Guide
Hail damage to your windscreen: what to do
South East Queensland's storm season brings regular hail. Even when the bodywork survives, the windscreen often ends up with chips, cracks or worse.
By the Rapid Response Autoglass team · Updated
The short answer
Photograph the damage, lodge a claim if you're insured, and get the glass assessed. A few small chips may be repairable, but hail usually leaves multiple impact points or cracks, which means a replacement. Don't drive if the damage blocks your view.
After a hail storm
- Photograph the windscreen and the rest of the car.
- Check for chips and cracks across the whole screen, including the edges.
- Lodge an insurance claim — see insurance claims.
- Cover holes or broken glass to keep rain out.
- Call 0498 700 798 to book a mobile assessment and repair.
Repair or replace after hail?
One or two small chips away from the edge can often be repaired. Multiple chips across the screen, cracks or damage in the driver's view mean a replacement.
Topic guide
Everything about chips and cracks
Topic guide
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Frequently asked questions
Is hail damage to a windscreen covered by insurance?
Comprehensive policies usually cover storm and hail damage, including glass. Check your policy for excess and glass cover.
Can I get my windscreen fixed before the panel work?
Often, yes — especially if the windscreen damage affects your view. Check with your insurer about how they want the claim handled.
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.
Related pages
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