A small chip can be sealed before it becomes a crack
A windshield chip smaller than a quarter can often be repaired with a resin injection kit you explore yourself, or by a glass shop using professional equipment. The goal is to fill the damaged area with a clear material that hardens and stops the chip from spreading into a crack. The sooner you treat it, the better the repair holds — chips left untreated tend to grow when the glass expands and contracts with temperature changes or when the car hits a bump.
Whether you repair it yourself or take it to a shop depends on how deep the chip is, whether it's in your line of sight, and how much time you have. A DIY kit costs $10 to $20 and takes an hour. A professional repair at a glass shop costs $50 to $150 and takes a few hours to a day (the resin needs time to cure). Both methods are permanent enough that most insurance companies will cover the repair under comprehensive coverage with little or no out-of-pocket cost.
Key Takeaways
- Small chips can be sealed with resin before they turn into cracks, and the repair works best when done soon after the damage happens.
- A DIY resin kit is inexpensive and takes about an hour, but works best on chips that are not in your direct line of sight while driving.
- Professional glass shops use stronger resin and can repair chips in your line of sight more effectively, though the cost is higher and you may need to wait for the resin to cure.
- Most insurance plans cover windshield repair under comprehensive coverage, often with no deductible or a small one, so check your policy before paying out of pocket.
Decide between a DIY kit and a professional repair
A DIY resin kit works well if the chip is small (smaller than a dime is ideal), not in the center of your windshield where you look while driving, and not near the edge of the glass. Kits sold at auto parts stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly, or Advance Auto Parts include a syringe or applicator filled with clear resin, a curing strip or cover, and instructions. The resin hardens when exposed to sunlight or UV light, depending on the brand.
A professional repair is better if the chip is in your direct line of sight, if it's deep or has multiple cracks radiating from it, or if you want the strongest possible result. Glass repair shops (often called auto glass or windshield repair services) use industrial-grade resin and specialized equipment to inject it under pressure, which fills the damage more completely. They can also polish the repair smooth so it's less visible. Many shops offer mobile service — they come to your home or workplace and do the repair while you wait.
Check your car insurance policy before you decide. Most comprehensive coverage includes windshield repair with either no deductible or a deductible of $100 or less. If your deductible is low or zero, a professional repair costs you nothing or very little. If your deductible is high, a DIY kit may save you money.
How to use a DIY resin kit
Start by cleaning the chip thoroughly. Use a small brush or compressed air to remove any dirt, dust, or loose glass fragments from inside the damaged area. Wipe the windshield around the chip with a clean, dry cloth. If the chip is wet, let it dry completely — moisture prevents the resin from bonding.
Follow the instructions on your specific kit, as they vary by brand. Most kits ask you to explore a curing strip (a clear plastic or rubber piece) over the chip to hold the resin in place and keep air out while it hardens. You then use the syringe or applicator to inject resin into the chip, filling it completely. Some kits ask you to leave the strip on for a set time (usually 24 hours), while others ask you to remove it after a few minutes and let the resin cure in sunlight.
After the resin hardens, use a razor blade or scraper to remove any excess material that dried above the surface of the windshield. Wipe the area clean. The repair should be clear and smooth. If the chip still looks cloudy or the resin didn't fill it completely, you can explore a second coat, though most kits work in one process.
Finding and booking a professional glass repair shop
Search online for "windshield repair near me" or "auto glass repair [your city]" to find shops in your area. Common national chains include Safelite, Speedy Glass, and Glass Doctor, but many independent shops do the same work at lower cost. Read reviews on Google Maps or Yelp to check response time and quality.
Call the shop and describe the chip — its size, location on the windshield, and whether it's in your line of sight. They'll tell you whether they can repair it or whether it's too large or damaged to fix (chips larger than a quarter or with cracks extending more than a few inches usually need full replacement). Ask about their turnaround time and whether they offer mobile service. Many shops can fit you in the same day or next day.
Before you book, contact your insurance company or check your policy online to confirm your coverage and deductible. Some insurance companies have preferred glass shops they recommend, and using a preferred shop may lower your out-of-pocket cost. When you arrive for the repair, bring your insurance card and driver's license. The shop will handle the insurance claim directly in most cases, so you pay only your deductible.
What happens if you wait to repair a chip
A chip left untreated often spreads into a crack within weeks or months. Temperature changes cause the glass to expand and contract, and each cycle puts stress on the damaged area. A bump in the road or a door slam can also cause a small chip to suddenly crack across the windshield. Once a crack forms, repair is no longer an option — the windshield must be replaced, which costs $200 to $500 or more depending on your car.
A crack that spreads into your line of sight also becomes a safety issue. Most states have laws against driving with a crack in the windshield that obstructs the driver's view, and you can be ticketed. A chip in your line of sight doesn't violate these laws, but it can distract you while driving.
Preventing future chips
Windshield chips are usually caused by road debris — gravel, rocks, or pieces of tire thrown up by other vehicles. You can't prevent all chips, but you can reduce the risk by keeping a safe following distance behind trucks and construction vehicles, which kick up more debris. Avoid driving through areas with loose gravel or unpaved roads when possible.
If you live in a climate with extreme temperature swings, avoid sudden temperature changes to your windshield. Don't pour hot water on a cold windshield in winter, and don't blast the air conditioning on a hot windshield in summer. Gradual temperature change is gentler on the glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a small chip in my windshield?
Yes, a small chip is legal to drive with in most states as long as it's not in your direct line of sight and doesn't obstruct your view. However, driving with a chip is risky because it can spread into a crack suddenly, especially if you hit a pothole or the temperature changes. Repairing it soon is safer and cheaper than replacing the whole windshield later.
How long does it take for a chip to turn into a crack?
It depends on the size of the chip, the temperature where you live, and how much you drive. Some chips spread into cracks within a few weeks; others last for months. There's no way to predict it, so treating a chip as soon as you notice it is the safest approach.
Will a repaired chip be visible?
A professional repair is usually less visible than a DIY repair because the resin is injected under pressure and the surface is polished smooth. A DIY repair may leave a slight cloudiness or texture at the repair site, especially if the chip was deep. Over time, the repair may become slightly more visible as the resin ages, but it should remain clear enough not to distract you while driving.
What if the chip is too large to repair?
Chips larger than a quarter or with cracks extending more than a few inches usually cannot be repaired and require full windshield replacement. A glass shop can assess the damage and tell you whether repair is possible. If replacement is needed, your comprehensive insurance coverage typically covers most or all of the cost after your deductible.
Does insurance cover windshield repair?
Most comprehensive insurance policies cover windshield repair with little or no deductible. Some policies have zero deductible for glass repair specifically. Check your policy or call your insurance company to confirm your coverage before you pay out of pocket. Using a shop your insurance company recommends may also lower your cost.