How much do Windscreen Repairs cost?

On average, the estimated costs of basic windscreen replacement with no technology in the vehicle is between $200 to $400. With the advancement of technology, newer car models have features such as rain sensor infrared technology to automatically trigger wipers when raining. Adding technology into the mix will increase the price. If the damage is unable to be fixed, a replacement windscreen will be required costing anywhere from $800 to $1200.

These start from $60 for a small, basic windscreen repair. The price increases with the complexity or size of the repair.

This is a surprisingly complex question, with a lot of variables. Windscreen repair costs can depend on the make, model, and age of your car and the extent of the damage.

So, how much does a windscreen chip repair cost? And how much does a windscreen crack repair cost? We sourced the following quotes for damaged windscreen repair:

• Chip, basic star, or bullseye: $60 – $78 average reported cost
• Cracked windscreen(including repairs): $60 – $80 average reported cost

While it used to be the case, there generally aren’t price differences between mobile service providers and shop-based repairers anymore. Many mobile service providers don’t charge additional fees to come to you, wherever you are.

Keep in mind, though, that this is a critical part of your car, and the quality of the repair is critical for ensuring your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy. Make sure you use a trustworthy brand with a good reputation.

It can depend on the make, model and year of your car. However, with a replacement, you also need to consider the level of technology your car has. If it has advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as cameras, sensors, speed zone recognition, lane departure, auto braking, radars or lasers in the windscreen, a replacement will be more expensive. Rear windscreen replacement cost can also differ in prices.

If you have lots of gadgets in your car, it is also more critical than ever that you repair any cracked or chipped windscreen as soon as possible. This will prevent any features of your car from malfunctioning due to the damage.

Some examples of quotes received for common car models and varying price ranges in Australia:

• Mazda 3 Maxx: $495 – $500 (Windscreen replacement with low or no technology (ADAS) installed)
• Mazda 3 SP25 Astina: $1,000 – $2,500 (Windscreen replacement with high technology ADAS equipped)
• Hyundai i20 and i30s: $200 – $400 (Windscreen replacement with low technology)
• Toyota Prado: $295 – $300 (Windscreen replacement with no technology)
• Toyota Prado: $1000 – $1,200 (Windscreen replacement with automatically dimming headlights, radar enabled, dynamic cruise control and emergency braking capability)
• Basic BMW: $200 – $500 (Windscreen replacements with limited or no technology)

Windscreen replacement costs with limited or no technology can be estimated between $200 to $400 with reputable but non-manufacturer providers. This is for a windscreen with no rain sensors, no forward camera, no lane departure warning features or any other tech gear installed.

As with repairs, be careful and shop around to find the best deal for a replacement windscreen. Keep in mind, though, that quality and a reputable, trustworthy brand are critical.

If the damage is small and inside the driver’s critical vision area, or slightly larger and outside your critical vision, it could be fixed with a windscreen repair kit from Bunnings and similar brands. But if the damage is outside of the pre-determined parameters for these, you will need to replace your windscreen.

A crack can be repaired if it’s less than 25mm in length when it’s inside your critical vision area (the part of the windscreen that is the driver’s vision). Outside your critical vision, cracks up to 100mm in length can be repaired.

A bullseye or chip can be repaired if it is under 10mm when it is inside your critical vision area, and up to 20mm outside this area.

Stars and horseshoe damages can be repaired if they are under 15mm and inside your critical vision. If they are outside your critical area, they can be up to 30mm or 25mm respectively, and still be repaired.

A crater is one of the most serious damages to your windscreen, as it seriously affects the integrity of the glass and the strength of your windscreen. Craters can only be repaired if they are under 2mm and inside your critical vision area and no larger than 5mm when they are outside your critical vision area.

If you have full windscreen cover on your car insurance provider, you will generally get one windscreen replacement every year without charge, sometimes without having to pay any excess also.

Check your car insurance policy and terms and conditions in the product disclosure statement to understand what your insurer offers under your policy for car windscreen replacements.

Professional inspecting the windscreen of a vehicle. | Source: Autoscreens Automotive Glass

Windscreen repairs can also cost nothing if you have a windscreen replacement cover included in your car insurance policy. Most of the time this will also be excess-free.

Once again, check your policy and terms and conditions in the product disclosure statement to understand what your insurer offers under your policy for car windscreen repairs.

The application of adhesive in preparation for a windscreen replacement. | JD Windscreens Sydney / Melbourne

The location of your car can slightly change the windscreen replacement costs. A location-related factor could include emergency mobile repair. Emergency repairs will generally cost more due to additional travel and out-of-business-hour expenses. More or less, the pricing is indicative of whether your windscreen can be repaired or need to be replaced overall. Here are examples of quotes Oneflare customers have received in different states:

Tip #1: If you have RACV (or equivalent) cover in your state or breakdown service, you will likely get a discount on windscreen repairs or replacements. Sometimes this can be up to 20%.

Tip #2: Driving with a cracked screen is illegal in Australia, as it can affect your ability to see the road clearly. Therefore, it’s important to get your windscreen fixed as soon as possible to avoid additional fines.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources