Nothing interrupts a smooth drive like the sound of a rock hitting your windshield. At first, it might seem like no big deal—just a tiny chip, hardly noticeable. But before you know it, that chip could turn into a sprawling crack, compromising your windshield and safety. If you’re unsure whether to repair or replace your windshield, don’t worry—we’re here to help.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about windshield damage. By the end, you’ll know exactly when to act, how repairs work, and if you need a windshield replacement. Plus, we’ll dispel some common myths along the way (spoiler alert: a crack bigger than a dollar bill doesn’t always mean replacement!).
Identifying Windshield Damage
Before deciding if you need a windshield replacement, it’s important to first understand the type and severity of the damage.
Types of Windshield Damage
- Chips: A chip is a small ding in the glass and is typically less than an inch in diameter. Chips often occur from rocks or debris hitting your windshield.
- Cracks: A crack is defined as a distinct line across the glass. Cracks can vary from a few inches to spreading across your entire windshield.
- Combination Damage: Some windshields may have both chips and cracks, making the situation more complex.
Size and Location Considerations
Here’s what matters most when assessing if you need a windshield replacement:
- Size: While many auto glass shops will turn you away if your crack is over 6 inches long, companies like Chip Pro specialize in repairing cracks over 12 inches. That said, extremely large cracks (e.g., spanning from one edge to the other) may still require replacement.
- Location: Is the crack below your windshield wipers or near the edge of the glass? Cracks in these areas are harder to repair due to structural concerns.
If you’re not sure whether your crack or chip can be fixed, it’s worth consulting professionals. They’ll assess factors like the crack’s age and cleanliness to determine repairability.
If the crack is extremely old, filled with dirt, or the glass has begun to delaminate (the layers of your windshield start peeling apart), it can’t be successfully repaired and you’ll need a windshield replacement.
When to Repair vs. Replace Your Windshield
Determining whether to repair or replace your windshield comes down to specific guidelines.
Can My Windshield Be Repaired?
Your windshield can typically be repaired if:
- The chip is smaller than a quarter.
- The crack is under 24 inches.
- The crack doesn’t extend from one edge of the glass to the other. This means from the left to right side, the top to the bottom, a side to the top or bottom, or from one side to the same side (as in the crack starts on the right side, curves out, and comes back to touch the right side).
- The damage doesn’t impair your line of vision or sit in areas critical for structural support.
Does My Windshield Need to be Replaced?
Windshield replacement is generally required if:
- The crack goes through both layers of windshield glass.
- The damage obstructs your view or would compromise safety in a collision.
- The crack is heavily contaminated by dirt or debris that can’t be cleaned.
At Chip Pro, we follow a “repair-first” philosophy. While most competitors push you towards costly replacements, we focus on saving your windshield wherever possible.
What’s the Windshield Repair Process?
Getting your windshield repaired is easier than you might think—especially when mobile repair services come to you.
The Simple Repair Process
- Schedule Your Appointment: Call or book online for a same- or next-day appointment.
- Assessment: A technician arrives at your location (home, work, school) and inspects your windshield’s damage.
- The Fix: Using industry-leading materials, your windshield is repaired, restoring both its strength and appearance.
- Tidy Up: The window is cleaned, and any remaining resin is buffed to ensure a smooth finish.
Mobile Repairs = Zero Effort
Why drive to a shop and wait around when mobile service brings the fix to you? Chip Pro offers a 100% mobile experience with zero travel fees, saving you time and hassle.
What About Insurance Coverage?
Here’s the good news for comprehensive insurance holders—most policies cover the entire cost of windshield repairs, meaning you could pay $0 out of pocket.
Navigating Comprehensive Insurance
- $0 Repairs: Utah’s no-fault glass claims mean even filing won’t raise your premiums.
- We Handle Claims: Chip Pro assists with every step, making the process stress-free.
- Choose Your Shop: You don’t have to go with your insurer’s preferred vendor—you’re free to pick the shop that fits your needs.
If you don’t have insurance, windshield repairs are still affordable, starting at just $79 for three rock chips.
Cost to Repair a Windshield Crack
Since most shops refuse to fix cracks, we have the Chip Pro Autoglass prices listed here. Depending on your location and if you’re able to find a shop near you that fixes long cracks, these prices may differ:
- 4–12 inches: $134
- 13+ inches: Get in touch for a free quote! Send a text with a picture or give us a call.
Depending on the age and model of your car, choosing repair over windshield replacement could save you thousands of dollars paying out of pocket or hundreds of dollars paying with insurance.
The average car insurance deductible is $500, meaning you could save between $300 and $350 by having your windshield crack repaired.
Chip Pro Can Help You Decide if You Need Windshield Repair or Replacement!
Because of our repair-first philosophy, we’ll never push you toward a replacement if you don’t truly need one. We were hearing so many conflicting opinions about windshield replacement that we decided to get specialized tools and training proven to successfully repair long cracks.
If a shop is pushing you toward replacement, give us a call or send us a picture of your windshield damage first! There’s a very good chance you can save hundreds by choosing a repair over windshield replacement.
