Advice needed on windscreen damage

[Rocker]

Whilst driving home from town today, I had a pebble flung up by another car damage my windscreen. It caused a star-shaped pattern of radiating cracks about 40 mm in diameter. First, will I need to replace the windscreen, or can the damage be repaired? How much is a reasonable price to pay for a new windscreen on a Camry? Is it an offence to drive around with a damaged windscreen?

The last time this happened to me was back in the early 70's, when I was driving along the Flinders Highway near Julia Creek. I had a toughened glass windscreen then, which became opaque all over when damaged; so I had to knock out all the glass and drive the rest of the way to Mount Isa with no windscreen.

Rocker

[Iain]

A repair is (was) about $70, a new windscreen is about $150 (for my Landcruiser), is the star in line of sight?
It will spread with heat/cold and bumps, a repair will retard this, a repair is only good if the windscreen was dry at the time of damage as water in the laminate will cause problems.
It is illegal here to drive with a damaged windscreen but the police seem to ignore it unless it is a massive crack, line of sight or hate you.
Your call.

[Landseka]

Check on your car's insurance policy Rocker. Most Ins Co's these days will pay for one windscreen replacement per year without affecting your 'no claim bonus' or attracting a excess fee.

Regards

Neil.

[Rocker]

Iain and Landseka,

Thanks for the advice. I may as well get the windscreen replaced if the insurance will pay for it.

Rocker