was a privilege to be part of this community, share our mission and showcase our innovative windscreen protection solution – Armourtec – designed to safeguard vehicles of all kinds, from daily drivers, commercial vehicles, to rare classics.

Events like this are not just about admiring incredible cars, but also about making connections. We enjoyed meeting so many owners and enthusiasts who share our passion for protecting and preserving vehicles. Many conversations highlighted the growing importance of proactive protection in an era where windscreens are more advanced – and more expensive – than ever before.

We’d like to thank the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain & Lockton Performance for welcoming Clarus Protect to this exceptional event. We’re excited to build on the conversations started here and look forward to more collaborations and events in the months ahead.

Summer is the season of road trips, weekend getaways and long-awaited holidays. But while you’re busy packing the car and mapping the route, there’s one thing most drivers overlook — their windscreen. Hotter weather, busier roads, and higher mileage all combine to make summer one of the most common times for costly windscreen repairs.

The Summer Spike in Damage

Windscreen repair and replacement requests have been shown to surge in the warmer months. Why? There are three main culprits:

• Thermal shock – Your windscreen can reach 50°C when parked in the sun. Turn on your air conditioning at full blast and the rapid cooling can cause microchips to expand into full cracks.

• Road debris – Dry roads mean more loose gravel, especially near roadworks, and heavy holiday traffic increases the risk of stone chips.

• Increased mileage – Summer trips mean more time on the road, which simply increases exposure to all these risks.

Why a Small Chip Can Ruin a Big Trip

A chip the size of a coin might seem harmless, but it can compromise the strength of your windscreen. For vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a replacement can cost hundreds – even thousands – once recalibration is factored in – and that’s before you consider the lost time waiting for repairs, potentially cutting into your holiday. Unexpected vehicle expenses can derail holiday budgets just as easily as a chipped windscreen. That’s why many drivers look to flexible finance options, such as a bad credit car finance direct lender, to cover urgent repairs without putting plans on hold.

Proactive Protection with Armourtec

Armourtec windscreen protection film creates a tough, optically clear barrier over your windscreen. It helps stop chips, cracks and costly windscreen replacements. That means fewer repairs, less downtime, and peace of mind – so you can focus on enjoying your summer adventures.

Final Word

This summer, don’t just plan your trip — protect it. Investing in Armourtec could mean the difference between a smooth trip and a costly, time-consuming repair.

Planning a summer road trip in your campervan? Whether you’re heading for the Alps, the coast, or a long countryside escape, preparation is key to a smooth, stress-free trip. But even the most seasoned camper owners can forget the basics. Here are three things you may not have considered – but definitely should.

1. Check for Minor Windscreen Damage

It’s easy to overlook small chips or blemishes on your windscreen — especially when the excitement of a road trip is setting in. But even the tiniest chip can quickly expand into a full crack, especially with changes in temperature, high-speed motorway driving, or mountain conditions.
A compromised windscreen doesn’t just mean a frustrating repair — it could delay your trip, fail an MOT, or even lead to fines while abroad.
Pro tip: Look closely for any signs of damage, no matter how small. And if you want real peace of mind, consider installing Armourtec, our specialist windscreen protection film. Designed to prevent chips and cracks before they happen, Armourtec acts like a phone screen protector — but for your camper’s windscreen.

2. Don’t Overlook Your Wiper Blades

Wiper blades are one of the most neglected components on campervans, but they’re also one of the most important for safety. Worn blades can smear your view, scratch your windscreen, and fail when you need them most. A worn wiper blade compromises the integrity of your windscreen, which can cause unexpected damage – not something you want to deal with on your next campervan road trip.
Before your trip:
Lift and inspect your wipers manually.
Look for wear, splits, or hardening.
Give them a clean and replace if needed.
Why it matters: Damaged blades can actually increase windscreen wear — and while they will eventually wear down windscreen protection film too, it’s far better to sacrifice the film than your expensive screen.

3. Basic Pre-Trip Vehicle Checks

It sounds simple, but many owners skip basic checks – especially after their campervan has been idle for winter.
✅ Run the engine occasionally to avoid battery drain, and check the leisure battery is fully working.
✅ Check tyre pressure, tread depth, and sidewall condition.
✅ Top up fluids: oil, screen wash, brake fluid and coolant.
✅ Make sure your insurance, breakdown cover, and MOT are current. An air conditioning service (especially if travelling around Europe in the summer) is also a great idea.
These basic steps can prevent a breakdown, protect your vehicle and give you a more relaxing holiday.

Protect Your Windscreen, Protect Your Trip

Don’t let a cracked screen or a worn wiper spoil your trip. With Armourtec installed before your journey, you can drive with confidence knowing your windscreen is protected from whatever the road throws at it. Find out more

When it comes to maintaining a classic car, every detail matters — from preserving the original paintwork to keeping the interior pristine. But one component that often goes overlooked? The windscreen.

For classic car owners, the windscreen isn’t just glass — it’s part of the vehicle’s originality, history and value. Yet it remains one of the most vulnerable parts of the car, constantly exposed to stone chips, cracks and costly damage.

