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 repair usually costs less than your insurance deductible. The key is to act before the chip spreads into a crack — temperature changes, bumps in the road, and the pressure of closing a door can all make a small chip grow into a line that runs across the glass. If you catch it early, a resin injection fills the chip and hardens, restoring the structural integrity of the windshield.
You have three main paths: do the repair yourself with a kit from an auto parts store, take the car to a glass shop, or contact your insurance company to see whether they cover glass repair. Which one makes sense depends on the chip's size, your insurance coverage, and how much time you have.
Key Takeaways
- Chips smaller than a quarter can usually be repaired with resin; larger damage typically requires replacement.
- A DIY repair kit costs $10 to $20 and works best on chips that are not in the driver's direct line of sight.
- Professional glass shops charge $50 to $150 for a repair and often complete the work the same day.
- Many insurance policies cover glass repair with little or no out-of-pocket cost, even if you have not met your deductible.
- Temperature changes and road vibration can turn a chip into a crack within days, so waiting is the biggest risk.
How a DIY windshield repair kit works
A windshield repair kit contains a syringe or applicator filled with clear resin, a curing strip or cap, and instructions. You clean the chip, inject the resin into the damaged area, smooth it level with the glass, and let it cure — usually for 24 hours. The resin hardens and bonds the glass back together, stopping the chip from spreading.
These kits work best on chips that are not in the center of the windshield where you look through while driving. If the chip is directly in your line of sight, the hardened resin may create a visible spot that affects your vision. Kits also work better on chips that are relatively shallow and do not have multiple cracks radiating outward. If the chip has already started to branch into lines, a kit may not seal all the damage.
You can buy kits at most auto parts stores — AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts all carry them. Popular brands include Permatex and Safelite, though store brands are often the same product at a lower price. Follow the instructions exactly, because the resin will not cure properly if the chip is wet or if you do not hold the applicator in place for the full time the kit specifies.
When to go to a professional glass shop
A professional repair is worth the cost if the chip is in your direct line of sight, if it has already started to crack, or if you want the best possible result. Glass shops have industrial-grade resin and equipment that creates a stronger bond than a kit, and they can often make the repair nearly invisible. Most shops can fit you in within a day or two.
To find a shop, search "windshield repair near me" or ask your insurance company for a referral — many insurers have preferred vendors who can bill your policy directly. When you call, describe the chip's location and size so the shop can tell you whether they can repair it or whether you need a replacement. Bring your insurance card if you have coverage, because the shop may be able to waive your deductible or handle the claim on the spot.
Cost varies by location and the chip's size, but a professional repair typically runs $50 to $150. Some shops offer mobile service — they come to your home or workplace and do the repair in your parking lot, which takes 30 minutes to an hour. If you choose mobile service, make sure the shop is licensed and insured in your state.
Understanding your insurance coverage for glass damage
Many auto insurance policies cover glass repair and replacement under the comprehensive coverage section, even if you have not met your deductible. Some insurers waive the deductible for glass claims entirely, while others explore it. Call your insurance company or check your policy documents to find out what you pay out of pocket.
To file a claim, contact your insurer and describe the damage. They will either direct you to a preferred glass shop or give you the go-ahead to use a shop of your choice. If you use a preferred vendor, the insurer often handles payment directly. If you go elsewhere, you may have to pay upfront and submit a receipt for reimbursement.
One thing to know: some insurers offer a separate glass deductible that is lower than your regular deductible — often $0 to $100 instead of $500 or $1,000. If your policy has this option and you have not used it yet, a glass claim is a good time to use it, because it will not affect your rates the way a regular claim might.
How to stop a chip from becoming a crack
Temperature swings are the biggest threat to a chip. When the outside temperature drops and your defroster heats the windshield, the glass expands and contracts unevenly, and the stress can split a chip into a crack. Avoid parking in direct sunlight on hot days, and do not blast the defroster on high when ready after starting the car in cold weather — let the windshield warm gradually.
Bumps and vibration also make chips spread. Avoid potholes and rough roads when you can, and drive gently over speed bumps. If you have a chip and you know a long drive is coming, consider getting it repaired first rather than waiting — the constant vibration of highway driving can turn a small chip into a line that requires replacement.
If you have already repaired the chip yourself or professionally, avoid slamming car doors hard, because the shock can stress the repair. For the first 24 hours after a DIY repair, do not wash the car or drive through a car wash — let the resin cure completely before exposing it to water or pressure.
When you need a full windshield replacement instead
If the chip is larger than a quarter, if it has already cracked into multiple lines, or if it is in the corner of the windshield near the frame, repair is usually not possible and you will need a replacement. A replacement windshield costs $200 to $500 depending on your vehicle, whether it has sensors or cameras, and your location. Comprehensive coverage typically covers replacement with your deductible applied.
A replacement takes longer than a repair — usually 1 to 2 hours at a glass shop, plus time for the adhesive to cure before you drive the car. Some shops recommend waiting 24 hours before driving, though many say you can drive carefully after a few hours. Ask the shop what they recommend for your specific vehicle.
If your windshield has a heads-up display, lane departure warning, or other camera-based safety features, the replacement windshield must be the same type as the original, and the shop may need to recalibrate the sensors after installation. This adds to the cost and time, so mention any advanced features when you call for a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a windshield chip?
Yes, a small chip does not make the windshield unsafe to drive on when ready. However, the chip can spread into a crack within days or weeks, especially if you drive on rough roads or experience temperature changes. It is safer and cheaper to repair it soon rather than wait for it to become a crack that requires replacement.
Will a DIY kit work as well as a professional repair?
A DIY kit will stop the chip from spreading and restore some structural strength, but a professional repair uses better materials and equipment, so the result is usually stronger and less visible. If the chip is not in your line of sight and you want to save money, a kit is a reasonable choice. If you want the best outcome, a professional shop is worth the extra cost.
Does insurance cover windshield repair if I have a high deductible?
Many insurers waive the deductible for glass claims or offer a separate, lower glass deductible. Call your insurance company to ask — you may find that repair costs less than your deductible anyway, so paying out of pocket and skipping the claim might be the better choice. Filing a claim will not usually raise your rates, but it is worth asking your insurer.
How long does it take for resin to cure after a DIY repair?
Most kits require 24 hours of curing time before you drive the car or wash it. Some newer formulas cure faster — check your kit's instructions. During curing, keep the car parked in a stable temperature if possible, and avoid slamming doors or moving the car around.
What if the chip is right in front of the steering wheel?
A chip in your direct line of sight is harder to repair invisibly, because the hardened resin may create a visible spot or slight distortion. A professional shop has a better chance of making it nearly invisible than a DIY kit, but there is still a chance you will notice it. If visibility is important to you, replacement may be the better choice.