A chip repair stops a small crack from spreading across your windshield
A windshield chip repair is a process where a technician injects a special resin into the damaged area, hardens it with ultraviolet light, and polishes the spot smooth. The resin bonds to the glass and fills the empty space left by the impact, which prevents moisture and dirt from getting into the crack and stops it from growing larger. Most chips can be repaired if they are smaller than a quarter and do not sit directly in your line of sight while driving.
The repair takes 30 minutes to an hour and costs between $50 and $150 depending on the size of the chip and your location. Many insurance policies cover windshield repair with little or no out-of-pocket cost to you, though you should check your policy to see whether your plan includes glass coverage and what your deductible is.
Key Takeaways
- Chip repairs work best on damage smaller than a quarter and away from the driver's direct line of sight.
- The repair process involves injecting resin into the chip, hardening it with UV light, and polishing the surface smooth.
- Most repairs take 30 minutes to an hour and cost $50 to $150 without insurance coverage.
- Insurance often covers windshield repair with no deductible or a low one, so check your policy before paying out of pocket.
- A chip left unrepaired can spread into a crack that requires full windshield replacement, which is much more expensive.
When a chip can and cannot be repaired
The size and location of the chip determine whether repair is possible. Chips smaller than a quarter—roughly the size of a dime or nickel—are usually repairable. Chips larger than a quarter or those that have already started to crack outward from the impact point may be too damaged for resin injection to work. If the chip is in the direct line of sight from the driver's seat, some states prohibit repair because the hardened resin may create a visible distortion that affects your view of the road.
Chips on the edge of the windshield, near the frame, are harder to repair because the resin needs space to cure properly and the glass is thinner there. If the chip has moisture or dirt already trapped inside, the technician will need to clean it out first, which takes extra time. Chips in the middle of the windshield away from your line of sight are the easiest to repair and have the best chance of success.
How the repair process works
The technician starts by cleaning the damaged area thoroughly to remove any dirt, moisture, or loose glass. They then explore a small amount of specialized resin into the chip using an injector tool, working it deep into the crack to fill all the empty space. The resin is formulated to match the refractive index of glass so that once it hardens, the repair becomes nearly invisible.
After the resin is injected, the technician uses an ultraviolet light to harden it. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once the resin is solid, they polish the surface of the windshield smooth and remove any excess material. The final result should be a chip that is sealed, structurally sound, and difficult to see from inside or outside the vehicle.
What insurance typically covers
Most comprehensive auto insurance policies include glass coverage, which pays for windshield repair or replacement. Many insurers cover repair with no deductible at all, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket. Some policies have a small deductible—$100 to $250—that applies to glass claims, though this is less common for repairs than for replacements.
To find out what your policy covers, call your insurance company or log into your online account and look for the glass or comprehensive coverage section. You will need to provide your policy number. If your policy includes glass coverage with no deductible, you should use it rather than paying for the repair yourself, because the repair cost is usually less than or equal to your deductible anyway.
The difference between repair and replacement
Repair is always cheaper and faster than replacement. A repair costs $50 to $150 and takes an hour. A replacement costs $200 to $1,000 or more depending on your vehicle, and the technician must remove the old windshield, install a new one, and let the adhesive cure for several hours before you can drive safely. Replacement also requires a longer appointment and may mean your car is out of service for a day.
The reason to repair early is that a small chip left unrepaired will spread into a long crack within weeks or months, especially if you drive on rough roads or experience temperature changes. Once a crack is longer than a few inches, repair is no longer an option and replacement becomes necessary. Repairing a chip as soon as you notice it prevents this progression and saves you money.
Where to get a windshield chip repaired
You have several options for where to have the repair done. Many auto glass shops specialize in windshield repair and can often fit you in the same day or next day. National chains like Safelite, Speedy Glass, and Glass Doctor have locations across the country and work directly with insurance companies. Local independent glass shops often charge less and may offer mobile service, where the technician comes to your home or workplace.
If your insurance covers the repair, you can ask your insurer for a list of approved shops, or you can choose any shop you want and submit the receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement. Some shops will bill your insurance directly, which means you do not have to pay anything upfront. Call ahead to confirm that the shop you choose can handle your chip size and location, and ask whether they bill insurance or require you to pay and submit a claim.
What happens if you delay the repair
A chip that sits unrepaired will grow into a crack because of temperature changes, road vibration, and pressure from the air as you drive. A crack that starts as a small chip can spread across the entire windshield in a matter of weeks. Once the damage is longer than a few inches or branches into multiple directions, repair is no longer possible and you will need a full replacement.
Driving with a large crack is also unsafe and may be illegal in your state. Many states have laws that prohibit driving with windshield damage that obstructs the driver's view or affects the structural integrity of the vehicle. You may be pulled over and cited, and your insurance company may deny a claim if you were in an accident and the windshield was already damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the chip be completely invisible after repair?
The repair will be much less visible than the original chip, but it may not be completely invisible if you look closely from certain angles. The resin is designed to match glass as closely as possible, and most people will not notice the repair from normal driving distance. If the chip was very deep or large, a faint outline may remain.
Can I drive when ready after the repair is done?
Yes, you can drive right away. The resin hardens under the UV light during the appointment, so the repair is solid before you leave. However, some technicians recommend waiting a few hours before washing the windshield or driving in heavy rain to let the resin fully cure.
What if the chip repair fails and the crack spreads anyway?
Most repair shops offer a warranty on their work, usually between one and three years. If the chip spreads or the repair fails during that time, the shop will repair it again at no cost. Check the warranty terms before you leave the shop so you know what is covered.
Does the repair weaken the windshield?
A properly done repair does not weaken the windshield. The resin bonds to the glass and restores structural integrity to the damaged area. The repaired spot is as strong as the surrounding glass, though it will not be as strong as the original unbroken windshield.
Can I repair a chip myself with a DIY kit?
DIY windshield repair kits are available at auto parts stores and online, and they use the same resin injection method as professional shops. Results vary widely depending on how carefully you follow the instructions and how deep the chip is. Professional repairs are more reliable because technicians have experience and better equipment, but a DIY kit may work if the chip is very small and you are patient with the process.