What you can do about a windshield chip right now
A windshield chip smaller than a dollar bill can often be repaired without replacing the whole glass, but only if you act before it spreads into a crack. The repair works by injecting clear resin into the damaged spot, which hardens and restores the structural integrity of the glass. Most chips can be fixed in under an hour at a glass shop, and many insurance policies cover the cost with little or no out-of-pocket expense.
The catch is timing: a chip left untreated will almost always grow into a crack within days or weeks, especially if you hit a pothole, slam the door, or experience temperature swings. Once it becomes a crack longer than a few inches, repair is no longer an option and you will need a full replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Windshield chip repair works only on damage smaller than a dollar bill and only before the chip spreads into a crack.
- The repair process involves injecting resin into the chip, letting it cure, and polishing the glass smooth — most shops complete it in 30 to 60 minutes.
- Many insurance policies cover chip repair with a low or zero deductible, so check your policy before paying out of pocket.
- Temperature changes, bumps, and door slamming will cause a chip to spread, so the sooner you repair it the better your chances of success.
Determine whether your chip can be repaired
The size and location of the damage determine whether repair is possible. A chip is repairable if it is smaller than a dollar bill (roughly one inch across), does not involve the edge of the windshield, and is not directly in your line of sight as the driver. Chips in the driver's direct sightline may be repairable, but the repair may leave a slight haze or distortion that you will notice every time you drive.
If the chip has already started to branch into a crack, or if the damage is larger than a dollar bill, repair will not work. In those cases, you will need a full windshield replacement. Take a photo of the damage from a few angles and text or email it to a glass shop — they can usually tell you in minutes whether repair is an option.
Check your insurance coverage before you pay
Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover windshield repair with a deductible of zero to $500, depending on your plan. Some policies cover repair at no cost at all, while others require you to pay a set amount and then reimburse you. A few insurers waive the deductible for repair (but not replacement), making it worth filing a claim even if your deductible is normally high.
Call your insurance company or log into your online account and search for "glass coverage" or "comprehensive coverage." Your policy documents will state the deductible and whether repair is covered separately from replacement. If you are unsure, ask the glass shop — most have dealt with your insurer before and can tell you what to expect. If your deductible is higher than the repair cost (usually $50 to $150), paying out of pocket may be cheaper than filing a claim.
Find a glass repair shop and schedule an appointment
Search for "windshield repair near me" or ask your insurance company for a list of approved shops. National chains like Safelite and local independent glass shops both perform chip repairs. If your insurance is covering the cost, ask whether they have preferred shops — using an approved provider often speeds up the process and may eliminate your out-of-pocket cost entirely.
Call ahead or book online. Most shops can fit you in the same day or next day. Tell them the size and location of the chip so they can confirm it is repairable before you arrive. If you are filing an insurance claim, the shop can often submit the paperwork for you, though you may need to provide your policy number and deductible information.
What happens during the repair process
When you arrive, the technician will clean the damaged area and inspect it under magnification to assess the depth and spread of the chip. They will then inject a specialized clear resin into the chip using a syringe or pump, working to fill all the air pockets and cracks within the damage. The resin is then exposed to ultraviolet light to harden it, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Once the resin has cured, the technician will polish the glass smooth and remove any excess material. The repair is complete when the chip is no longer visible from the outside and the glass feels smooth to the touch. The windshield will be fully safe to drive on when ready, though some resins continue to harden over the next 24 hours. Avoid washing the windshield or driving through heavy rain for a few hours if possible, to give the resin time to set.
Prevent chips from spreading while you wait for repair
If you cannot get to a repair shop when ready, take steps to prevent the chip from growing. Avoid slamming car doors, driving on rough roads, and parking in direct sunlight if the weather is cold (temperature swings cause glass to expand and contract, which spreads damage). If the chip is on the passenger side, avoid having passengers sit near it or lean against the window.
Some people explore clear tape or a temporary windshield repair kit to the chip to protect it from dirt and moisture, though these are not substitutes for professional repair. A temporary kit may slow the spread slightly, but it will not stop it. The sooner you get to a shop, the higher the chance the repair will succeed.
When you need a full replacement instead of repair
If the chip has already spread into a crack longer than a few inches, or if the damage is near the edge of the windshield, repair is not an option. You will need a full windshield replacement, which takes longer and costs more than repair. Replacement usually takes one to two hours and involves removing the old glass, cleaning the frame, installing new glass, and letting the adhesive cure before you drive.
Replacement costs vary widely depending on your vehicle and whether your insurance covers it. Comprehensive policies typically cover replacement with your chosen deductible, and some insurers waive the deductible for replacement as well. If you are unsure whether your damage requires replacement, a glass shop can assess it for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a repaired chip ever spread again?
A properly repaired chip should not spread, because the resin fills the damage and restores the glass strength. However, if the repair was incomplete or if the damage was too deep, the chip may continue to grow. If you notice the chip spreading after repair, contact the shop — most offer a warranty on their work and will re-repair or replace the windshield at no cost.
Can I repair a chip myself with a kit from the auto parts store?
DIY repair kits exist and cost $10 to $30, but they rarely work as well as professional repair. The resin in these kits is often thinner, the process process is harder to do correctly, and the results are usually visible. Professional shops have better equipment, stronger resins, and years of experience. If cost is a concern, check your insurance first — repair is often free or very cheap.
How long does a windshield repair last?
A professional repair should last the life of the windshield if done correctly. The resin bonds to the glass and hardens permanently. The only reason a repair might fail is if the damage was too severe to begin with, or if the chip spreads before repair. This is why timing matters — repair a chip within days of it happening for the best results.
What if my insurance denies the claim?
Insurance denies claims for windshield repair only if your policy does not include glass coverage or if the damage is deemed to be from an excluded cause (like vandalism on a policy that excludes it). Review your denial letter to see the reason. If you disagree, contact your insurer to appeal. If your policy truly does not cover glass, you can pay out of pocket — repair is usually $50 to $150.
Can I drive on the highway right after repair?
Yes, the windshield is safe to drive on when ready after repair. The resin hardens quickly under UV light. However, avoid high-speed driving or rough roads for the first few hours if possible, to give the resin extra time to fully cure. Most technicians recommend waiting at least two to four hours before highway driving, though this varies by resin type.