Guide
Windscreen repair vs replacement: which do you need?
Whether a damaged windscreen can be repaired comes down to three things: how big the damage is, where it is, and what type it is. Here's how to tell.
By the Rapid Response Autoglass team · Updated
The short answer
Repair a windscreen when the damage is a small chip — roughly twenty-cent-coin size or smaller — away from the edge and outside the driver's line of sight. Replace it when there's a long crack, edge damage, several chips, or damage right in front of the driver.
Repair or replace at a glance
| Damage | Usually | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small chip, clear of the edge | Repair | Resin restores strength and stops it spreading |
| Chip in the driver's line of sight | Replace | A repair can leave distortion where you need clear vision |
| Chip touching the edge | Replace | Edges carry structural load and cracks spread fast from them |
| Crack longer than a few centimetres | Replace | Long cracks can't be reliably sealed |
| Several chips across the screen | Replace | Multiple repairs weaken the glass and affect visibility |
| Smashed or holed glass | Replace | The laminate is compromised |
Why repairing early costs less
A chip repair is quicker and cheaper than a replacement, and it keeps the original factory seal around your windscreen. The catch is timing. Heat, cold air-conditioning on hot glass and road vibration all put stress on a chip, and once it runs into a crack the repair option is usually gone.
If you're claiming on insurance, many insurers prefer a repair where possible, and some reduce or waive the excess for it. See our insurance guide.
When replacement is the better value
A repair that can't restore clear vision or strength isn't a saving. If the damage is in the driver's view, at the edge, or already cracking, a windscreen replacement is the safe option and removes the risk of the screen failing later.
Topic guide
Everything about chips and cracks
Frequently asked questions
Can my chip be repaired, or does the windscreen need replacing?
As a rough guide, a small chip — about the size of a twenty-cent coin or smaller — that isn't on the edge of the glass or directly in the driver's line of sight can often be repaired. Long cracks, edge damage and smashed glass need a replacement. Send a photo and we'll tell you which.
Does a chip repair make the damage disappear?
It restores strength and stops the damage spreading. Most chips become much less visible, but a faint mark often remains.
Can you repair a crack?
Only very short cracks are suitable. Longer cracks, or cracks reaching the edge, need a replacement.
How do I get a quote?
Call or text 0498 700 798 with the make, model and year of the vehicle, the suburb it's in and a photo of the damage, or use the quote form.
Damaged glass? We'll come to you.
Call or text a photo of the damage for a quote. Mon–Fri 7am–5pm, Sat 10am–3pm.
0498 700 798