Windscreen Repair vs Replacement: What’s Right for Your Car?
Windscreen Repairs: Better Than a Full Replacement?
A small chip or crack on your windscreen might seem like a minor issue, but if left unchecked, it can quickly turn into a serious safety hazard. The good news? Not all breakage calls for a full windscreen replacement. In many cases, a quick fix is all you need—saving you time, money, and even helping the environment.
As part of our ongoing Windscreen Repair Campaign, we’re encouraging drivers to fix where possible instead of replacing.
Here’s everything you need to know about your options, the benefits of fixing, and how to make a claim.
Introduction to Windscreen Repairs
Windscreen repairs are an essential service that play a vital role in maintaining the safety and durability of your vehicle.
When you experience a crack or chip to your windscreen, it’s important to act quickly. Even minor cracks can compromise the strength and visibility of your windshield, putting your safety at risk.
Windscreen Claims: Repair or Replacement?
Understanding the type and severity of the damage is the first step in knowing whether your windscreen can be repaired or needs to be replaced. It is important to accurately assess the crack to determine the most suitable solution. Having the right information about the types of breakage and available options ensures you make an informed decision.
Windscreen Repair
Windscreen repair is typically suitable for small chips and cracks that are not in the driver’s direct line of vision. The breakage should meet specific criteria: small chips or crack marks must be less than 7.5 cm, and any pit or indentation should not exceed 5 mm. It must also not be located at the very edge of the windscreen or within the driver’s acute viewing area.
Common types of repairable breakage include star-shaped cracks, bullseye damage, half-moon cracks, and combination breaks—provided they are within repairable size.
A few basic conditions must also be met for a repair to be considered safe and effective. The damage must not penetrate both layers of laminated glass, and any linear crack should generally be less than 15 cm in length. Unlike single-layer tempered glass, laminated glass consists of two or more bonded layers, offering enhanced strength and improved safety in the event of breakage.
And remember, repairs are only considered when they don’t compromise the driver’s visibility. At Budget Direct, all repairs are performed based on our authorised windscreen repairer standards, ensuring the integrity of the glass is maintained throughout the process.
Windscreen Replacements
In more severe cases, a new windscreen will be necessary. This typically applies when the crack line is longer than 15 cm, the damage falls within the driver’s direct line of sight, or when multiple chips are clustered together in one area. If the crack penetrates both layers of laminated glass, replacement is the only safe option. In cases of severe damage — especially with tempered glass — the glass may shatter into small fragments, which are designed to minimise the risk of injury.
Professional replacement is crucial for all vehicles, as different vehicle models may require specialised glass and calibration to maintain safety standards.
To help you decide, comparison images of cracks that require windscreen replacements are useful references.
Examples of windshields damaged beyond repair:
Why Choose Windscreen Repairs?
There are several compelling reasons to choose repairs over replacement whenever it’s possible and safe to do so.
For starters, you won’t need to pay an excess. At Budget Direct Insurance, we offer a full waiver on windscreen excess for repairs. Repairs also come with a quick turnaround, typically taking less than 30 minutes, so you can get back on the road faster.
By choosing repair, you’ll also retain your car’s original factory sealant and fit, which is better for long-term structural integrity. It’s also a more sustainable option, reducing unnecessary glass waste and helping to minimise the carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable transportation system for road users. and supporting eco-conscious motoring.
And here’s a bonus: eligible customers who choose repair will receive a SGD $100 cash-back incentive. A small repair, and you walk away with some extra savings in your pocket.
Windscreen Repairs vs. Windscreen Replacement: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a simple comparison to show how the two options stack up:
| Feature | Windscreen Repair | Windscreen Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Excess Payable | Waived | Excess applies |
| Cash Incentive | $100 (if eligible) | Not available |
| Factory Sealant | Preserved | Removed and reapplied manually |
| Vehicle Downtime | 15–30 mins | 2–3 hours or more |
| Environmental Impact | Low | High (glass waste involved) |
| Customer Convenience | High | Moderate |
Do check with our authorised windscreen repairer if you’re unsure about sealant and structural considerations.
