How much does it cost to repair or replace windscreens?

Windscreens are one of the most commonly damaged parts of a car. They can be cracked or shattered by a stone or other object that is kicked up while driving. An incident like that can affect the safety and performance of your car. Not to mention expensive to repair or replace.

What to do if you get a crack in your windscreen

It’s important to get a windscreen crack repaired as soon as possible. Depending on the size and location of the crack, it may be able to be repaired without having to replace the entire windscreen.

However, if the crack is large, or in a difficult spot near the frame of your window, you may need to replace the entire windscreen.

The first step is making contact with your insurer to see what your options are.

Are you covered if a rock flies up and cracks your windscreen?

If you have comprehensive car insurance, then you might be covered for any damage that is done to your windscreen. But check with your insurer to be sure, as some policies may exclude windscreen damage.

If you’re not covered by insurance, or if you have an excess that is higher than the cost of repair, then you may opt to pay for the repairs yourself.

When might a windscreen need to be replaced?

There are some instances where the damage is done, and the entire windscreen may need to be replaced. These instances include:

• There is a chip larger than an Australian $1 coin, or impeding the driver’s vision
• A crack extending more than 25mm length into the critical vision area

There is any damage obstructing the driver’s line of sightn individual repairer may recommend a replacement in other scenarios.

How much does a windscreen cost to replace?

The cost of replacing a windscreen will depend on the make and model of your car, as well as the severity of the damage. In most cases, it will cost between $200 and $400 to replace an entire windscreen.

However, if the damage is severe, then it could cost up to $1,000. If your car has special features, such as a heads-up display or lane departure warning system, then the cost of replacement may be even higher.

How to limit costs when fixing or replacing a windscreen

If you’re worried about the cost of repairing or replacing your windscreen, ensure it’s covered by your car insurance policy. Even if it is, though, you’ll possibly have to pay an excess when making a claim.

With GIO Comprehensive Car Insurance, you can add optional Windscreen & Window Glass cover, which will allow you to make one excess-free claim per period of insurance, as long as the windscreen is the only damage for which you’re claiming.   

Explore GIO car insurance coverage for damaged windscreens

GIO Platinum Windscreen and Window Glass cover is automatically included with our Platinum Car Insurance. If an insured event occurs and only your windscreen or window glass is damaged, GIO may cover the cost to repair or replace it without you having to pay an excess for the first claim in the period of insurance. This also includes sun roof damage. 

Learn more about Platinum Car Insurance

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. Limits, conditions and exclusions apply.This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.