IS WINDSCREEN CRACK REPAIR WORTH IT? (EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW)

COST OF WINDSCREEN CRACK REPAIR IN AUSTRALIA

When deciding between windscreen crack repair and a complete replacement, cost plays a significant role. In Australia, if you're dealing with a small chip or crack, a professional windscreen crack repair typically ranges between $60 to $100, depending on your vehicle's make and the extent of the damage. For instance, simple repairs, like filling in a minor chip caused by highway debris, generally cost around $70 in cities like Brisbane or Adelaide, but can climb slightly higher, around $95–$120, in larger metro areas like Sydney and Melbourne due to increased labor rates.

On the other hand, a full windscreen replacement in Australia often sets you back between $200 to $400 for common vehicles. However, luxury cars or vehicles fitted with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) can push replacement costs beyond $1000, particularly when recalibration of safety sensors is necessary. With these costs in mind, repairing minor windscreen cracks early is financially smart, as it’s quicker, affordable, and keeps your vehicle roadworthy. Delaying repairs often leads to more severe damage, significantly raising expenses when replacement becomes unavoidable.

IS WINDSCREEN CRACK REPAIR SAFE?

Safety is the top concern when considering windscreen crack repair, and for good reason. Your vehicle's windscreen isn't just glass, but a critical safety component that contributes significantly to structural integrity. According to Australian safety regulations, the windscreen accounts for up to 30% of the structural strength in modern vehicles, and in rollover accidents, it helps prevent the roof from caving in, directly protecting occupants. Additionally, your airbags depend on an intact windscreen for proper deployment, that means even minor damage could potentially compromise your safety during an accident.

Still unsure if repairing your windscreen crack is the right call? Here's what Australia's safety guidelines have to say.

• Size of damage: Cracks smaller than approximately 75mm and chips smaller than 25mm (roughly the size of a $1 coin) are safely repairable.
• Location of damage: Damage directly in front of the driver—known as the critical vision area—is more strictly regulated. Only minor chips, typically under 10mm, should be repaired in this zone to avoid impairing visibility or creating distracting reflections.
• Depth and penetration: Repairs are only safe when the damage hasn't penetrated both layers of the laminated glass or affected the windscreen's structural edge. Edge cracks weaken the integrity significantly, making replacement the safer choice.

INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR WINDSCREEN REPAIR

If you’re facing windscreen damage, one of your first concerns might be whether your insurance covers windscreen crack repair. In Australia, comprehensive car insurance generally covers windscreen repairs, but there’s a catch: your basic excess often applies, which could be around $600 to $800 depending on your policy. Paying this excess for a small chip repair of $70 or $80 usually doesn’t make financial sense.

However, insurers like AAMI, RACQ, Youi, and NRMA offer optional “windscreen excess cover,” often for around $50 to $100 per year extra. This benefit allows you to repair your windscreen damage without paying a large excess, sometimes even completely excess-free. If you frequently travel regional highways or roads where flying debris is common, opting for windscreen excess cover is highly beneficial, as it saves you money and hassle. 

To quickly decide if claiming insurance is right for your windscreen damage, use this simple guide: