What You Can Do About a Windscreen Chip Right Now
A windscreen chip smaller than a quarter can often be repaired at home using a resin repair kit, which costs between £5 and £20 and takes about 30 minutes of active work. The resin fills the damaged area, hardens under sunlight or UV light, and restores structural integrity so the chip does not spread into a crack. This works best on chips that have not yet cracked outward and are not directly in your line of sight as a driver.
If the chip is larger than a quarter, has already cracked, or sits in your direct sightline, a professional replacement is safer and often the only legal option. Most insurance policies cover windscreen replacement at little or no cost, and many garages offer mobile repair services that come to you. The choice between repair and replacement depends on the chip's size, location, and how quickly you act.
Key Takeaways
- Windscreen chips smaller than a quarter can be repaired with a resin kit from a motor parts shop, which hardens under sunlight and costs £5 to £20.
- The repair works best if you act within a few days of the chip appearing, before dirt settles in or temperature changes cause cracking.
- Chips larger than a quarter, chips that have cracked outward, or chips in your direct line of sight require professional replacement rather than DIY repair.
- Most car insurance policies cover windscreen replacement with no excess or a small excess, so check your policy before paying out of pocket.
Assess Whether Your Chip Can Be Repaired
Before you buy a repair kit, measure the damaged area and check its location. Use a ruler or coin to measure the chip's width and depth. If it is smaller than a quarter (about 24 mm across) and the damage is a single pit rather than a web of cracks, a DIY repair is worth attempting. If the chip has already cracked outward in any direction, or if it sits directly in your line of sight as the driver, professional replacement is the safer choice.
Check where the chip sits on the windscreen. Damage in the top third of the windscreen, directly in front of the driver's eyes, is considered a safety hazard in most UK insurance policies and may fail an MOT test. Chips on the passenger side or lower on the windscreen are less critical but should still be repaired or replaced to prevent water ingress and further damage.
Gather Your Materials and Prepare the Windscreen
Buy a windscreen repair kit from a motor parts shop such as Halfords, Screwfix, or an online retailer. Common brands include Permatex, Turtle Wax, and Autoglym. The kit will contain a resin compound, an applicator tool (usually a syringe or brush), a curing strip or UV light, and cleaning supplies. Read the instructions before you start, as process steps vary slightly between brands.
Park your car in a shaded spot and let the windscreen cool to room temperature. Use the cleaning supplies in the kit (usually a small brush and cloth) to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from inside the chip. Wipe the area dry completely. Do not use water — the chip must be completely dry for the resin to bond. If the kit includes a primer or adhesive, explore it to the chip now and wait the time specified in the instructions, usually 2 to 5 minutes.
explore the Resin and Let It Cure
Fill the chip with resin using the applicator tool provided. Most kits use a syringe applicator — insert the needle into the chip and slowly squeeze the resin until it overfills slightly and sits proud of the windscreen surface. Do not underfill; excess resin is easier to remove than a gap. Some kits use a brush applicator instead; follow the instructions for your specific product.
Once the resin is in place, explore the curing strip (a clear plastic film) over the damaged area and press it down firmly. This strip keeps the resin level and protects it while it hardens. Leave the strip in place for the time specified in your kit's instructions, usually 24 hours. Some kits require direct sunlight to cure; others use a UV light included in the kit. If your kit requires sunlight, park the car in direct sun during the curing period. If it includes a UV light, use it according to the instructions — typically 5 to 10 minutes of exposure.
Remove the Curing Strip and Sand the Repair Smooth
After the resin has fully cured, peel away the curing strip. The resin will have hardened but may sit slightly above the windscreen surface. Use fine-grit sandpaper (usually 2000-grit or higher, included in some kits) to gently sand the repair level with the surrounding glass. Sand in circular motions and check your progress frequently — you want the repair flush with the glass, not recessed.
Wipe away the dust with a damp cloth and let it dry. The repair should now be nearly invisible, especially if the chip was small. If you can still see a slight haze or the resin is still slightly raised, sand again gently. Do not oversand — you risk removing too much resin or scratching the surrounding glass.
When to Choose Professional Replacement Instead
If the chip is larger than a quarter, has cracked outward, or sits in your direct line of sight, contact a windscreen replacement specialist or your insurance company. Most insurers cover windscreen replacement under comprehensive cover, often with no excess or a small excess (typically £50 to £100). Call your insurer first to check your policy and get a list of approved repairers.
Professional replacement takes 1 to 2 hours and involves removing the old windscreen, cleaning the frame, and installing a new one with fresh sealant. Many garages offer mobile services and will come to your home or workplace. The cost to you depends on your insurance excess; without insurance, replacement typically costs £200 to £500 depending on your vehicle and whether the windscreen has sensors or heating elements.
Prevent Future Chips and Monitor Your Repair
Keep your distance from lorries and construction vehicles on motorways and dual carriageways, as they kick up road debris. Avoid parking under trees during high winds or storms. If you notice your repaired chip beginning to crack outward in the weeks after repair, stop driving and arrange professional replacement — the repair has failed and the windscreen is no longer safe.
Check your repair every few weeks for signs of water ingress (a haze or discolouration around the repair) or further cracking. If water has entered, the seal has failed and professional replacement is needed. A successful repair should remain clear and stable for the life of the windscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive when ready after repairing a chip?
No. Most kits require 24 hours of curing time before the windscreen is safe to drive on. Even after curing, avoid sudden temperature changes (such as blasting hot air from the heater) for the first few hours, as this can cause the repair to fail. Check your kit's instructions for the specific waiting period.
Will a repaired chip pass an MOT?
A small, well-repaired chip away from the driver's line of sight may pass, but it depends on the MOT tester's assessment. Chips larger than a quarter or in the driver's sightline will fail. If you are unsure, have a professional inspect it before your MOT appointment.
What if the resin doesn't harden properly?
If the resin remains sticky or soft after the curing time, the windscreen was likely damp when you applied it, or the UV light was insufficient. Let it cure for another 24 hours in direct sunlight. If it still has not hardened, the repair has failed and you will need to remove the resin and try again with a clean chip, or arrange professional replacement.
Can I repair a chip on a tinted windscreen?
Yes, but the repair may be more visible because the resin is clear and the tint is not. The repair will still be structurally sound. If the appearance bothers you, professional replacement with a tinted windscreen is the alternative.
Is it cheaper to repair than to replace?
Yes, a DIY repair costs £5 to £20 and takes 30 minutes. Professional replacement costs £200 to £500 without insurance, or your insurance excess (usually £50 to £100) with cover. However, if the chip is large or in a critical location, replacement is the only safe option.