A damaged windscreen can range from a minor inconvenience to a major safety concern. Here’s what you need to know about fixing a chip, crack and beyond. 

The humble windscreen has always been a crucial part of a car, providing structural integrity and a clear view of the road.

In recent years, however, it’s become more integral than ever.

Now surrounded by cameras, sensors, demisters, automatic wipers and more, car windscreens are no longer just a simple pane of glass.

As a result, any kind of damage to your car’s windscreen – from a rogue pebble to a nasty accident – can strike dread into the heart of the budget-conscious driver. 

Replacing or repairing a windscreen might feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be, says Ralph Marks, National Operations Manager at Novus Glass – a windscreen repair and replacement specialist with 50 years of experience. 

Here’s what you need to know. 

Whether a windscreen can be repaired, or whether it needs to be replaced in full, depends on a few factors – in particular, the size and location of the damage.

“If the crack is directly in the line of vision, the windscreen may need to be replaced,” Mr Marks tells Drive. 

“It also depends on the size of the damage – if it’s a small chip or break that can fit inside a 20 cent piece, then it's a good candidate to be repaired. Generally speaking, we can repair cracks up to 30cm in length.”

Novus Glass also has the ability to repair cracks and chips right up to the edge of a windscreen, using a specially designed resin that can be applied on the spot, without removing the windscreen panel.

“One of the best things to do is not leave a crack or chip for too long, because if it gets contaminated with dirt and grime – for example via windscreen wipers or in a car wash – it becomes harder to repair because our resin can’t flow past debris,” Mr Marks says.

“Also, cracks tend to spread if you leave them too long.”

Of course, there are certain circumstances where a windscreen replacement is the only option.

“If a bird or decent-sized rock goes through, or you’re in an accident, you can’t repair it,” Mr Marks adds.

“A windscreen replacement can cost up to a few thousand dollars,” Mr Marks says.

The type of glass used and where it is sourced from can also add to the price of a windscreen replacement.

“[When replacing a windscreen] we tend to use aftermarket glass, which is cheaper and helps save the customer, but we do use manufacturer-sourced glass when required,” Mr Marks explains.

“The manufacturer's glass can add thousands to the cost compared to aftermarket glass.” 

Replacing a windscreen also usually means recalibrating the associated technology – meaning some of the safety systems and cameras need to be reset – which can add to the cost. 

“When replacing a screen, it may need to be recalibrated – this occurs when the vehicle has additional technology such as rain sensors, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) cameras, or head-up display units – and that causes the price to rise.”

“A repair is generally around the $100 mark,” Mr Marks says. 

Naturally, this cost can vary depending on individual circumstances, but one thing is for certain: repairing a windscreen is far more affordable than replacing one. 

The circumstances of the windscreen damage and your individual insurance policy will determine whether your no-claims history and annual insurance premium are affected.

We asked Allianz Australia for a general idea of how a windscreen claim might affect your insurance policy and a spokesperson told us the following:

"Allianz customers who have purchased the optional 'removal of excess for windscreen damage only claims' benefit can make a claim for a windscreen repair or replacement without impacting their future premium, as the claim under this optional benefit does not affect their claims history.

If a customer has not purchased the optional benefit, they can still make a claim for windscreen damage but will be subject to any excesses that may apply, including their basic excess. Under these circumstances the claim may impact on their ongoing premium.

Repairing a crack or chip in a windscreen can take as little as 30 minutes.

“We don’t need to remove a screen to repair it and all the mouldings and trimmings can stay put, so you can drive off straight away,” Mr Marks says.

“Repairs can also be done outdoors, so it doesn’t need to be at a workshop and we can come to you.”

For replacements, Mr Marks says to allow an hour, but adds the more complex jobs “can take longer”. 

These days, it’s less to do with the price or model of the car, and more to do with the amount of technology on board. 

“What you’ll find now is that as tech comes down to cheaper models, more baseline cars might have more tech than they would have a few years back,” Mr Marks says. 

“If there are safety features like Lane Assistance or Lane Departure, the windscreen will need to be recalibrated after being installed and this will add additional cost.”

The more extensive the level of safety equipment on your car, the more likely it is that a windscreen replacement will prove more expensive.

Yes! If a chip or crack in the windscreen can be repaired, then the safety systems are usually unaffected.  

“Novus has developed an ADAS resin, which can go directly in front of a camera and is clear enough to allow the camera to be recalibrated and work successfully,” Mr Marks says.

Even if your car’s windscreen must be fully replaced, it’s simply a matter of resetting the in-built cameras and driver assistance systems once the new glass has been installed. 

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Mr Marks acknowledges that a repair is always preferable to a replacement when it comes to maintaining structural integrity.

“Any time a windscreen is replaced it compromises the structural integrity of the vehicle,” he explains.

However, Novus Glass uses aftermarket glass that meets all Australian standards and is accompanied by a nationwide warranty. 

The earlier a crack or chip can be repaired, the better – but that could prove challenging for drivers who live or work remotely, or don’t have the means to cover the cost of an immediate repair.

“When looking at whether a chip can be repaired or not, we have a 2:2:2 rule – two days, two weeks or two months,” Mr Marks says.

Between two days and two weeks is the ideal time to get it repaired, after two months it can be more difficult.

If you’re unable to make it to a windscreen repair location, you have a few options. 

Depending on your location, Novus Glass can send a mobile technician to fix the crack.

Alternatively, you can send a photo of the damage to your closest repair shop to get an idea of the urgency of the repairs.

Finally, Novus Glass offers a temporary solution to prevent the further contamination of the damage, known as a “Saver Patch”. These can be obtained free of charge from any Novus location in Australia or just contact Novus Glass on 13 22 34 and they will post some out to you. 

“The Saver Patch is a clear disc the size of a 20-cent piece that you put on the outside of the windscreen – it won’t repair the damage, but it will stop debris getting into it until such time as a Novus technician can fix the chip,” Mr Marks explains. 

Susannah Guthrie has been a journalist since she was 18, and has spent the last two years writing about cars for Drive, CarAdvice, CarSales and as a motoring columnist for several in-flight and hotel magazines. Susannah’s background is news journalism, followed by several years spent in celebrity journalism, entertainment journalism and fashion magazines and a brief stint hosting a travel TV show for Channel Ten. She joined Drive in 2020 after spending a year and a half at the helm of Harper’s BAZAAR and ELLE’s online platforms. Susannah holds a Bachelor in Media and Communications from the University of Melbourne and cut her teeth as an intern for Time Inc in New York City. She has also completed a television presenting course with the National Institute of Dramatic Art. She lives in Melbourne with her husband and her one-year-old son who, despite her best efforts, does not yet enjoy a good road trip.

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Copyright Drive.com.au 2023ABN: 84 116 608 158

Copyright Drive.com.au 2023ABN: 84 116 608 158

DAP Pricing– Unless otherwise stated, all prices are shown as Manufacturer's Recommended List Price (MRLP) inclusive of GST, exclusive of options and on road costs.