Should you repair or replace a cracked windscreen?

Your guide to windscreen repair and replacement

What types of windscreen damage are there?

There are three main types of windscreen damage:

• Chips – small cracks, generally caused by debris like gravel or stones hitting the glass
• Cracks – larger cracks, generally caused by extreme temperature changes or impacts
• Shattered – partial or complete shattering of the glass, generally caused by forceful impacts.

Debris like gravel or stones is often the cause of small cracks in windscreens. Image: Getty

How serious is a chipped windscreen?

A small chip in your windscreen might not seem serious, but every chip has the potential to turn into a crack. It doesn’t take much: bumpy terrain, slamming the door, sudden temperature changes and pressure or impact of any kind can all cause a chip to become a much larger, more serious crack. Be sure to get windscreen chips fixed as soon as possible.

Can I drive with a damaged windscreen?

You shouldn’t drive with a damaged windscreen. If your windscreen is shattered or cracked, or has a chip that obstructs your vision, you should get your vehicle towed to a repairer rather than drive it there.

A badly scratched, fractured or chipped windscreen that impairs a driver's vision would be considered unroadworthy, according to VicRoads.

When does a windscreen need to be replaced rather than repaired?

Small chips can generally be repaired by specialists who inject resin into the crack to strengthen the glass.

If the chip or crack is bigger than a dollar coin, or extends beyond a certain length or depth, the windscreen generally needs to be replaced.

The location of the windscreen damage is also important. A chip or crack near the windscreen’s edges may weaken the windscreen’s overall strength. Damage within the driver’s line of sight may impair visibility even after repair, which may leave a slight distortion that could prove distracting for the driver.

The location and size of the damage will determine whether you replace or repair a windscreen.

Does my car insurance cover windscreen damage?

You can check your car insurance’s product disclosure statement to see whether it covers windscreen damage.

If you’re covered for windscreen repair under your car insurance policy, your insurer may:

• repair or replace the glass
• pay you the cost of repairing or replacing the glass.

RACV Comprehensive and Complete Care motor insurance covers windscreen, sunroof and window glass damage repair or replacement due to a covered incident.

Under the Comprehensive policy, you would pay a basic excess but not an age or special excess. No excess windscreen repair is an optional add-on. With RACV Complete Care Motor Insurance there is no excess for windscreen damage.*

Who should repair my windscreen?

Only licenced repairers should repair or replace your windscreen. Never attempt to do so on your own.

If you have RACV Car Insurance, an RACV Partner Repairer will inspect your vehicle and determine repair costs after you've lodged a claim. After the quote is assessed and accepted, you can book to have the windscreen repaired at a convenient time. You may be referred to a specialised windscreen repairer. If so, the whole repair process can be managed on your behalf.

If you choose your own repairer to fix your vehicle, you must choose a repairer that has all the licences and authorisations required by law, who has the equipment, skills and capabilities to complete the repairs. You must provide RACV Car Insurance with a quote for approval and an inspection of your vehicle may be required before repairs are authorised.

Chip repairs involve injecting resin into the crack. Image: Getty

How much does it cost to repair or replace a windscreen?

A windscreen repair generally costs less than a windscreen replacement.

Windscreen repair costs depend on the chip or crack’s location, size and depth. Replacement costs depend on your vehicle’s make, model and year of manufacture, as well as the type of windscreen and if it has any accessories added on, such as heated screens or rain sensors.

How do I prevent windscreen damage?

Some windscreen damage is inevitable, but you can minimise your risk of windscreen damage by following these tips.

• Regularly clean your windscreen, since dirt and debris can lead to scratches
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles while driving to avoid debris flying up and hitting the windscreen
• Park under cover during severe weather events, and protect your car from hail damage.
• Avoid extreme heat, which can cause your windscreen to expand and exacerbate cracks or chips, by parking in a garage or shaded area
• Find out the best ways to remove ice from your windscreen, and never use hot water to defrost your windscreen, as it can cause cracks.

^{The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.}

* ^{For further details, see the Premium, Excess and Discounts guide at racv.com.au}