How Dangerous is Windscreen Damage?

They’re right in front of us when we’re on the road, but we rarely think about our windscreens unless we can’t see through them properly. Even then, hands up if you’ve spent days, months, or even years driving around with a chip in your windscreen taunting you every time it catches your eye. But how dangerous is windscreen damage, really? Can you drive a car with a cracked windscreen safely? And could something as simple as cleaning your windscreen make a difference to its safety and longevity?

In this article, we explore how dangerous windscreen damage actually is, and why it’s not something you should ignore.

Is it illegal to drive with windscreen damage?

Unfortunately, acquiring windscreen damage is all too easy. And, frustratingly, many times it’s not your fault. It’s the truck in front that flicked up gravel or the random projectile that flew across freeway lanes or the bird that was having a slow day.

Taking fault out of the equation – once it’s there, it’s there – let’s look at what kind of windscreen damage you’re legally allowed to drive with. Or, to what extent it has to spread before you’re driving illegally. If you’re wondering, can you drive a car with a cracked windscreen? The answer depends on the size, position, and severity of the damage – and state regulations.

No one wants to be pulled over for a random breath test only to be giving a good talking to by the police officer about driving with a cracked windscreen. You might also be handed a defect notice and have your car deemed unroadworthy (*cringe*).

When it comes to rules around windscreen damage, you’ll find similar rules apply across Australia’s states and territories. It’s best to check with your relevant road transport authority.

As an example, let’s look at NSW. There, a car will not pass a safety check inspection if the windscreen has more than two of the following on the driver’s side:

• A hairline crack up to 30mm long
• A crack from the edge up to 75mm long
• A bullseye crack (i.e. chip) up to 16mm in diameter

How dangerous is windscreen damage?

Why the fuss about windscreen blemishes? It’s actually serious business – a crack or chip can reflect the light differently, potentially distracting you enough to drive unsafely.

It can also make your windscreen glass less stable and therefore more likely to smash if hit with something. Ditto if you end up in a collision or roll the car. And if you’re wondering, can you drive a car with a cracked windscreen? The short answer is no, even a small crack can compromise your safety.

It also means if your windscreen does smash, you’re more likely to have glass shards flying everywhere. Let’s not think too much about the damage that could cause if you’re driving your family or friends at the time.

To a lesser extent, you may find your windscreen is leaky in wet weather. At the very least this is no good for your dashboard or the carpet underneath.

How to patch a windscreen

It’s important to understand that what looks like a tiny crack can quickly spread, making driving a potentially risky exercise. And if your windscreen isn’t clean, cracks and chips can be harder to spot, which is why knowing how to clean the windscreen of a car is more important than you might think.

With a new windscreen costing anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to over $1,000, one temptation is to fix it yourself. Considering the above risks, do you really have the confidence to rely on your nifty fingers and the hold of some kind of epoxy or acrylic compound? If you do, start by learning how to clean the windscreen of a car properly, as dirt and grime can stop repair materials from bonding effectively.

How to clean the windscreen of a car​

Cleaning your windscreen isn’t just about better visibility, it also helps prevent damage from worsening. Here’s a quick guide on how to clean the windscreen of a car properly:

1. Gather your supplies: You’ll need a microfibre cloth, a bucket of warm water, glass cleaner (ammonia-free), and, if needed, a plastic scraper for stubborn debris.
2. Wipe down the surface: Use a dry microfibre cloth to remove loose dirt and dust.
3. Apply glass cleaner: Spray the cleaner evenly across the windscreen and wipe it with circular motions to avoid streaks.
4. Clean the edges and wipers: Dirt can accumulate around the edges and on the wiper blades.
5. Finish with a final polish: Use a clean, dry cloth to buff the windscreen for a streak-free finish.

If you’ve noticed a crack while cleaning, you might be wondering: can you drive a car with a cracked windscreen? While small chips might seem harmless, they can quickly spread, reducing visibility and potentially compromising your safety.

In our opinion? Windscreen crack repair kits are great for a (very) short-term solution for small cracks and chips, like getting your car from the roadside to the garage for a replacement part. But remember, even before a quick patch, it helps to know how to clean the windscreen of a car to give the repair the best chance of holding.

Avoid putting yourself at risk. Have a professional repair the windscreen or completely replace it.

Is windscreen damage covered by insurance?​

Some car insurance providers (like us) cover windscreen repair as part of the comprehensive car insurance policy. If the windscreen is damaged in an incident that we cover and is repaired rather than replaced, you usually won’t have to pay an excess and there will be no effect to your premium.

If the windscreen cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced, your excesses apply.

Another option is to extend your car insurance policy to cover cracks that require the replacement of your windscreen and other window glass. It can equate to as little as only a few dollars a month. Also, it can even cover the replacement of anything attached to the windscreen or window glass such as window tinting, demisters or aerials.

Want to know more about our windscreen/window glass extras cover? Check out the product details here.

Have other car maintenance questions?

We are building a library of ‘how to’ articles, to help you maintain your car outside its regular services. If you want to know more about the ins and outs of caring for your car, check these out:

1. How to Check the Oil in Your Car
2. Sun Kissed and Salty: Great for Your Hair, Awful for Your Car
3. Why Is Car Tyre Pressure So Important
4. Simple Ways to Pet Proof Your Car Like A Pro
5. 3 Reasons for a Stiff Brake Pedal and Car That Won’t Start

See the road ahead clearly – with PD Insurance behind you

Taking care of your car means more than just keeping it looking good – it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and your wallet from unexpected surprises. From minor windscreen chips to major accidents, being prepared can make all the difference.

That’s where we come in. When life throws you a wheels-up curveball, our industry expertise and trusted connections help us act fast. We know you want to be back on the road ASAP, so you can focus on what matters most.

Our car insurance plans are designed with your needs in mind, all while protecting your financial freedom. Don’t leave your safety to chance. Choose car insurance that’s there when you need it most.

Click below to get started today.