If a piece of debris hits your car while you’re driving and leaves a crack or chip in the windshield, do you need to take your car to the shop? Although you might be tempted to ignore that tiny imperfection, damage to your windshield can endanger you while driving. Your car’s windshield is a safety feature that not only protects you against the elements but also performs life-saving functions, such as reducing crash injuries, supporting your car’s structure, and preventing foreign objects from penetrating the interior of your vehicle.

If you don’t attend to the crack or chip in your windshield, it can eventually impede your vision or chip away at your windshield’s structural integrity, which will impact the above safety features. While there are DIY windshield repair kits available, it’s best to take your windshield to a professional.

Should I Try DIY Windshield Repair?

DIY windshield repair is possible for minor chips, but some damaged windshields are beyond repair and should be replaced by a pro. Keep the following in mind before attempting to repair your own windshield:

Different Types of Windshield Cracks and Chips

There are different ways that your windshield can be cracked, and certain types of cracks are too serious to repair. If your car’s windshield has one of the following chips or cracks, it might need to be replaced:

  • Crack: a cracked line in the glass over 14 inches.
  • Multiple cracks: multiple cracks in your windshield that originate from the same point of impact, even if they’re under 14 inches.
  • Surface pit: a nick in the glass that looks like a small pit larger than 1/8 of an inch in diameter.
  • Star break: a series of small cracks emanating from the same point and over 3 inches.
  • Bullseye: a circle or half circle in the outer glass with a dark circle in the middle larger than one inch in diameter.
  • Combination break: a combination of different types of breaks, with a damaged area over 2 inches.

Can You Repair a Cracked or Chipped Windshield?

Where Are the Windshield Cracks Located?

The location of the damage is an important factor in determining if your windshield can be repaired. If the crack in your windshield reaches the outer edge of the glass, your windshield probably needs to be replaced. Cracks that reach the outer edge of the windshield will threaten its entire integrity.

Any damage to your windshield that obstructs your view of the road is considered unsafe and requires a replacement. Cracks around your vehicle’s features, including the rain sensors, lane departure warning, and automatic driver assistance, can cause those features to stop working or malfunction. If this is the case, replacing the windshield is your best option and could save you money.

How Deep Are the Cracks in Your Windshield?

Most vehicles use laminated windshields—windshields with two layers of glass on the outside and a plastic layer on the outside. The plastic is there to minimize the amount of glass pieces your windshield creates if shattered. If the damage to your windshield penetrates the plastic layer, it’s too deep to repair.

Are DIY Windshield Repair Kits Safe?

If your windshield needs repairing, not replacing, it’s still best to let the professionals handle it. According to the National Windshield Repair Division, DIY windshield repair kits only repair 10% of all damaged windshields. Many windshield cracks and chips are very small, making it difficult for the untrained eye to see if they’ve been filled correctly with resin. A lot of windshield damage also requires drilling and flexing, which can only professionals can do.

Overall, it’s best to have a mechanic to fix your cracked windshield, since it plays an integral role in keeping you and your passengers safe. If you have then safety glass is likely covered under your policy.

Stay safe on the road with comprehensive insurance from The General. The General has specialized in affordable standard and non-standard insurance rates for over 60 years. If you’re looking for comprehensive coverage that fits your budget, then get a quote with us in under two minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is windshield repair?

Repairing a windshield can cost anywhere from $10 to over $100. The cost will depend on the size and severity of the crack or chip. You’ll need to take your car to an auto shop for a quote.

Does insurance cover windshield repair?

It depends on the type of insurance that you have. If you have comprehensive auto insurance, windshield repair is normally covered. You’ll need to check your policy for specific details. However, liability insurance won’t cover windshield repairs.

How much is a windshield replacement?

There are various factors that can affect how much a windshield replacement will cost. You should expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $400 or more out of pocket. With comprehensive car insurance, your policy should cover windshield replacement.

Stay safe on the road with comprehensive insurance from The General. The General has specialized in affordable standard and non-standard insurance rates for over 60 years. If you’re looking for comprehensive coverage that fits your budget, then get a quote with us in under two minutes.