Windscreen Repair vs Replacement
If your windscreen gets damaged, it’s important to decide whether to repair or replace it. This decision can affect your safety, insurance, and repair costs. In this guide, we'll walk you through the major differences between repair and replacement, how to identify the type of damage, and what factors to weigh before submitting an insurance claim.
Type of Windscreen Cracks
Before deciding between windscreen repair or replacement, we can first identify the type of crack on the windscreen to decide the best course of action – repair or replace.
| Types of Windshield Cracks | Example | Description |
| Star Break |  | Cracks radiating from the impact point, forming a star-like pattern. Can spread quickly if left untreated. |
| Chips |  | Small, crater-like impact marks often caused by road debris. Typically less than 1 cm in diameter. |
| Bullseye Crack |  | Circular damage with a dark centre and surrounding ring, caused by a direct hit from a rounded object. |
| Half Moon |  | Similar to bullseye but shaped like a crescent due to angled impact. |
| Combination Crack |  | A mix of bullseye and star break, often from strong impact which creates a complex damage. |
| Floater Crack |  | Begins in the central area of the windscreen and expands over time due to stress or temperature shifts. |
| Edge Crack |  | Starts within 2 inches of the edge, often due to structural stress or edge impact leading to the crack. |
| Stress Crack |  | Forms without a direct impact, usually from extreme temperature changes or factory stress points. |
Repair vs Replacement: What’s the Difference?
- Windscreen Repair: Involves filling the damaged area with a transparent resin, then curing and polishing it. This is ideal for minor, surface-level damage.
- Windscreen Replacement: Involves removing the entire damaged windscreen and installing a new one using professional-grade adhesive. Best suited for larger or more severe damage.
When Should We Choose Repair or Replacement?
| Conditions | Windscreen Repair | Windscreen Replacement |
| Crack Size | Minor damage with crack less than 6 inches in length | Severe damage with cracks larger than 6 inches or multiple cracks |
| Location | Damage not directly in driver’s line of sight. | Damage in driver’s line of sight which can impair vision and cause distortion. |
| Depth | Damage affects only the outer layer of glass and hasn’t penetrated the inner laminated layer. | Cracks that affect the laminated layers or compromise the windscreen’s strength. |
| Benefits | Faster, more affordable, and helps prevent minor cracks or chips from spreading. Repair is less invasive and retains the original seal, which is often more secure than aftermarket replacements. | Restores full structural integrity and safety, ensures clear visibility, and prevents further damage. |
Does Car Insurance Cover Windscreen Damage?
Most comprehensive car insurance policies cover windscreen damage, but coverage varies by provider and policy type. Here’s what you should know:
- Windscreen repair may be covered without excess, especially with comprehensive policy with windscreen coverage
- Replacement usually involves an excess, unless you have specific cover
- Claiming will not affect your no-claims discount (NCD), depending on the insurer
Tip: Always check your policy or speak with your insurer before making a claim.
What to Consider Before Making a Windscreen Insurance Claim
- Severity of Damage: If the damage is a small chip away from the driver's view, a quick repair is usually enough, but large cracks or damage near the edge require a full replacement for safety.
- Cost vs Excess: Sometimes the cost of repair is lower than your excess, making it cheaper to pay out of pocket.
- Impact on No-Claims Discount: Some insurers allow one windscreen claim per year without affecting your NCD — but confirm with your insurers before claiming.
- Turnaround Time: Repairs involve minimal downtime, whereas replacements take longer and require removing the original rubber seal around the windscreen, which is generally more secure when factory-installed.
- Approved Repairers: Using your insurer’s approved repairer ensures warranty-backed service and smoother claims.
Conclusion
Choosing between windscreen repair and replacement isn't just about the size of the crack. It’s about safety, cost-effectiveness, and peace of mind. Understanding your damage type, evaluating your insurance policy, and acting promptly can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
For more information about our services, please contact us today.