» Is Windshield Chip Repair The Best Long Term Solution?

DIY or Pay a Shop for Windshield Chip Repair?

So a rock chipped your front window and you’re not sure if you would like to handle the repair or contact a specialist. I would personally base my decision on 2 questions.

How difficult is it to use the tools available?
Does the tool cost more than paying a pro?

In the event of a crack, it’s important to have the damage fixed as soon as possible. Small chips or minor cracks in your window can get bigger and worse if not quickly repaired. If the damaged portion is longer than a dollar bill, then a windshield replacement may be required. However, if the cracked section is smaller than 6 inches or the length of a dollar, a great long-term solution to save time and money is to fix it. If you choose not to contact a professional glass technician, there are kits available online for safely repairing broken windshields which typically come with resin and a syringe to inject it. The resin will help prevent the damage from spreading further and change the appearance of the surface so it’s less visible. After this quick fix, it won’t be invisible to the human eye, but it shouldn’t spread any further if correctly fixed. Most instructions are easy to follow with step-by-step illustrations on using the materials in the kit.

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Is windshield chip repair really free?

No. There are many auto glass service techs that will say windshield repairs on chips and cracks are FREE. However, this can’t be a true statement since ultimately someone has to pay the technician. In most cases, a simple auto glass repair can be considered as “No Cost To You” if it’s included in the comprehensive portion of the full coverage insurance on your vehicle. Laws vary by state, but in most cases, an insurance company will waive the deductible on average for a repair since it saves you and them money. It’s a win-win situation to repair instead of replacing.

How Much Does Windshield Chip Repair Really Cost?

Fixing the window will cost between $50 and $75 depending on the state you live in and the number of chips being fixed plus it can be completed within 15 minutes. As you can see, this is far less than paying for the cost of a replacement, but will your insurance premium go up after filing a claim to fix it? In most cases, the cost is so minimal that it’s not included in the annual rate revision process performed by insurance companies. The best way to get an idea of how much your repairs will cost is by checking with local auto glass shops in your area. We also recommend contacting your insurance agent for a definitive answer and costs when filing a claim.

Note: Sometimes the cost is so minimal it’s just easier to pay cash for a professional to remove the damage.

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