What you can do about a windshield chip right now
A windshield chip is a small break in the glass, usually caused by a rock or debris hitting while you drive. The chip itself may not block your view, but it will spread into a crack if you ignore it — temperature changes, bumps in the road, and the pressure of wind all push on the damaged spot. Repairing a chip within the first few days stops most of them from becoming a full crack that requires windshield replacement.
You have two real options: a DIY repair kit you buy at an auto parts store, or a professional repair at a glass shop. DIY kits cost $10 to $20 and work best on chips smaller than a quarter. Professional repair typically costs $50 to $150 and handles larger chips or chips in your line of sight. Many insurance policies cover professional repair with little or no out-of-pocket cost if you have comprehensive coverage.
Key Takeaways
- A windshield chip spreads into a crack within days or weeks if left untreated, so the sooner you repair it the better your chances of stopping the damage.
- DIY repair kits work on chips smaller than a quarter and cost $10 to $20, but professional repair is more durable and covers larger chips.
- Professional glass shops can often repair a chip in under an hour, and many insurance plans cover the cost under comprehensive coverage.
- Temperature swings, driving over bumps, and slamming car doors all make chips worse, so avoid those things while you wait for repair.
How to use a DIY windshield repair kit
A DIY kit contains a resin compound, an applicator tool, and instructions. The resin fills the chip and hardens to seal out moisture and stop the crack from spreading. Kits sold at auto parts stores like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and Advance Auto Parts are all similar in how they work, though brand names vary.
Start by cleaning the chip with rubbing alcohol and letting it dry completely — moisture inside the chip will prevent the resin from bonding. Use the applicator tool that came in the kit to inject the resin into the chip, following the kit's instructions for how much to use. Most kits tell you to let the resin cure for several hours or overnight before driving. The repair will not make the chip invisible, but it will stop it from spreading and restore the structural strength of the glass.
A DIY repair works best on chips that are small, shallow, and away from the edge of the windshield. If the chip is larger than a quarter, in your direct line of sight, or very close to the edge, a professional repair is more likely to hold up long-term.
When to choose professional glass repair instead
A professional glass technician has tools and materials that DIY kits do not have. They can repair chips that are larger, deeper, or in locations where a DIY kit would fail. They also have better lighting and magnification to see exactly what they are doing, which matters for chips near the edge or in your line of sight.
Professional repair also comes with a warranty — usually one to three years — that covers the repair if it fails. If you do a DIY repair and it does not hold, you will have to pay for a professional repair anyway, which defeats the cost savings. For that reason, if you are unsure whether a DIY kit will work, a professional repair is the safer choice upfront.
To find a glass shop near you, search "windshield repair near me" or ask your insurance company for a referral. Many insurers have preferred shops that they work with regularly. Call ahead to ask how long the repair takes — most shops can do it in 30 minutes to an hour.
What your insurance may cover
If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance, windshield repair is usually covered with a deductible. The deductible is what you pay out of pocket; your insurance pays the rest. Deductibles for glass repair range from $0 to $500 depending on your policy, though $100 to $250 is common.
Some insurance companies waive the deductible for glass repair, or offer a separate glass deductible that is lower than your regular deductible. Check your policy documents or call your insurance company to find out what you actually owe before you go to a shop. If the repair cost is less than your deductible, you will pay the full amount yourself and your insurance will not be involved.
Using your insurance for a chip repair does not raise your premium in most states, because comprehensive claims are treated differently than collision or at-fault accident claims. However, filing a claim does create a record, so if you have multiple glass claims in a short time, your insurer may raise your rate or drop you.
How to stop a chip from getting worse while you wait
Temperature changes make glass expand and contract, which pushes on the chip and makes it spread. Avoid parking in direct sunlight or in very cold conditions if you can. If you must park outside, cover the windshield with a sunshade or blanket to reduce temperature swings.
Driving over bumps, potholes, and rough roads puts pressure on the damaged glass. Take slower routes if possible, and avoid slamming your car doors — the vibration travels through the frame and can make the chip worse. Do not use your windshield wipers aggressively or blast the defroster on high heat, as both create stress on the glass.
If the chip is in your line of sight and distracts you while driving, you can use a temporary clear tape or plastic film to cover it until you can get it repaired. This is not a permanent fix, but it can help you see better and protect the chip from dirt and moisture in the short term.
The difference between a chip and a crack
A chip is a small break where a piece of glass is missing or the glass is broken but still in place. A crack is a line that runs across the glass, usually from the point of impact outward. A chip can turn into a crack if you do not repair it, but they start as different things and are handled differently.
A chip can usually be repaired with resin, whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it. A crack that is longer than a few inches usually cannot be repaired and requires full windshield replacement. If your chip has already started to spread into a crack, a professional glass shop can tell you whether repair is still possible or whether replacement is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 days; others take weeks. The sooner you repair it, the less likely it is to spread. If you live somewhere with big temperature swings or drive on rough roads often, a chip will spread faster.
Can I drive with a windshield chip?
Yes, a small chip does not make your windshield unsafe to drive on when ready. However, it will spread, and a larger crack can affect your visibility or weaken the windshield's ability to support the roof in a crash. Repair it within a few days to avoid a bigger problem later.
Will a DIY repair look like nothing happened?
No. A DIY repair will seal the chip and stop it from spreading, but the repair will be visible if you look closely. The resin fills the chip but does not restore the glass to its original appearance. Professional repair is more cosmetically polished, but even that will not make the chip completely invisible.
What if the chip is right in front of the driver's seat?
A chip in your direct line of sight is a good reason to choose professional repair instead of a DIY kit. A professional can repair it more neatly and with better results. If the chip is large or deep, your state's vehicle inspection may require replacement rather than repair, so check your local rules.
Does filing an insurance claim for windshield repair hurt my rates?
In most states, a glass claim does not raise your premium because comprehensive claims are not treated the same as at-fault accidents. However, multiple glass claims in a short time may trigger a rate increase or non-renewal. Call your insurance company before you file to understand your specific policy.