Windscreen repair and replacement guide

Damage to windscreens can vary in size and severity, but even small issues ought to be checked and repaired as soon as possible. Here are the three main types:

As you can probably guess, this is when the glass is completely or partially shattered, completely impeding a driver’s vision.

What causes it? A collision, forceful impact or extreme change in temperature can cause a windscreen to shatter.

What to be mindful of: Windshields are designed to absorb energy and shatter without breaking into large, sharp pieces. If you have a shattered windshield, it needs to be replaced.

When a windscreen is damaged, repairers will consider the following factors to help determine the appropriate course of action:

• previous repairs and the age of the windscreen, as this can impact the structural integrity of the glass 
• the depth of the damage and if the chip/crack has gone through multiple layers of glass
• the location of the damage, including whether it’s on the edge of the windscreen, passenger or driver's side.

Repair and replacement costs for vehicle owners will vary depending on the following:

• your vehicle’s make and model
• the size and location of the damage
• additional features, such as tinting or rain sensors 
• whether or not you have car insurance.

Some car insurance policies include cover for damage to the insured vehicle’s windscreen, while others might not. To know if your car insurance covers windscreen damage, check your certificate of insurance and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). 

If your policy does include cover and you lodge a claim that is accepted, your insurer may:

• cover the cost to repair or replace the glass

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

At NRMA Insurance, an excess-free glass extension (for windscreen repairs and replacements) is automatically included in our Comprehensive Plus Car Insurance policy, and can be added to our Comprehensive Car Insurance policy (at an additional cost).

This would mean that if your vehicle’s windscreen, window glass, sunroof or moonroof is damaged during the period you’re insured for, the costs to repair or replace it will be covered, including any tinting, demisters or rain sensors that are part of the windscreen. For more details, see the PDS.