Top 4 Windscreen Repair Franchises in the UK

Are you interested in running a windscreen repair franchise? If yes, we’re here to help. With plenty of excellent opportunities available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to what we believe are four of the best options available in the car repair sector. Start your franchising journey today.

If working within an in-demand sector appeals to you, you won’t be disappointed with a windscreen repair franchise. In September 2021, it was reported that there were 39.2 million licensed vehicles in Great Britain, a 1% increase from the previous year [RAC Foundation]. The customers are waiting, discover four excellent franchise opportunities below. 

What is a windscreen repair business? 

If you’re interested in running a business in the windscreen repair industry, it’s likely that you’ll have a couple of questions. To start a windscreen repair business, it’s imperative that you understand what you’ll be required to do on a daily basis, as this will help you work out whether it’s the best investment option for you. Running a windscreen repair business will often include: 

• Being van-based 
• Communicating, negotiating and talking with customers 
• Estimating timeframes and costing repairs 
• Repairing and replacing 
• Finding faults 
• Managing a team of employees
• Checking and managing stock 

The way I run my franchise [...] is quite varied. Not only do I see customers [...] [in] supermarket car parks, I work for farmers and commercial sectors. I work on fleets of lorries, which makes the business different. I also do house calls, as well as going to a fixed site. I set up all my equipment in a supermarket car park and just wait for the customers to arrive. My day is very diverse, you can have two or three customers in one go or they can be more spread out. Not everyday is the same. 
- Mike, Optic-Kleer franchisee 

There are many advantages to working within this sector, including: 

• The opportunity for development 
• It’s cost-effective 
• It offers job security 
• You get to be your own boss
• You get to work within a sector that you feel passionate about 

The 4 top windscreen repair franchises in the UK 

1. Optic-Kleer

Optic-Kleer is the largest windscreen repair company in the UK, and has been providing clients with top quality services since 1991. Over the years, Optic-Kleer has gained a brilliant reputation for preventing any further damage to clients’ windscreens.

• Becoming an Optic-Kleer franchisee: You won’t need industry experience, but you will need strong financial management skills and an entrepreneurial spirit. You should also be committed, friendly, energetic and ambitious.
• How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £19,950.
• What you get for your investment: You’ll receive plenty of training and managerial support, both initially and on an ongoing basis. This will include operational training, marketing assistance and mentoring.

2. Screen Rescue

Founded in 2012, Screen Rescue is known for its outstanding customer service and high-quality repairs. It’s the UK’s only windscreen and glass repair franchise operating exclusively in the automotive industry (within all commercial vehicle sectors).

• Becoming a Screen Rescue franchisee: You don’t need any specific experience with windscreen and glass repair to become a franchisee, but you should be friendly, ambitious and driven.
• How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £19,750, with a total investment cost of £35,000. 
• What you get for your investment: You’ll receive 10 days of induction training, an assisted business launch, territory visits, and business development support. You’ll also be entitled to ongoing coaching, and NVQ assessments and accreditations.

3. ChipsAway 

ChipsAway is a van-based franchise which was first established in the UK in 1994. Providing SMART windscreen repairs to car owners across the UK, the ChipsAway network is rapidly expanding, and currently consists of over 200 franchisees.

• Becoming a ChipsAway franchisee: You don’t need any industry experience. According to ChipsAway, the ideal franchisee is simply someone looking to combine a flexible working lifestyle with true job security.
• How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £15,000, with a total investment cost of £29,995.
• What you get for your investment: You’ll receive a full programme of training and support, including marketing guidance, IT assistance, technical training and business mentoring.

4. Revive! 

Revive! was founded in 1994 and has since become a nationwide franchise. The business’s team of technicians specialises in alloy wheel repair and repairing damage to car paintwork, including bumper scuffs and minor chips.

• Becoming a Revive! Auto Innovations franchisee: You won’t need industry experience, but you will need to be commercially astute, organised, good at communicating, and able to build a rapport and establish relationships with local dealers.
• How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £14,000, with a total investment cost of £32,000.
• What you get for your investment: You’ll receive a comprehensive package of initial training and ongoing support, including business management training, marketing and branding guidance, and support with technician recruitment.

Start a windscreen franchise today and enjoy all the benefits of running your own business 

After reading this article, hopefully you will have gained a good understanding as to whether you’re interested in running a windshield repair business. However, if you’d like to continue with your research on this sector, there are plenty more informative articles available via Point Franchise’s website, including four tips for building a business plan for a successful car repair franchise.