Toyota RAV4 Windscreen Replacement After Severe Hail Damage

This red Toyota RAV4 came to Local Autoglass with a completely shattered windscreen caused by a severe hail storm. The damage was extensive across the entire surface of the glass, making it well beyond repair and requiring a full replacement.

Our technician carefully removed the destroyed windscreen, cleaned and prepped the frame, then fitted and bonded a brand new windscreen securely into place. Retention tape was applied to ensure a safe seal while the adhesive cured. The RAV4 left with a crystal clear new windscreen, ready to get back on the road.

Hail damage is something we deal with regularly in the Northern Rivers, especially during storm season from October through to March. When a severe storm rolls through, we often get a surge of calls from vehicle owners who've had their windscreens cracked, chipped, or completely destroyed by hailstones. In a bad storm, hailstones the size of golf balls can hit with enough force to shatter a windscreen in seconds.

After a hail storm, it's worth taking a close look at your windscreen — even if it hasn't shattered outright. Hail can leave small chips and impact points that might not be immediately obvious but can spread into larger cracks over time, especially with temperature changes and road vibration. If you spot any damage, it's better to get it assessed sooner rather than later.

When it comes to deciding between a windscreen repair and a full replacement, it depends on the size, location, and severity of the damage. As a general rule, small chips (smaller than a 20-cent coin) that aren't in the driver's direct line of sight can often be repaired with a resin injection. But if the damage is larger, if there are multiple impact points, or if cracks have started to spread — it's a replacement job. With hail damage like the RAV4 had, there's no question — the entire windscreen needs to come out.

If your vehicle is comprehensively insured, your windscreen replacement is usually covered under your policy. Most major Australian insurers — including NRMA, Suncorp, AAMI, and Allianz — cover windscreen replacement, and in many cases it won't affect your no-claim bonus. The process is straightforward: call your insurer, get a claim number, and then book in with us. We handle insurance jobs regularly and can work directly with your insurer to make it as hassle-free as possible.

For those without comprehensive insurance, we offer competitive pricing on all windscreen replacements and can provide a free quote over the phone. Whether your vehicle has been caught in a hail storm or picked up damage from road debris, contact Local Autoglass on 0466 140 195 and we'll get you sorted.