Advice needed on windscreen damage

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

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.

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.

Iain and Landseka,

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

Rocker