Windscreen Repairs – Are You Covered?
Windscreen repairs due to shattering or cracks are far more common than you might think and you will need to be covered.
There are three types of Budget Direct Car insurance policies to choose from:
- Comprehensive - you’re covered! Unlimited windscreen cracks or breakages are covered so rest easy
- Third Party Fire and Theft and Third Party Only – you can take optional cover for windscreen breakages. Your policy will generously cover you for two claims on your windscreen or windows per policy period.
Windscreen excess will not be applicable if the windscreen can be repaired by our appointed glass repairer.
Note that sunroof damage does not come under windscreen cover under a Budget Direct Insurance Car policy. Damage to sunroof comes under an Own Damage claim, this means your policy excess is applicable and your NCD might be affected.
More than just your windscreen damaged? Visit our Car Theft and Repair FAQ to find out if you are covered and what you should do when this happens.
Frequently Asked Questions on Windscreen Repairs and Replacements
What should I do when my windscreen is damaged?
Start by checking the size and position of the windscreen crack or chip. If you need to handle any broken glass, try to wear glasses to safeguard your eyes. Avoid washing the car or exposing the windscreen to extreme hot or cold temperatures, as this can cause the crack to spread. Then, call our Claims Hotline at 6221 2199. Our claims executive will advise you on how to get your windscreen repaired or replaced.
How do I submit a windscreen claim?
There are two ways to submit your claim. The easiest is to do it online. Visit budgetdirect.com.sg/make-a-claim, log in to your policy account, upload clear photos of the crack or chip, and submit the form. You’ll receive a confirmation email within three working days.
Alternatively, you can go direct to our authorised windscreen repairer, Glass-fix. Just call them at 6278 0887 and mention you're a Budget Direct Insurance customer. They’ll walk you through the entire process from inspection to claim submission and repair or replacement.
Can I still choose to fix my windscreen even if the crack looks serious?
Yes, in many cases. Our authorised windscreen repairer will assess the damage carefully. If it’s safe to fix, we’ll recommend it over replacement. Choosing repairs helps retain the integrity of your original windscreen and can also benefit your claims history.
Will windscreen repairs affect my No Claim Discount (NCD)?
No, your NCD remains intact. Windscreen repairs do not impact your NCD.
What if I repaired my windscreen at my own workshop, do I still get the cash incentive?
The $100 cashback incentive is only available to eligible customers who repair with our authorised windscreen repairer.
What is a windscreen in a car?
A windscreen is the laminated safety glass panel located at the front of your car. It shields occupants from wind, debris, and weather conditions, while also contributing to the vehicle’s structural integrity. For the best protection and comfort, applying a solar film can help block harmful UV rays and reduce infrared heat thus improving thermal regulation inside the cabin. Do ensure the solar film complies with LTA regulations.
What's the difference between a windscreen and a windshield?
No difference. In Singapore (and the UK), people usually say “windscreen.” In the US, it’s “windshield.” They refer to the same part of the car.
How much will a new windscreen cost?
In Singapore, windscreen replacement costs can vary depending on your vehicle's make and technology features:
- Standard vehicles: S$300–S$1,200 (excluding luxury and super car models)
- Vehicles with advanced features (e.g. rain sensors, ADAS cameras, heating elements, heads-up display, or OEM glass): S$1,200–S$3,000+
- Recalibration of cameras/sensors (if needed): S$100–S$400
Note: Prices are approximate averages provided by Glass-Fix and subject to GST.
What should I do if my car windscreen cracks whilst I'm driving?
When a windscreen breaks there may be quite a bang so keep calm and don’t slam on the breaks. Slow down gently and look for somewhere to pull over and stop safely, then you can take a breather and assess what to do.
When it is safe to do so call your insurer. They will arrange for a repairer to assess the damage and recommend a replacement or repair of your windscreen or window.
For windscreen repairs and replacements, Budget Direct Insurance teams up with trusted specialists at Glass-Fix to get you back on the road in no time.
For more details or to get started, call us at 6221 2199 or submit your claim at budgetdirect.com.sg/make-a-claim.
