Vandalised Car Glass: Replacement and Next Steps

Vandalised Car Glass: Replacement and Next Steps

Deliberate glass damage is replaced the same way as accidental damage, but the paperwork before it matters more. Vandalism claims are generally treated differently to accidental damage by insurers, and a police event number is often required. Document everything before the vehicle is repaired, because once the glass is replaced the evidence is gone.

Document It First

Photograph the damage from several angles including a wide shot showing the whole vehicle and where it was parked. If multiple vehicles were hit, that context can matter for a claim. Report it to police and get an event number — most insurers require one for malicious damage, and obtaining it afterwards is harder. Check whether the location has CCTV and ask promptly, since most systems overwrite within days.

• Wide and close photographs before clearing anything
• Police report and event number for malicious damage
• Ask about CCTV quickly — footage is often overwritten in days
• Note whether other vehicles nearby were also targeted
• Keep the receipt for the repair for your claim

Scratched and Etched Glass

Not all vandalism smashes glass. Keying, scratching and acid etching are common, and the fix depends on depth. Light surface scratching can often be polished out — scratch removal starts from $110. Anything deep enough to catch a fingernail generally cannot be polished safely, because removing that much material distorts the optics. Etched or deeply scratched glass in the driver’s line of sight is a replacement.

What It Costs

Our starting prices are the same across greater Sydney, with no call-out fee:

Service	Starting From
Stone Chip and Crack Repairs	$110
Windscreen Replacement	$330
Body Glass Replacement	$165
Resealing	$165
Scratch Removal	$110
Window Tinting	$250

The final quote depends on your vehicle, the glass specification and whether calibration is needed. We confirm the exact figure before starting. See what windscreen replacement costs in Sydney for a fuller breakdown.

Claiming for Malicious Damage

Malicious damage is usually covered under comprehensive policies, but the treatment varies — some insurers apply a different excess for vandalism than for glass, and a claim may affect a no-claim bonus differently to a standard glass claim. Check your Product Disclosure Statement, and ask your insurer directly how a malicious damage claim is treated before deciding. Given body glass starts from $165, compare against your excess first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a police report for vandalism?

Most insurers require an event number for malicious damage claims. Get it before the repair, since obtaining one afterwards is more difficult.

Can scratched glass be polished rather than replaced?

Light surface scratching often can, from $110. Anything deep enough to catch a fingernail generally cannot be polished without distorting the glass, particularly in the driver line of sight.

Will a vandalism claim affect my no-claim bonus?

It depends on your policy. Some insurers treat malicious damage differently to glass claims. Check your PDS or ask your insurer directly before claiming.

How fast can you replace vandalised glass?

Same-day or next-day is usually possible. An insecure vehicle is a priority, so mention that when you call.

Glass vandalised? Aussie AutoGlass is a mobile service across greater Sydney — we come to you. Book an appointment or call 0405 412 951.