If a stone flicked up on SH1 and left a chip in your windscreen, you are not alone. For decades, Kiwis have turned to smith and smith to sort out chips, cracks, and full windscreen replacements. This guide explains what smith and smith does, how the process works from booking to calibration, what options you have, and how to choose the right fix for your car, ute, van, or fleet. You will also find pros and cons, real-world examples, and quick answers to common questions.
What is
In New Zealand, smith and smith is a nationwide vehicle glass service specialising in windscreen chip repair, windscreen replacement, side and rear window replacement, and modern driver-assistance recalibration. They operate service centres around the country and run mobile units that come to your home or workplace when conditions allow.
They are part of Belron, the global vehicle glass group behind brands like Carglass in Europe and Safelite in the United States. That scale matters because many newer vehicles need precise camera and radar calibration after a windscreen change. smith and smith handles that work for a wide range of makes and models and works closely with major New Zealand insurers.
In short, if it’s glass on a vehicle, smith and smith can usually repair or replace it, then verify any safety systems that look through the windscreen are working as designed.
How it works
The process is designed to be simple. You can book online or by phone, choose a branch visit or a mobile appointment, and link your insurance policy if you have glass cover. A technician inspects the damage and confirms whether a repair will be safe or a replacement is required. If your car has ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems), recalibration is carried out during or after the replacement, often in-branch where controlled conditions and specialised equipment are available.
Here’s the typical flow from chip to fix:
- Check the damage: Measure the chip or crack and note where it sits in the driver’s view.
- Book smith and smith: Choose mobile or branch, depending on weather, location, and whether calibration is needed.
- Confirm insurance: Provide your policy number if you have glass cover; many repairs attract low or no excess.
- Technician assessment: On arrival, they verify repair vs replacement and explain the reasons.
- Repair or replace: Chips are filled with clear resin and cured; cracked or badly damaged glass is replaced.
- Calibrate ADAS if required: Cameras and sensors are realigned using static targets or a road test procedure.
- Final checks: Wipers, rain sensors, lane cameras, and seals are tested; paperwork is completed.
Timeframes vary. A chip repair often takes around 30–45 minutes. A replacement typically runs 1.5–3 hours, and calibration can add extra time. Mobile work needs a dry, sheltered space for adhesives to cure properly. For many vehicles with ADAS, in-branch service is recommended to ensure precise calibration.
Types / examples
Types of vehicle glass smith and smith handles
- Laminated windscreens: Two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer. These can often be repaired if the damage is small and away from the edge.
- Tempered side and rear windows: Designed to shatter into small pieces; these cannot be repaired and must be replaced if broken.
- Special features: Heated glass, acoustic windscreens, rain/light sensors, heads-up display areas, and camera brackets mounted near the rear-view mirror.
Common windscreen damage
- Stone chips: Bullseye, star break, or combination chips. Usually repairable if smaller than a $2 coin and not in the driver’s critical vision area.
- Cracks: Short cracks may sometimes be stopped, but long or edge cracks usually mean replacement.
- Edge damage: Chips or cracks near the edge of the glass weaken the structure and normally require replacement.
Examples from the road
- Daily commuter: A tiny bullseye chip on the motorway. Repaired quickly before it spreads with temperature changes and bumps.
- Tradie’s ute: A crack from the lower edge creeping toward the centre. Replacement arranged, plus calibration for a forward camera.
- Fleet van: Multiple chips across different vehicles. smith and smith schedules mobile visits and handles the insurer’s fleet policy paperwork.
Comparison: options at a glance
| Option | What it involves | Typical time | Best when | Calibration needed | Insurance-friendly | Risks to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| smith and smith chip repair | Resin injected and cured to stop spread and improve clarity | 30–45 min | Small chip, not near edge, not in critical vision area | No | Often $0 excess with glass cover | Minor mark may remain; not suitable for cracks |
| smith and smith windscreen replacement | Old glass removed, new glass bonded; sensors refitted | 1.5–3+ hrs | Large cracks, edge damage, failed repair, or WOF issue | Yes, if ADAS present | Usually covered if you have glass cover; excess may apply | Requires dry conditions and cure time before driving |
| DIY chip kit | Home-applied resin | 1–2 hrs | Very small cosmetic chips outside field of view | No | Not claimable; out-of-pocket | Risk of poor seal; may complicate later professional repair |
| Do nothing (wait) | Ignore the damage | — | Never recommended | N/A | N/A | Crack spread, failed WOF, higher cost later |
Pros and cons
Pros of choosing smith and smith
- Nationwide coverage: Branches and mobile service across major cities and regions.
