Frequently asked questions
Common questions about chip repairs, new windscreens, insurance and the Smith&Smith® guarantee.
How long does a chip repair take?
About an hour. You can wait at the branch or drop the car off.
How long does a new windscreen take?
Up to three hours for most vehicles. If your car has a camera behind the mirror and needs recalibrating, we may need it for a full day. We’ll tell you when you book.
Can every chip be repaired?
No. In front of the driver, the chip and its cracks need to be smaller than a $1 coin (15mm). On the passenger side the limit is about a $2 coin (30mm). Chips within 3cm of the edge, and cracks of any size, mean a new windscreen. Your technician makes the final call.
Will the chip disappear after the repair?
It will be much harder to see and it won’t spread, but it won’t be invisible. Some repairs look like a dried raindrop on the glass.
Will a chip fail my Warrant of Fitness?
A chip in the driver’s line of sight that’s bigger than 15mm can fail a WOF. After a chip repair you get a certificate showing it meets WOF standards.
Do I need to claim on insurance?
No. You can pay for the work yourself. If you do have glass cover, we can check your excess and lodge the claim for you.
What if the repair cracks my windscreen?
Occasionally a chip repair cracks the glass even when the work is done correctly. If that happens, the cost of the repair is credited towards a new Smith&Smith® windscreen.
Is the work guaranteed?
Yes. Smith&Smith® guarantees glass installation workmanship nationwide for the lifetime of your vehicle, and you can make a guarantee claim at any Smith&Smith® branch or authorised dealer. Nothing in the guarantee limits your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Can I drive with a cracked windscreen?
A crack weakens the glass and can spread suddenly, and a crack in front of the driver can fail a WOF. Get it checked as soon as you can.
Do you come to me?
TBC: confirm with HiFlo whether mobile service will be offered from Oamaru or Timaru.
What vehicles do you work on?
Cars, utes, vans and SUVs of every make and model. For vehicles over 2.8 metres high or 5 metres long, call the branch first.
Book your glass repair
Tell us what’s damaged and which branch suits you, and our team will confirm a time.