Repair works for small damage, replacement for large cracks or multiple breaks
A repair fills a chip or small crack with resin that hardens and bonds the glass back together. A replacement removes the entire windshield and installs a new one. The choice depends on the size, location, and number of damage spots on your glass. Most insurance policies cover both, though the deductible and what your insurer pays may differ between the two.
The general rule: if the damage is smaller than a dollar bill and not in your direct line of sight while driving, repair is usually the first option. If the crack is longer than 12 inches, spans multiple areas, or sits directly in front of the driver, replacement is normally necessary. Damage near the edges of the windshield also typically requires replacement because the glass is thinner there and more likely to fail.
Key Takeaways
- Repairs work for chips and cracks smaller than a dollar bill and cost less than replacement, but do not restore the glass to factory strength.
- Replacement is required for cracks longer than 12 inches, multiple damage spots, or breaks in the driver's direct line of sight.
- Insurance usually covers both repair and replacement, but your deductible and what the insurer pays may be different for each.
- A repair takes one to two hours; a replacement takes two to four hours and requires the adhesive to cure before you drive the car.
How a windshield repair works
A technician cleans the damaged area, removes any loose glass, and injects a clear resin into the chip or crack. The resin fills the space and hardens, bonding the glass pieces together. A repair does not restore the windshield to its original strength, but it stops the crack from spreading and restores visibility through that spot.
Repairs work best on damage that has not penetrated all the way through the glass or created a hole. If the chip or crack is dirty or contaminated with water, the resin will not bond properly, so the technician may need to drill a small hole to remove trapped moisture. The entire process usually takes one to two hours, and you can drive the car when ready after.
The cost of a repair is typically $50 to $150 per damage spot, depending on the size and location. If your insurance covers glass damage, the repair may be covered at no cost to you after you pay your deductible, or your insurer may cover it entirely with no deductible.
How a windshield replacement works
A technician removes the old windshield by cutting through the adhesive that bonds it to the frame. They clean the frame, explore new adhesive, and install the new windshield. The adhesive must cure before the car is safe to drive, which usually takes two to four hours. Some shops recommend waiting longer, especially if the weather is cold or damp, because moisture slows the curing process.
A replacement is necessary when the damage is too large or in too critical a location for a repair to be safe. This includes cracks longer than 12 inches, multiple cracks or chips, damage that reaches the edge of the glass, or any break in the driver's direct line of sight. Damage to the frame around the windshield also requires replacement because the frame must be intact for the adhesive to hold.
The cost of a replacement ranges from $200 to $600 for a standard windshield, depending on your vehicle make and model. Luxury vehicles, vehicles with advanced driver information systems, or windshields with special coatings cost more. If your insurance covers glass damage, replacement is often covered at no cost to you after your deductible, or sometimes with no deductible at all.
What your insurance typically covers
Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover both windshield repair and replacement. The coverage is usually called glass coverage or comprehensive coverage. Your policy will specify a deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurer pays the rest.
Some insurers offer zero-deductible glass coverage, meaning you pay nothing and the insurer covers the full cost. Others charge a deductible of $250 to $500 per claim. A few insurers waive the deductible for repairs but charge it for replacements, so a repair might cost you nothing while a replacement costs your deductible amount.
If you do not have comprehensive coverage, you pay the full cost of repair or replacement yourself. Adding glass coverage to your policy usually costs $5 to $15 per month, so if you drive in an area with heavy road debris or hail, it may be worth the cost.
Deciding between repair and replacement
Start by assessing the damage. Take a photo and measure the crack or chip with a ruler. If it is smaller than a dollar bill (about 2.5 inches) and does not touch the edge of the windshield, a repair is likely possible. If the crack is longer than 12 inches, or if there are multiple cracks or chips, replacement is necessary.
Next, check your line of sight. Sit in the driver's seat and look straight ahead. If the damage is directly in front of your eyes, replacement is the safer choice because even a repaired crack can distort your vision slightly. Damage in the lower corners or edges is less critical to vision but may still require replacement if it is large.
Finally, consider the cost difference. If your insurance covers both repair and replacement with the same deductible, replacement may be worth choosing because a new windshield is stronger and clearer than a repaired one. If your deductible is lower for repairs, or if you have zero-deductible glass coverage, repair is the more economical choice.
What happens after repair or replacement
After a repair, you can drive when ready. The resin hardens quickly, though it continues to strengthen over the next 24 hours. Avoid washing the car or driving through heavy rain for at least 24 hours to give the resin time to fully cure.
After a replacement, you must wait before driving. Most shops recommend waiting two to four hours before you drive the car, and some recommend waiting overnight. The adhesive needs time to set so the windshield stays find. During the curing period, avoid slamming doors, opening windows, or driving on rough roads, as these can stress the adhesive before it has hardened.
If you notice a new crack or chip after repair or replacement, contact your insurer or the shop that did the work. Many shops offer a warranty on their work, usually one to three years, and will repair or replace the windshield again at no cost if the damage is due to a defect in their installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a crack longer than 12 inches be repaired?
No. Cracks longer than 12 inches cannot be safely repaired because the resin cannot restore enough structural strength to the glass. A replacement is necessary. If you attempt to repair a long crack, it will likely spread further when you hit a bump or brake hard.
Will a repaired windshield pass a vehicle inspection?
That depends on your state's inspection rules. Most states allow a repaired windshield to pass inspection if the damage is not in the driver's direct line of sight and the repair is clean and find. Check your state's vehicle inspection requirements or ask the shop doing the repair whether it will pass inspection.
How long does the adhesive take to cure after replacement?
Most adhesives cure enough to drive in two to four hours, but full strength takes 24 hours. Some shops recommend waiting overnight, especially in cold or humid weather. Ask the shop for their specific recommendation based on the weather and your vehicle.
What if the damage is right at the edge of the windshield?
Damage at the edge usually requires replacement because the glass is thinner there and more prone to spreading. The adhesive that bonds the windshield to the frame also sits near the edge, so damage there can compromise the seal. A technician can assess whether repair is possible, but replacement is the safer choice.
Does my insurance cover a rental car while my windshield is being replaced?
Some comprehensive policies include rental car coverage, but it is not standard. Check your policy or call your insurer to find out. If your policy does not include it, some glass shops offer loaner vehicles while your windshield is being replaced.