- Insurance know-how: Direct handling with many NZ insurers; simple claims process.
- ADAS calibration capability: Static and/or dynamic recalibration for many models.
- Quality glass and adhesives: Matches vehicle specifications; options may include OEM or OEM-equivalent.
- Experienced technicians: High volumes mean they see most makes, trims, and sensor setups.
- Clear process: Assessment first, with reasons for repair vs replacement explained.
Cons to keep in mind
- Cost vs independents: Pricing can be higher than some small local shops.
- Booking availability: Peak times may limit same-day slots in busy centres.
- Mobile limits: Calibration and poor weather can require an in-branch visit.
How to use or choose
Deciding how to handle a chipped or cracked windscreen comes down to safety, features, and cost. Use these points to choose confidently.
Match the fix to the damage
- Small, clean chip away from the edge: Book a smith and smith repair quickly before it spreads.
- Long crack, edge crack, or multiple chips: Replacement is the safer call.
- Failed WOF due to damage in the critical area: Replacement to meet inspection standards.
Factor in ADAS
- If your vehicle has lane keeping, AEB, or a camera near the mirror, plan for calibration.
- Ask smith and smith whether your model needs static, dynamic, or both types of calibration and where it will be done.
- Request documentation of calibration results to keep with service records.
Use your insurance smartly
- Check if your policy includes glass cover and what the excess is for repair and replacement.
- Many policies waive excess for chip repairs, so fix small damage early at minimal cost.
- Let smith and smith lodge the claim to avoid back-and-forth with your insurer.
Quality and aftercare
- Confirm the glass type being fitted (OEM or OEM-equivalent) and any features like acoustic layers or heating.
- Follow cure-time advice before driving and avoid car washes until the sealant has set fully.
- After replacement, listen for wind noise and check rain sensor performance; return promptly if anything seems off.
Preparation tips for a smooth appointment
- Clean out the dashboard and front seats; remove dash cams and toll tags if possible.
- Park under cover for mobile work; adhesives and electronics prefer stable, dry conditions.
- Have your registration, insurer details, and preferred contact ready.
FAQ
Is smith and smith the same as Smith&Smith?
Yes. In New Zealand the brand is commonly styled as Smith&Smith, and many people search for “smith and smith.” Both refer to the same national vehicle glass service.
How long does a smith and smith chip repair take?
Most chip repairs take about 30–45 minutes. You can usually drive away shortly after the resin cures.
When is a windscreen replacement necessary?
Large cracks, damage near the edge, or chips in the driver’s critical vision area usually require replacement. If the damage threatens the structural integrity of the glass, smith and smith will recommend a new windscreen.
Do I need ADAS calibration after a windscreen replacement?
If your vehicle has a front camera or sensors tied to lane keeping, adaptive cruise, or emergency braking, calibration is typically required. smith and smith can carry out static and/or dynamic calibration depending on the model.
Will my insurance cover the work?
Many NZ car insurance policies include glass cover. Chip repairs are often no excess, while replacements may carry an excess. smith and smith can link your policy and lodge the claim for you.
Can smith and smith come to me?
Yes, mobile service is available for many repairs and replacements if weather and space allow. For ADAS calibration or complex installs, an in-branch appointment may be required.
Can they work in the rain?
Adhesives and calibration equipment need stable conditions. Mobile work usually requires a covered, dry area. Otherwise, book a branch visit.
Will the repair be invisible?
Chip repairs improve appearance but may leave a faint mark. The main goal is to restore strength and stop the damage from spreading.
Do they offer a warranty?
smith and smith typically provides a workmanship guarantee for repairs and replacements. Ask for the warranty terms at booking so you know what’s covered and for how long.
Do they use OEM glass?
Depending on your vehicle, smith and smith can fit OEM or OEM-equivalent glass that meets the original specifications. Availability varies by make, model, and features.
How it works in practice: quick checklist
- Book early: Small chips are cheaper and easier to fix than spreading cracks.
- Tell them about features: HUD, heating, rain sensors, tint bands, and cameras matter.
- Bring insurance details: Speeds up approval and reduces paperwork.
- Plan time for calibration: Safety systems need accurate alignment after a replacement.
- Keep the proof: Save invoices and calibration reports with your service records.
Bottom line
For most Kiwis, the fastest, safest path from chip to sorted is to book smith and smith, let them assess repair vs replacement, and complete any required calibration. You get clarity on costs up front, the job is done to spec, and your WOF and safety systems stay on track.