Windshield chip repair typically costs between $50 and $150 if you pay out of pocket, though many insurance policies cover it fully or with a small deductible
The price depends on three things: the size of the chip, where it sits on the glass, and whether your insurance covers it. A chip smaller than a quarter usually costs $50 to $100 at most repair shops. Chips larger than a quarter, or chips that have started to crack outward, often cost $100 to $150 or may require full windshield replacement instead. If your insurance includes glass coverage, you typically pay only your deductible — often $0, $100, or $250 — and the insurer covers the rest.
The location matters because chips near the driver's line of sight or along the edge of the windshield are harder to repair safely and may not be repairable at all. A chip directly in front of the steering wheel might force a full replacement even if it is small, because a repair could distort your view. Chips within an inch of the edge are also risky to repair because the glass is thinner there and more likely to crack further during the repair process.
Key Takeaways
- Small chips under a quarter-inch cost $50 to $100 to repair; larger chips or cracks cost $100 to $150 or require full replacement.
- Insurance glass coverage often pays the full repair cost after you meet your deductible, which may be $0 or as high as $250.
- Chips in your direct line of sight or within an inch of the windshield edge cannot always be repaired and may require replacement instead.
- Repair shops can usually see you within a few days, and the repair itself takes 30 minutes to an hour.
- Delaying repair can turn a small chip into a crack that spreads across the windshield and forces replacement.
How to check your insurance coverage before calling a shop
Open your insurance policy documents or log into your insurer's website and search for "glass coverage" or "comprehensive coverage." Glass damage is usually covered under your comprehensive policy, not collision. Your policy will list your deductible for glass claims — this is what you pay, and the insurer covers the rest.
Call your insurance company directly if you cannot find this information in your documents. Have your policy number ready. Ask three things: whether glass repair is covered, what your deductible is, and whether the insurer has preferred repair shops. Many insurers have a network of approved glass shops and will waive your deductible if you use one of them. Some insurers also have a separate, lower deductible for glass-only claims — sometimes $0 — compared to your regular comprehensive deductible.
If you have no insurance coverage or your deductible is very high, you can still get the chip repaired at an independent shop and pay out of pocket. The cost will be lower than your deductible in most cases.
What happens during a chip repair
The repair shop cleans the damaged area, removes any loose glass, and injects a clear resin into the chip. The resin hardens and bonds the glass back together. The technician then sands and polishes the area so it is smooth and clear. The whole process takes 30 minutes to an hour, and you can usually drive the car when ready after, though some shops ask you to wait a few hours for the resin to fully cure.
The repair works best on chips that have not started to crack outward. If the chip has a small crack radiating from it, the shop may still repair it, but the crack could spread later. If the chip is very large or the crack is long, the shop will recommend replacement instead of repair because a repair will not last.
When you need full windshield replacement instead
If the chip is larger than three-quarters of an inch across, or if cracks have started spreading from the chip, most shops will not repair it. The resin cannot hold a large chip or a cracked area securely enough. You will need a full windshield replacement, which costs $200 to $500 depending on your vehicle and whether you use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) glass or aftermarket glass.
If your insurance covers glass, replacement is usually covered the same way as repair — you pay your deductible and the insurer covers the rest. If you do not have coverage and need replacement, shop around. Prices vary widely between glass shops, and some offer discounts for online booking or for bringing your car to their location rather than having them come to you.
Delaying repair is the most common reason a small chip becomes a large crack. Temperature changes, bumps in the road, and pressure from closing the door can all cause a chip to spread. If you have a chip, getting it repaired within a week or two prevents it from becoming a replacement situation.
Finding a repair shop and scheduling
If your insurance has preferred shops, start there — you may pay no deductible at all. If not, search online for "windshield repair near me" or "glass repair [your city]." Read reviews on Google or Yelp and look for shops that mention insurance billing. Most shops can see you within two to five business days.
When you call, tell the shop the size of the chip (or send a photo), where it is on the windshield, and whether you have insurance. The shop can usually give you a price estimate over the phone. If you have insurance, ask whether the shop is in your insurer's network and whether they bill the insurance directly. If they do, you will pay only your deductible at the time of service.
Some shops offer mobile service — they come to your home or workplace and repair the windshield there. This costs slightly more but saves you time. Mobile service is especially useful if you have a busy schedule or if your car is not drivable.
What to do if the chip spreads into a crack
If you notice a crack spreading from the chip, stop driving the car if possible and contact a glass shop or your insurance company when ready. A spreading crack can compromise the structural integrity of the windshield, and in some states, driving with a large crack is illegal.
If the crack spreads before you can get to a shop, you will need replacement, not repair. This is why acting quickly on a chip matters — a $75 repair today prevents a $300 replacement next week. If you have comprehensive insurance, the replacement will still be covered after your deductible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a glass claim?
No. Glass claims are usually not considered at-fault claims, and most insurers do not raise your rates for them. Some insurers even offer glass coverage with no deductible specifically because they know it is not your fault. Call your insurer to confirm, but rate increases for glass claims are rare.
Can I repair a chip myself with a kit from the auto parts store?
DIY kits exist and cost $10 to $20, but they rarely work as well as a professional repair. The resin in kits is often lower quality, and if you do not clean and prepare the chip correctly, the repair will not hold. If your insurance covers the repair, you are better off using a professional shop. If you are paying out of pocket and the chip is very small, a kit might be worth trying first.
How long does a windshield repair last?
A professional repair usually lasts the life of the car if it is done correctly and the chip does not spread. If the chip was very large or near the edge, the repair may fail after a few years. If your repair fails within a reasonable time, some shops will redo it for free or at a discount.
What if I have a chip but no insurance?
You can still get it repaired at an independent shop and pay out of pocket. Most shops charge $50 to $100 for a small chip. Get quotes from two or three shops — prices vary. If the chip is large or has cracked, replacement will cost $200 to $500, so getting a quote before committing is important.
Can I drive with a chip in my windshield?
Yes, as long as the chip is small and not in your direct line of sight. However, you should get it repaired soon because temperature changes and road bumps can cause it to spread into a crack. Some states have laws about windshield damage, so check your state's rules if the chip is large or in a critical area.