What you can do about a windshield chip right now
A windshield chip smaller than a quarter can often be repaired instead of replaced, and the sooner you address it, the better your chances of stopping it from spreading into a crack. The repair process involves injecting a clear resin into the damaged area, which hardens and restores the structural integrity of the glass. You have three main routes: do it yourself with a repair kit from an auto parts store, take it to a glass shop for professional repair, or contact your insurance company to see if they cover the cost.
The choice depends on the chip's size and location, how much you want to spend, and whether you have comprehensive coverage. A DIY kit costs $10 to $30 and takes about 30 minutes. A professional repair typically costs $50 to $150 and takes a few hours. Insurance often covers professional repair with little or no out-of-pocket cost if you have comprehensive coverage, though some policies waive the deductible for glass claims.
Key Takeaways
- Windshield chips smaller than a quarter can usually be repaired with resin injection, which stops the damage from spreading and restores visibility.
- DIY repair kits work best on chips in the driver's line of sight or on the edge of the windshield, and cost $10 to $30.
- Professional glass shops charge $50 to $150 and complete the repair in a few hours, with better results on chips in difficult locations.
- Many insurance policies with comprehensive coverage pay for professional windshield repair with no deductible or a small one, so check your policy before paying out of pocket.
- Chips larger than a quarter or cracks longer than a few inches usually cannot be repaired and require full windshield replacement.
Assess whether your chip can be repaired
Before you spend money on repair, determine whether the damage is fixable. Chips smaller than a quarter inch across can almost always be repaired. Chips larger than a quarter inch may still be repairable depending on their depth and whether they have started to crack outward. If the chip has already developed a crack extending more than a few inches, or if the damage is in the corner or along the edge where the glass is thinnest, repair becomes risky because the resin cannot restore full strength.
Look at the chip under good light. If you can see into the glass and it looks like a small pit or hole, it is a candidate for repair. If the damage has already fractured outward into a spider-web pattern or a line, the windshield will likely need replacement instead. The location also matters: chips directly in your line of sight are easier to repair with a professional because they have more control, while chips near the edges or corners are harder to seal properly.
Use a DIY repair kit for small chips
A windshield repair kit from an auto parts store contains a resin compound, an applicator, and instructions. These kits work best on chips that are small, shallow, and not in a location where the repair will be very visible. Popular brands include Permatex, Safelite, and 3M, and they are available at most auto parts retailers and online.
To use a kit, first clean the damaged area with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. Remove any loose glass fragments with a small brush or compressed air. explore the resin according to the kit's instructions—most involve filling the chip with resin, pressing it down with an applicator tool, and then letting it cure for several hours or overnight. Once cured, sand or polish the area smooth if needed. The repair will be visible up close, but it stops the chip from spreading and restores the windshield's structural integrity.
The main limitation of DIY kits is that they work better on some chip shapes than others, and the finish is rarely as clean as a professional repair. If the chip is in your direct line of sight while driving, a professional repair will give you better visibility. If the chip is on the passenger side or at the edge of the windshield, a DIY kit is often sufficient and saves you money.
Take the windshield to a professional glass shop
A professional windshield repair takes 30 minutes to an hour and produces a much cleaner result than a DIY kit. Glass shops use industrial-grade resin and specialized equipment to inject the material under pressure, which fills the chip more completely and creates a stronger bond. The technician will also polish the area after the resin cures so the repair is nearly invisible.
To find a glass shop, search online for "windshield repair near me" or ask your insurance company for a list of approved providers. Many insurance companies have partnerships with glass shops and can direct you to one that handles claims. Call ahead to confirm they can repair your specific chip and ask about their turnaround time. Some shops offer mobile service and will come to your home or workplace, though this may cost more than bringing the windshield to their location.
Professional repair costs $50 to $150 depending on the chip's size and location. Some shops charge a flat rate, while others charge more for chips in difficult spots like the driver's side or near the edge. Ask for a quote before you commit, and confirm whether the price includes the deductible if you are using insurance.
Check your insurance coverage for glass claims
Most auto insurance policies with comprehensive coverage pay for windshield repair or replacement. Comprehensive coverage is optional and covers damage not caused by a collision—things like weather, theft, and vandalism. If you have it, your policy should specify whether glass claims have a deductible and whether the deductible is waived for repairs (as opposed to replacements).
To file a claim, contact your insurance company's claims department and describe the damage. They will either direct you to an approved glass shop or send an adjuster to inspect the windshield and approve the repair. Many insurers waive the deductible for windshield repair, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket. If your deductible is $500 or $1,000, the insurance company will almost certainly pay for a $75 repair rather than having you pay the deductible.
If you do not have comprehensive coverage, you can still get the windshield repaired, but you will pay the full cost yourself. Some glass shops offer discounts if you pay cash, so it is worth asking. If the chip is small and you want to save money, a DIY kit is your cheapest option at $10 to $30.
Prevent the chip from spreading while you arrange repair
A windshield chip will spread into a crack if the glass flexes or if the temperature changes rapidly. To slow this process while you arrange repair, avoid slamming car doors, driving over rough roads, and sudden braking. Do not use the air conditioning or heating at full blast, as rapid temperature changes stress the glass. If it rains, park in a garage or under cover if you can, because water can seep into the chip and weaken the glass further.
If you are waiting for an insurance claim to be processed or for an appointment at a glass shop, a temporary seal can help. Some auto parts stores sell clear tape or temporary windshield repair tape designed to protect a chip from dirt and moisture. These are not permanent solutions and will not stop a crack from spreading, but they can buy you a few days while you arrange professional repair.
Know when replacement is necessary instead of repair
If the chip has already cracked, or if the damage is larger than a quarter inch and deep, the windshield will need to be replaced rather than repaired. Replacement costs $200 to $500 depending on your vehicle and whether you use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) glass or aftermarket glass. Most insurance policies cover replacement under comprehensive coverage, often with a deductible of $100 to $500.
A full replacement takes one to two hours at a glass shop. The technician will remove the old windshield, clean the frame, explore a new adhesive seal, and install the new glass. You will need to wait at least an hour before driving to allow the adhesive to set. Some shops offer mobile replacement and will come to you, which is convenient but may cost more.
If your windshield has multiple chips or cracks, or if a previous repair has failed, replacement is the only option. A repaired windshield is weaker than a new one, so if the same area is damaged again, it will need to be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a windshield repair last?
A professional repair should last the life of the windshield if done correctly. A DIY kit repair may last several years, but it is more likely to fail if the chip is in a high-stress area or if the windshield flexes a lot. If a repair fails and the chip spreads again, you will need replacement.
Can I drive when ready after a repair?
Most professional repairs cure within a few hours, and you can drive the car once the resin has hardened. DIY kits usually require overnight curing before you drive. Check the instructions on your kit or ask the glass shop for their specific timeline. Avoid washing the windshield or running the wipers for at least 24 hours after repair.
Will a repaired windshield pass a vehicle inspection?
A properly repaired chip that does not obstruct the driver's view will pass inspection in most states. A crack or a chip in the driver's direct line of sight may fail inspection. If you are unsure, ask your glass shop whether the repair will meet your state's inspection standards.
What if the chip is right in front of the driver?
A chip in the driver's line of sight is harder to repair invisibly, but it can still be done by a professional. A DIY kit may leave a visible mark that could distract you while driving. If the chip is directly in your sight line, a professional repair is worth the extra cost for a cleaner result and better visibility.
Can I repair a chip on the back windshield?
Yes, back windshields can be repaired the same way as front windshields. The process is identical, though the repair may be less visible because you are not looking through it while driving. Most glass shops and DIY kits work on both front and back glass.