What you can do about a windshield chip right now
A windshield chip is repairable if you catch it early — most chips smaller than a quarter can be sealed with a resin kit from an auto parts store, and the repair takes about 30 minutes. The goal is to keep water and dirt out of the chip so it does not spread into a crack that requires full replacement. If the chip is already larger than a quarter, or if it is in your direct line of sight, a professional repair shop is your better option.
The choice between a DIY kit and a professional repair comes down to the chip's size, location, and how much you want to spend. A resin kit costs $10 to $20 and works well for small chips on the edge or lower part of the windshield. Professional repairs run $50 to $150 and are worth it if the chip is in the center of the glass where you look through it, because a professional can match the resin to your windshield's curvature more precisely.
Key Takeaways
- Windshield chips smaller than a quarter can often be repaired with a resin kit from an auto parts store, which costs $10 to $20 and takes about 30 minutes.
- The longer you wait to repair a chip, the more likely it will spread into a crack that requires replacing the entire windshield.
- Chips in your direct line of sight or larger than a quarter are better handled by a professional repair shop, which typically costs $50 to $150.
- A professional repair is usually covered by your comprehensive auto insurance with little or no out-of-pocket cost, while DIY kits are not.
Measuring your chip and deciding on DIY or professional repair
Start by measuring the chip with a ruler or measuring tape. Place the ruler flat against the windshield and measure the widest point of the damage. If the chip is smaller than a quarter (about three-quarters of an inch), a DIY resin kit will work. If it is larger, or if you are unsure about the depth, a professional repair is safer.
Next, look at where the chip is located. If it is directly in front of the driver's seat or in the center of your field of vision, a professional repair is worth the cost because the resin will be less visible and the repair will be stronger. If the chip is on the edge, lower corner, or passenger side of the windshield, a DIY kit is usually fine.
Check your auto insurance policy before you decide. Most comprehensive policies cover windshield repair with a deductible of $0 to $500 — many policies waive the deductible for repairs (but not replacements). Call your insurance company or check your policy online to see what you owe. If your deductible is low or waived, professional repair is often free or nearly free.
Using a windshield repair kit at home
A windshield repair kit contains a resin syringe, an process tool, and sometimes a curing strip or suction cup. The most common brands are Permatex, Safelite, and 3M, all available at auto parts stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly, or Advance Auto Parts. Before you buy, check the kit's instructions to make sure it is designed for the type of chip you have — some kits work only on chips without a large impact point, while others handle both chips and small cracks.
Clean the chip thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. Use the process tool (usually a plastic bridge or suction cup) to inject the resin into the chip, following the kit's instructions exactly. Most kits require you to explore the resin, let it cure for a set time (usually 24 hours), and then remove the curing strip. Do not drive the car until the resin has fully hardened.
The repair will not make the chip invisible, but it will seal it and stop it from spreading. The windshield will be safe to drive on, though you may still see a slight discoloration or haze where the chip was. If the chip is in your line of sight and the repair is noticeable, you can still take it to a professional later — the resin will not interfere with a professional repair.
When to go to a professional repair shop
A professional windshield repair shop has equipment that can heat and cure the resin faster than a DIY kit, and the technician can explore the resin more evenly. The repair usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, and you can drive the car when ready after (though some shops ask you to wait a few hours). Most shops will come to your home or workplace if you prefer not to drive to them.
To find a repair shop, search online for "windshield repair near me" or ask your insurance company for a list of approved shops — many insurers have partnerships with chains like Safelite, Glass America, or local independent shops. Call ahead and describe the chip so the shop can tell you whether they can repair it or if you need a full replacement. Ask about the cost and whether your insurance covers it before you book.
Bring your insurance card and driver's license to the appointment. The shop will photograph the chip, confirm the repair cost with your insurance if you are using it, and then perform the repair. If your insurance covers it, you will usually pay only your deductible (if any) at the time of service.
What happens if you ignore a windshield chip
A chip that is not sealed will collect water and dirt inside the glass. When the temperature drops, that water freezes and expands, pushing the chip outward and turning it into a crack. A crack spreads much faster than a chip — it can grow several inches in a week — and once a crack reaches a certain size, the windshield cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
A full windshield replacement costs $200 to $500 depending on your car's make and model, and it requires removing the old glass and resealing the new one to the frame. This takes longer than a repair (usually 1 to 2 hours) and is more disruptive. If you have comprehensive insurance, the replacement is usually covered, but you will pay your full deductible instead of the lower repair deductible.
Repairing a chip now prevents a much larger and more expensive problem later. Even if you use a DIY kit, the $15 investment is worth it to stop the damage from spreading.
Preventing future windshield chips
Windshield chips usually come from road debris — gravel, rocks, or debris kicked up by other vehicles. You cannot prevent all chips, but you can reduce the risk by keeping a safe distance from trucks and construction vehicles, especially on highways. Avoid driving directly behind gravel trucks or vehicles with unsecured loads.
Extreme temperature changes can also weaken a windshield and make it more prone to chipping. Avoid pouring hot water on a cold windshield in winter, and do not park in direct sunlight if you can help it. If your windshield already has a small chip, be extra careful in cold weather because the freeze-thaw cycle will make it worse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chip turn into a crack while I am driving?
Yes. Vibrations from driving, temperature changes, and pressure from the air can cause a chip to spread into a crack within days or weeks. The longer you wait to repair it, the more likely this is to happen. If you notice a chip, repair it within a few days if you can.
Will a DIY repair pass a vehicle inspection?
Most states do not have specific rules about repaired windshield chips on inspections — the inspector is usually looking for cracks in your line of sight or damage that affects safety. A properly sealed chip should pass, but a visible crack will not. If you are unsure, ask your local inspection station before you repair.
What if the chip is right at the edge of the windshield?
Edge chips are harder to repair because the resin does not bond as well to the frame. A professional shop is your best option for an edge chip, and some shops may recommend replacement if the chip is very close to the seal. Call a shop and describe the location before you decide.
Does insurance cover windshield repair if I caused the damage?
Yes. Comprehensive coverage pays for windshield damage regardless of how it happened — it does not matter if a rock hit you or you hit something yourself. The only exception is if you do not have comprehensive coverage, which is optional if you own your car outright (required if you have a loan or lease).
Can I repair a chip myself if I have never done it before?
Yes. Windshield repair kits are designed for first-time users and come with detailed instructions. The main things to remember are to clean the chip thoroughly, follow the kit's timing exactly, and do not drive the car until the resin is fully cured. If you are uncomfortable doing it, a professional repair is not expensive and takes less time.