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Answers to the most common questions about windscreens, insurance and services in Portugal.
The cost ranges between 150 and 800 euros, depending on the vehicle, the type of glass (OEM or aftermarket) and the presence of ADAS sensors. Premium vehicles with head-up display or integrated cameras can exceed 1,000 euros. If you have insurance with QIV coverage, the replacement may be free or subject only to a reduced excess (usually between 0 and 75 euros).
Yes, the vast majority of car insurance policies in Portugal include Isolated Glass Breakage (QIV) coverage. This coverage allows you to replace or repair the windscreen without affecting your no-claims bonus. The excess varies depending on the insurer and the policy, generally ranging between 0 and 75 euros. Visit the insurance page for more details.
The replacement process itself takes approximately 1 to 2 hours. However, the adhesive (polyurethane) requires a minimum curing period of 1 hour before you can safely drive the vehicle. If the vehicle requires ADAS calibration, allow an additional 30 to 60 minutes.
You should wait at least 1 hour after replacement to allow the adhesive to cure properly and ensure the structural bond of the windscreen. In cold or high humidity conditions, the waiting time may be longer. The responsible technician will indicate when it is safe to resume driving. Avoid automatic toll booths and automatic car washes for the first 24 hours.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Modern vehicles have cameras and sensors mounted on the windscreen that control systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane detection and adaptive cruise control. After windscreen replacement, it is mandatory to recalibrate these systems. There are two types: static calibration (in the workshop, with reference targets) and dynamic calibration (on the road, at constant speed). Learn more on our services page.
In Portugal, the main specialist networks are Carglass (Belron), Glassdrive (Saint-Gobain) and ExpressGlass (Cary Group). When choosing a provider, consider: geographical proximity, ADAS calibration availability, type of glass used (OEM vs aftermarket), waiting time and whether they have an agreement with your insurer. Visit our providers page for a detailed comparison.
It depends on your policy. Most insurers have agreements with the Carglass, Glassdrive and ExpressGlass networks, where the process is direct (no upfront payment) and the excess may be reduced or waived. You can always choose another provider of your preference, but you may need to pay upfront and request reimbursement from the insurer. Check the conditions on the insurance and agreements page.
Yes, chip repair is effective provided the damage is smaller than a 2-euro coin and is not in the driver's direct line of sight. The process injects a special resin into the point of impact, restoring the structural strength of the glass and preventing crack propagation. It is faster (approximately 30 minutes), more economical (usually free with QIV insurance) and more environmentally friendly than a full replacement. Learn more about sustainability.