That’s where windscreen protection film comes in — and why it’s becoming a must-have solution for discerning classic car enthusiasts.

Why Classic Windscreens Are So Vulnerable

Older and classic cars were not designed with the kind of high-speed roads or traffic volumes we see today. Their windscreens, while often beautifully shaped, are far more difficult to replace or replicate. Here’s why they’re at risk:

• Original parts are irreplaceable: Many classic car windscreens are no longer manufactured, or only available in limited numbers.
• Custom shapes = high cost: Unique curves or dimensions can make replacements costly and time-consuming.
• Installation risks: Even if you source a new screen, fitting it can carry risk – especially with rare trim and seals that can be damaged in the process.
• Loss of originality: Replacing a windscreen can affect the car’s future value.

What is Windscreen Protection Film?

Windscreen Protection Film (WPF) is a thin, optically clear layer applied directly to the outer surface of the windscreen. It acts as a sacrificial barrier, absorbing the impact of small stones and road debris that would otherwise chip or crack the glass. Think of a phone screen protector, but designed specifically to shield a windscreen from high-velocity impacts.

At Clarus, we’ve developed Armourtec – a premium, ultra-thin windscreen protection film that’s trusted by collectors, car clubs and enthusiasts. As the only Thatcham Tested WPF, it has industry recognised quality, trusted by automotive professionals.

Benefits of Armourtec for Classic Cars

Whether you own a rare classic or a cherished weekend driver, Armourtec offers clear advantages:

• Preserve originality: Avoid replacements and keep the original glass intact.
• Invisible protection: Armourtec is optically clear – preserving visuals and aesthetic.
• Reduce repair risk: No need for invasive glass removal or disruption to rare fittings/seals.
• Minimise downtime: No waiting for specialist parts or difficult refits.
• Ideal for road rallies and tours: Where risk of road debris is higher than normal use.

Armourtec is also fully removable and comes with a 12-month limited manufacturer’s warranty – giving classic car owners flexibility and peace of mind.

The Smart Investment That Protects Your Passion

Classic car ownership isn’t just about driving – it’s about preserving history. Yet many owners invest in coatings, detailing, and storage solutions, while the windscreen remains unprotected.

At Clarus Protect, we believe Armourtec is the missing piece of the puzzle. It’s a simple, professional way to safeguard one of your car’s most exposed and vulnerable features.

Interested in protecting your classic?

🔗 Learn more about Armourtec here
📩 Or get in touch: info@clarusprotect.com

A chipped or cracked windscreen might seem like a minor issue – but for many drivers and businesses, the real damage goes beyond the glass. From costly repairs and replacement delays to the inconvenience of having a vehicle off the road, windscreen damage can lead to significant vehicle downtime.

For businesses, that downtime translates directly into lost revenue. And for individual drivers, it means disruption, hassle and time without your car.

What Is Vehicle Downtime?

Vehicle downtime refers to the period a car or fleet vehicle is out of service – whether it’s waiting for replacement parts, repairs, recalibration, or administrative processing.

Even something as simple as a cracked windscreen can result in multiple days off the road. Why? Because modern windscreens are no longer simple sheets of glass – they’re complex, tech-integrated components.

The Real Cost of a Broken Windscreen

Modern vehicles often feature technology such as heating elements and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) built directly into the windscreen – including sensors, cameras and head-up displays. When damage occurs:

• The glass itself must be replaced (often costing £700 to £2,000+ depending on the model)
• It sometimes must be recalibrated, which can take additional time and can incur extra charges
• The car may be off the road for days or even weeks, depending on parts availability

For fleet managers, every day a vehicle is inactive is a day of lost business – deliveries missed, appointments cancelled, or customers inconvenienced. The cost of inactivity often far outweighs the repair itself.

It’s Not Just Business Vehicles Affected

For individual drivers, windscreen damage can mean:

• Rearranging commutes
• Delays to MOT tests
• Potential safety hazards
• Temporary replacement vehicle costs
• Missed work or personal obligations

Even if your insurance covers the cost, you’re still dealing with downtime, deductibles, and inconvenience.

How Windscreen Protection Film Helps

Windscreen Protection Film (WPF), like Armourtec, is designed to prevent damage before it happens – shielding the glass from impact caused by flying stones, debris, or harsh road conditions.

By proactively protecting the windscreen, drivers and businesses can:

• Avoid costly replacements and repairs
• Keep vehicles on the road longer
• Reduce operational downtime
• Maintain consistent service and delivery performance
• Extend the life of the windscreen

Armourtec is optically clear, less than 1mm thick and tested by Thatcham Research for quality and safety. It’s the smart, clear defence against everyday risks – and a proactive way to avoid unexpected downtime.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re managing a national fleet or driving to work every day, your time on the road matters. Windscreen damage isn’t just a nuisance – it’s a threat to efficiency, service and peace of mind.

Protect your windscreen with Armourtec:

🔗 Learn more about Armourtec