Windscreen Protection

Given the steep angle of a Gen 4 Windscreen it appears to attract stones very readily. Anyone got 1st hand experience or tips on what if anything can be done to prevent chips or a cracked window. Obviously the best option would be to not get hit by any stones or debri. So defensive driving and keeping your distance can help to reduce the liklihood. But the Jimny being a box on wheels and the steep windscreen makes this challenging. 

Being doing a bit of googling and can see two different options. One a protective film applied to the windscreen (eg ClearPlex) and the other option which appears to involve applying a liquid to the windscreen (eg Shatter-X). 

Both approaches claim great results but do they actually work? As I said 1st hand experience tips would be very much appreciated.

Lambert wrote: Having just had a screen replacement because of a stone flicked up from an oncoming van and trailer that no amount of defensive driving could have avoided I really think the first and best defence is acceptance of the inevitable and relying on the insurance after the fact.

agree. I understand your worry, but you really worry way too much. just enjoy the car.

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Didn't actually know such products existed, so I've googled the hell out of them.

My own conclusion is that Clearplex type products do offer some protection but are expensive with possible maintenance issues. Shatter X is just Snake oil, may as well use Rain x..

I do understand the concerns. Modern vehicles need all manor of sensors recalibrating that reside on the windscreen. So a replacement is no longer a quick change, bit like modern batteries with smart alternators, really needs to be done by the main dealer. 
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That said nothing will stop a brick thrown up by a lorry, the only windscreen damage I have suffered in 42 years of motoring.

So I am with the others, stop worrying and get insurance cover. 

Sorry its not direct experience of the products as you wanted, but I feel this may be lacking on this forum. 
 

The films are usually used on high end vehicles where the windscreens are either very rare or very expensive. It is cheaper by far to just replace the windscreen.

Coincidentally, after 3 years of ownership I decided to take my gen 4 to a car wash for the 1st time, mainly because I wanted to wash off the road salt from the underside using my local car washe's "chassis wash" feature. I was turned away because "the windscreen's too upright, mate". Is this common?

Washing a Jimny is very uncommon. 
But it appears if you want to rub the paint off in an automated scratch system then the windscreen angle is fine apparently, although I could not find the complementary "stuck" video. It's no worse than the front of the vehicle!

WARNING - THIS IS A G4 IN A CAR WASH WITH BAD MUSIC. AVOID IF YOU ARE DEPRESSED OR BORED EASILY.

Thanks to everyone who responded. £75 excess on my insurance for my windshield so will jus got with that. Fingers crossed I get off with it but if not I can get a shiny new windscreen.