How much does a car windscreen replacement cost?
A car windscreen replacement can cost anywhere from $300 to more than $2,600 (for windscreens with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
This assumes that you’re replacing one without windscreen insurance cover.
These costs can vary depending on your car’s make and model, windscreen type (basic versus with technology) as well as the repairer chosen to do he replacement.
How much does a car windscreen repair cost?
For something basic like repairing a chip or crack, trade jobs listing platform Airtasker suggests that the cost could be around $60 to $80.
The severity of the crack or chip will determine how much you end up paying.
Why should you repair or replace a damaged car windscreen?
It is important to address a damaged or broken windscreen as soon as possible.
A small chip or crack on your windscreen can spread, and before long, a simple repair job becomes a much costlier and more complex one.
More importantly, there are laws in each Australian state and territory around how much windscreen damage you can legally drive with.
As a rule of thumb, it’s illegal to drive with an impaired view. The rules differ depending on what state or territory you're in, but often bullseye or star fractures can't exceed 16mm, while hairline fractures on the driver side can't be longer than 30mm.
Fixing your windscreen helps to maintain the integrity of the glass and to keep your view of the road from being obstructed.
Where can you get your windscreen replaced?
Windscreen replacement services are usually offered by glass repair companies, auto service shops or chains, motoring clubs or qualified mechanics.
The repair or replacement of your windscreen should be completed by a trained professional to ensure the work provided and the glass installed complies with Australian windscreen safety standards (e.g. ADR 8/01 and AS/NZS 2080:2019).
Some of these services offer a lifetime guarantee on repairs — if your windscreen breaks again in the same spot (not due to your negligence), you may be eligible for another free replacement.
Do you need a repair or a full replacement?
Not all windscreen damage requires a full replacement. Some small chips or scratches may be able to be fixed through simple repair work.
Vehicle glass specialist O’Brien says that it may be possible to repair a chip if:
- It’s located at least five centimetres from the edge of the windscreen
- Smaller than a five-cent coin if facing the driver
- Smaller than a one-dollar coin if it’s in front of the passenger.
If you’re unsure, ask a professional first before deciding what work is required.
Here are some signs that could indicate you need a full windscreen replacement:
- A crack longer than 75mm on the driver’s side, extending to the edge of the windscreen
- If the crack punctures more than the outer layer of glass
- When your windscreen starts to delaminate (when a white, cloudy haze or bubbling emerges at the edges or in between the outer and inner layers).
- One or more cracks 30mm or longer on the driver’s side of the windscreen
- A bruise or star (shape of the chip in the glass) more than 16mm in diameter
- Any other damage that impedes the driver’s vision.
Does car insurance cover windscreen replacement cost?
Yes, but there are usually only two policy types that might cover windscreen replacement, depending on how the damage was done: Third party fire and theft (TPFT) and comprehensive car insurance.
However, many car insurers also offer windscreen cover as an optional add-on to your policy for an extra fee.
Type of | Windscreen |
|---|---|
TPFT |
|
Comprehensive |
|
Windscreen cover |
|
Before making any claims or choosing any one policy, it’s important to read the terms and conditions by contacting your car insurer or reading the Product Disclosure Statements (PDS).
You can also first evaluate your vehicle’s risk of windscreen damage before deciding whether TPFT, comprehensive car insurance or add-on windscreen cover is needed.
For instance, if you travel frequently across gravel or dirt roads, your risk of having a pebble or other projectile damaging your windscreen may be higher than if you only use your car in and around the city.
How do you make a claim for windscreen replacement?
To submit a claim for windscreen damage, it’s important to:
- Report the damage to your insurer immediately.
- Take clear photos.
- Take measurements of the crack/chip/damage.
Once you have lodged your claim, your provider may allow you to choose your own repairer or it may arrange repairs through one of its preferred partners.
On some occasions, you may be directed to go straight to one of your insurer’s partners with your policy number.
If you pick your own repairer, you will need to send the invoice after your windscreen is replaced, plus any other supporting documentation to your insurer.
Your provider will then assess the claim, and if approved, will either pay the supplier or refund the money directly to you, minus any excess that may apply.
