Should you repair or replace a cracked windscreen?

Why a damaged windscreen shouldn't be ignored

Your windscreen does much more than keep the wind and rain out. It's an important structural component of your vehicle and contributes to occupant safety in several ways.

A properly fitted windscreen helps provide clear visibility while driving and maintain the structural rigidity of the vehicle.

Even a small chip can weaken the glass. Everyday driving vibrations, potholes, speed humps, sudden temperature changes or additional impacts can cause the damage to spread unexpectedly.

The longer you leave a chip or crack untreated, the more likely it is that a simple repair will no longer be possible.

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.

Is it safe to 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 also be considered unroadworthy, according to VicRoads.

Even if a small chip in your windscreen might not seem serious, 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 a chipped windscreen be repaired?

In many cases, yes. Small chips can often be repaired using a specialist resin that restores much of the windscreen's strength and helps prevent further cracking.

Whether a repair is possible depends on several factors.

Type of damage

Not all chips are the same. Repair is generally more successful on simple stone chips, while star-shaped breaks, combination breaks or long spreading cracks are often more difficult or impossible to repair safely.

Age of the damage

Fresh chips are usually easier to repair than older ones. If dirt, moisture or other contaminants have entered the damaged area, the repair may not bond properly or restore the windscreen effectively.

Size of the damage

As a general guide, chips smaller than a $2 coin and short cracks may be suitable for repair. Larger cracks usually require replacement because the structural integrity of the glass has been compromised. Different repairers may have slightly different limits depending on the type of damage and the vehicle.

Location of the damage

The position of the chip or crack is just as important as its size.

Damage located directly in the driver's line of sight may require replacement because repairs can leave slight visual distortion. Damage close to the edge of the windscreen is more likely to spread and may weaken the entire glass panel. Damage over sensors or cameras used for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) may also require replacement and recalibration.

When does a windscreen need replacing?

A full replacement is usually recommended if:

• the crack is long or continues to spread
• there are multiple chips or areas of damage
• the damage is directly in the driver's field of vision
• the damage reaches the edge of the windscreen
• the windscreen's structural strength has been significantly reduced
• previous repairs have failed or the damage has reappeared.

Modern windscreens are carefully designed to meet strict safety standards, so replacing severely damaged glass is often the safest option.

How are windscreens replaced?

Replacing a windscreen is more involved than simply swapping the glass.

A qualified technician will typically:

• remove the damaged windscreen.
• clean and prepare the mounting surface.
• install a new windscreen using manufacturer-approved adhesives.
• allow sufficient curing time before the vehicle can be safely driven.
• recalibrate any cameras or sensors if required.

Many newer vehicles use cameras mounted behind the windscreen for safety features such as lane keeping assistance, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. These systems often require recalibration after replacement to ensure they continue operating correctly.

Does insurance cover cracked windscreens?

Whether windscreen damage is covered depends on your insurance policy. 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 Car Insurance and RACV Complete Care® Car Insurance cover windscreen, sunroof and window glass damage repair or replacement due to a covered incident.

Under RACV Comprehensive Car Insurance, you usually would only pay a basic excess for a glass-only claim but not an age or special excess. "No excess windscreen repair" is an optional add-on. With RACV Complete Care® Car Insurance Care, 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-accredited auto centre 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 your policy includes the “Any Repairer” option and you want to choose your own repairer for this incident, the repairer must have all licences and authorisations required by law, as well as the equipment, skills and capability to complete the repairs. Before repairs are authorised, you must provide RACV Car Insurance with a quote for approval. An inspection of your vehicle may also be required.

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 to help prevent windscreen damage

While not every stone chip can be avoided, a few simple habits can reduce the risk:

• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles while driving to avoid debris flying up and hitting the windscreen.
• Slow down on loose gravel or unsealed roads.
• Regularly clean your windscreen, since dirt and debris can lead to scratches.
• Replace worn windscreen wiper blades to prevent scratching.
• Park under cover during severe weather events, and protect your car from hail damage.
• Repair small chips promptly before they develop into larger cracks.
• 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.

Taking action early is usually quicker, less expensive and more likely to save the original windscreen.

^{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(s) 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.}