Stone chips in windshield

[tkranz]

Picked up a second stone chip in my windshield today. Small and no cracks radiating, but a good chip. I have always been skeptical of those mall salesmen asking, "any cracks or chips, Mr?"

Would be interested in any comments on the options for treating a windshield glass chip, beyond just living with it.

[blangen]

darsben wrote:
You haven't seen the commercial; Safelite repair Safelite replace.
Your insurance will probably pay for all the repair call and ask, then go to a reputable shop

Actually, Safelite will come to you. Takes less then an hour. They have a vacuum pump that, apparently, sucks resin into the fracture. Over a year of hot Southern California sun and it still looks good.

[brirene]

My understanding is that most if not all insurance companies will cover the entire cost of repairs, without deductible. Much cheaper to repair than replace the windshield. Any auto glass repair shop should be able to do it. Do it now; it doesn't take much for it to increase and cracks to begin, at which time its too late. Shops have told me if it extends beyond quarter size, it can't be repaired.

[enblethen]

Go to a good glass shop and have it done. Most insurance would rather pay a small repair then a windshield replacement.
I have had many chips repaired on various vehicles. Have been happy with them all. Even getting a windshield replaced at insurance expense costs you money for getting rig to repair glass facility or even having to wait around for installer.
I would even pay the going rate of $35-50 for a chip repair without involving the insurance company.

[jfkmk]

I put a lot of highway miles on my car, sharing the road with lots of trucks, and have had more than my share of windshield chips. I've used the repair kits on many occasions and have had very good luck with them. Bear in mind, the crack does not disappear, but the kit keeps the crack from going from a $15 repair to spreading and becoming a replacement at $hundreds +++. Even professional repairs are still visible.

[darsben]

You haven't seen the commercial; Safelite repair Safelite replace.
Your insurance will probably pay for all the repair call and ask, then go to a reputable shop