What happens when you get a windshield chip repaired
A windshield chip repair fills the damaged spot with a clear resin that hardens and bonds to the glass. A technician injects the resin under pressure into the chip, removes excess material, and polishes the area so light passes through it the same way it does the rest of the windshield. The repair is permanent — the chip will not spread or deepen after the resin sets.
The process takes 30 minutes to an hour, and you can usually drive the car the same day. Most repairs cost between $50 and $150, depending on the chip's size and location. Some insurance policies cover chip repair at no cost to you, while others require you to pay a deductible — often $250 to $1,000 — which makes the repair more expensive than paying out of pocket.
Key Takeaways
- Chip repair works best on damage smaller than a quarter and away from the driver's line of sight, because larger chips or those in critical areas may need full windshield replacement instead.
- Insurance coverage for chip repair varies by policy — some cover it fully, others charge a deductible that can exceed the repair cost, and some do not cover it at all.
- Resin hardens in a few hours, but you should avoid washing the windshield or driving through heavy rain for at least 24 hours after repair.
- Chips that reach the edge of the windshield or extend into the driver's line of sight usually cannot be repaired and require replacement.
When a chip can and cannot be repaired
Repair is possible when the chip is smaller than a quarter, the damage does not reach the windshield's edge, and the chip is not directly in the driver's line of sight — the area you look through to see the road ahead. Chips in these locations can be filled without affecting your ability to see clearly or compromising the windshield's structural strength.
Repair is not possible when the chip is larger than a quarter, when it has spread into a crack, when it touches the edge of the windshield, or when it sits in the driver's line of sight. In these cases, the windshield must be replaced instead. A chip in the line of sight can distort your vision even after repair, and a chip at the edge weakens the glass structure that holds the windshield in place during a collision.
If you are unsure whether your chip can be repaired, a glass shop can assess it in person or sometimes from a photo. This assessment is usually free and does not commit you to anything.
How insurance covers chip repair
Insurance coverage for windshield damage falls under your comprehensive coverage, the part of your policy that handles damage not caused by a collision — theft, weather, road debris, and so on. Whether your policy covers chip repair, and how much you pay, depends on what your insurance company includes in your plan.
Some insurers cover chip repair with no deductible, meaning you pay nothing. Others cover it but require you to pay your comprehensive deductible first — typically $250 to $1,000. A few policies do not cover chip repair at all, only full replacement. Before you call a glass shop, contact your insurance company or check your policy documents to find out which category you fall into. If your deductible is $500 and the repair costs $100, paying out of pocket is cheaper.
Some states require insurers to cover at least one chip repair per year at no cost to the policyholder. Check your state's insurance department website to see whether this rule applies where you live.
Steps to get a chip repaired
First, decide whether to go through insurance or pay out of pocket. If your deductible is lower than the repair cost, use insurance. If your deductible is higher, pay directly to the glass shop.
If you are using insurance, call your insurance company and report the damage. They will either direct you to a preferred glass shop or tell you to find one yourself and submit the receipt for reimbursement. If you are paying out of pocket, search for "windshield repair near me" or ask your car's dealership for a recommendation.
When you contact the glass shop, describe the chip's size and location. Many shops can schedule you the same day or next day. At the appointment, the technician will inspect the chip, confirm it can be repaired, and perform the work. You will receive an invoice and, if using insurance, a copy to send to your insurer.
What to do after the repair is finished
The resin hardens in a few hours, but it continues to cure for 24 hours. During this time, avoid washing the windshield, driving through heavy rain, or exposing the repair to extreme temperature changes. These actions can weaken the bond between the resin and the glass.
After 24 hours, the repair is fully cured and you can treat the windshield normally. The repaired chip should be invisible or nearly invisible, depending on the chip's depth and the angle of light hitting the glass. If you notice the repair is not holding or the chip is spreading, contact the glass shop — most offer a warranty on their work, usually one to three years.
Chip repair versus windshield replacement
Repair is faster, cheaper, and preserves your original windshield. Replacement takes longer, costs more, and requires your insurance company to approve the work if you are using comprehensive coverage. However, replacement is the only option if the chip cannot be repaired.
Replacement also makes sense if your windshield has multiple chips or cracks, because repairing several spots is more expensive than replacing the whole windshield. If you are already paying for replacement through insurance, the cost difference between a basic windshield and one with advanced features — like a heads-up display or rain sensor — is often small, so some people upgrade at that point.
How to prevent chips in the first place
Chips happen when road debris — gravel, rocks, or pieces of other vehicles' tires — hits your windshield at highway speed. You cannot eliminate the risk, but you can reduce it by maintaining distance from trucks and construction vehicles, which kick up more debris than regular cars.
If you live in an area with frequent hail or extreme weather, comprehensive insurance is worth the cost. If you already have a chip and live in a climate with freezing temperatures, repair it soon — water can seep into the chip, freeze, and cause it to spread into a crack that requires replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a repaired chip spread into a crack later?
No, if the repair is done correctly. The resin bonds to the glass and prevents moisture from entering the chip. However, if the repair was not done properly or if water got into the chip before repair, it can still spread. This is rare, and most glass shops warranty their work.
Can I repair a chip myself with a kit from the store?
DIY kits exist, but professional repair is more reliable. Professional technicians have equipment that injects resin under pressure and removes air bubbles, which DIY kits cannot do. If you use a kit and it fails, you will still need professional repair or replacement.
Does a repaired chip affect my car's resale value?
A properly repaired chip has minimal impact on resale value. Buyers notice visible cracks or multiple chips more than a single repaired spot. If the repair is invisible, most buyers will not know it happened.
What if the chip is right in front of the driver's seat?
Chips in the driver's line of sight cannot be repaired because the resin can distort your vision. The windshield must be replaced. This is a safety issue, not just a cosmetic one.
How long does a windshield chip repair last?
A properly done repair is permanent — the resin does not degrade over time. However, if the repair fails due to poor workmanship or if water got into the chip before repair, it may need to be redone. Most shops warranty repairs for one to three years.