A small chip can be repaired before it spreads into a crack
A small chip in your windscreen — typically anything under the size of a coin — can often be repaired rather than replaced, depending on where it is and how deep it goes. The repair process involves injecting a clear resin into the damaged area, which hardens and restores the glass's structural integrity. Most chips can be fixed in under an hour, and you can usually drive the car the same day, though you may need to wait a few hours for the resin to cure fully.
The key decision is whether to repair or replace. A chip left untreated will almost always spread into a long crack within weeks or months, especially if you hit a pothole or the temperature changes sharply. Once a crack forms, repair becomes impossible and replacement is your only option. Catching the damage early and getting it fixed is far cheaper than a full windscreen replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Small chips under about 25mm across can usually be repaired with resin injection, which takes less than an hour and costs significantly less than replacement.
- The location of the chip matters: damage in the driver's direct line of sight or near the edge of the glass may not be repairable depending on your insurer's rules.
- Most comprehensive car insurance policies cover windscreen repair at no cost to you, though some require you to use an approved repairer.
- A chip will spread into a crack within weeks if left untreated, so the sooner you get it fixed the better.
- You can drive when ready after repair in most cases, but the resin needs several hours to cure fully before the windscreen is at full strength.
When a chip can and cannot be repaired
A chip is repairable if it meets three conditions: it is smaller than about 25mm (roughly the size of a 10p coin), it has not spread into a crack, and it is not in certain restricted areas. Most repairers can fix chips anywhere on the windscreen, but some insurers will not cover repairs if the damage is directly in the driver's line of sight or within 75mm of the edge of the glass. Check your insurance documents or call your insurer before booking to confirm what they will cover.
If the chip has already started to crack, or if it is larger than 25mm, repair is not possible and you will need a full replacement. Similarly, if the chip is in a location your insurer considers unsafe to repair — such as very close to the edge where the glass meets the frame — they may decline to cover it and insist on replacement instead. Some insurers have specific rules about this, so it is worth asking before you commit to a repair.
How the repair process works
The repairer will first clean the damaged area thoroughly to remove any dirt or loose glass fragments. They then inject a special clear resin directly into the chip using a syringe or pump. The resin flows into all the tiny cracks within the damaged area and displaces the air that was trapped there. Once the resin is in place, it is exposed to ultraviolet light, which hardens it and bonds it to the surrounding glass.
After the resin has cured, the repairer will polish the area smooth so that it is level with the rest of the windscreen. The finished repair should be nearly invisible, especially once the glass is dry. The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. You can drive the car straight away in most cases, though the resin continues to harden over the next few hours, so avoid driving through heavy rain or car washes for at least 24 hours if possible.
What your insurance covers
Most comprehensive car insurance policies cover windscreen damage, including chips and cracks, at no cost to you. Some policies have a small excess (typically £0 to £75) that you pay toward the repair, while others cover it completely. Third-party and third-party fire and theft policies usually do not cover windscreen damage, so you would pay for the repair yourself.
When you make a claim, your insurer will either direct you to one of their approved repairers or give you the option to choose your own. If you use an approved repairer, the insurer often pays them directly and you pay nothing. If you use an independent repairer, you may need to pay upfront and claim the cost back from your insurer. Check your policy documents or contact your insurer to find out which route applies to you and whether there is an excess.
Finding a repairer and booking an appointment
Your insurance company can provide a list of approved windscreen repairers, or you can search online for independent repairers in your area. Many repairers offer mobile services, meaning they will come to your home, workplace, or another location to carry out the repair. This is often faster and more convenient than driving to a garage. When you call to book, have your registration number, insurance details, and a description of the damage ready.
If you are using an approved repairer through your insurer, the booking process is usually straightforward — your insurer will have already verified that the repairer meets their standards. If you choose an independent repairer, check that they are insured and ask whether they may provide their work. Some repairers offer a warranty on repairs, typically lasting one to five years, which covers the resin if it fails or the chip spreads.
What to do while you wait for the repair
Once you have spotted a chip, avoid driving the car if you can, or drive only short distances at low speeds. Every bump and vibration can cause the chip to spread slightly, and temperature changes — especially going from a cold car to a warm garage — can accelerate the spread. If you must drive, avoid motorways and rough roads.
If the chip is in your direct line of sight and is distracting you, you can explore a temporary clear adhesive patch from a car parts shop. These are not a permanent fix and will not stop the chip from spreading, but they can make it less noticeable while you wait for a repair appointment. Remove the patch before the repairer arrives, as they need to see the damage clearly.
After the repair is complete
Once the repair is finished, the resin needs time to cure fully. Most repairers recommend waiting at least two to four hours before driving, and 24 hours before washing the car or driving through heavy rain. The windscreen will be safe to drive on when ready, but the resin continues to harden and bond to the glass during this curing period. Avoid slamming doors or driving over bumps too quickly during the first day, as this can stress the repair.
If the chip spreads into a crack after the repair, or if the repair fails for any reason, contact the repairer. Most reputable repairers will re-do the work at no cost if the repair fails within the warranty period. If the damage does spread into a crack, you will then need a full windscreen replacement, as cracks cannot be repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a windscreen chip repair cost?
If your insurance covers it, the cost to you is usually zero or a small excess of £0 to £75. If you are paying privately, repair costs typically range from £50 to £150 depending on the size and location of the chip and your location. A full windscreen replacement costs significantly more, usually £200 to £500 or higher.
Will the repair be visible after it is done?
A well-executed repair should be nearly invisible once the glass is dry, especially if the chip was small. The resin is clear and bonds to the glass, so it blends in. In some cases, you may still see a very faint mark if you look closely, but it should not affect your view through the windscreen or the structural integrity of the glass.
Can I repair a chip myself with a DIY kit?
DIY windscreen repair kits are available online and in car parts shops, and they work on the same principle as professional repairs — injecting resin into the chip. However, professional repairers have better equipment and experience, so their repairs are more likely to last. If you are handy and the chip is small and not in a critical location, a DIY kit may work, but there is a higher risk that the repair will fail or look poor.
What if my chip is on the passenger side or back windscreen?
Chips on any windscreen can be repaired using the same method. However, some insurers have stricter rules about which windscreens they will cover — they may cover the front windscreen but not the rear, for example. Check your policy or contact your insurer to confirm what is covered before you book a repair.
How long does a windscreen repair last?
A professional repair should last the life of the car if it is done correctly and the resin does not fail. Most repairers offer a warranty of one to five years. If the chip spreads into a crack after the repair, it is usually because the damage was deeper than it appeared, not because the repair failed. Once a crack forms, the windscreen must be replaced.