- auto glass
Windscreen FAQs
Updated 14 Mar 2024
AutoGuru
Everyone knows how frustrating it is to find a chip or crack in your windscreen. We’ve put together everything you need to know about windscreen replacements and repairs in one convenient place.
Will my car insurance cover a damaged windscreen?
Comprehensive car insurance coverage should include repairing or replacing your windscreen. It may also be an optional extra on non-comprehensive policies. It’s best to check with your insurer to see if your windscreen is covered.
How much does a windscreen repair cost?
Fixing a minor chip in a windscreen could cost less than $100 and be a relatively quick job. A major fix or replacement on one of today’s high-tech cars could cost upwards of $2000. So, what you’ll pay depends on the make and model of your vehicle.
Can I stop a windscreen crack from spreading?
There is no magic cure-all for a chip or a crack. Some may remain small for hundreds of kilometres, some may spread quickly. Those ‘tricks’ you might have heard about – like using ‘super’ glues and clear nail polish – won’t last forever, especially in the heat of an Australian summer.
How soon after a windscreen replacement or repair can I drive my car?
Some companies may say you will be good to go within 30 minutes of installation. Others will recommend a wait of two hours or more. The best bet is to double-check with the technician before taking your car out for a drive. The difference depends on the types of adhesive used, how long it takes to cure, and the weather.
Is it illegal to drive with a cracked/chipped windscreen?
While a minor crack or a chip - say smaller than a $2 coin - may not be an issue and can be repaired, anything larger could mean a car is unroadworthy and therefore illegal to drive. The area swept by the windscreen wipers should always be clean and clear.
Any chips or cracks, big or small, in the Critical Vision Area of a car’s windscreen - 90mm from the top of the screen to 65mm from the bottom - may become an issue.
Written By
AutoGuru
AutoGuru is a collective of creatives and technologists with a single mission: to transform the way vehicle maintenance is managed.
For over a decade, we’ve been building technology that removes friction from managing automotive maintenance, making auto care easy for drivers, service providers, and fleet managers.Our award-winning digital product portfolio includes:
- Autoguru.com.au, Australia’s #1 auto services marketplace,
- FleetGuru®, fleet maintenance management platform digitising approvals and streamlining payments for some of Australasia’s largest fleet operators,
- FleetGuru.ai, AI-powered maintenance operating system connecting international fleet management companies, their clients, and drivers across borders for maintenance scheduling, authorisation and payments,
- BookingGuru, white label booking solution powering online bookings and payments for car servicing and repairs, and
- Reserve with Google Automotive Bookings, a unique integration enabling car servicing and repairs to be booked directly with service providers from Google Search & Maps.