Can a Windshield Chip Be Repaired? When to Fix vs. Replace

Yes, most windshield chips can be repaired. Approximately 80 to 90 percent of chips qualify for a 20- to 30-minute resin injection repair that costs $0 with most Colorado insurance policies. A chip is repairable if it is smaller than a quarter, only penetrates the outer glass layer, and is not directly in the driver's line of sight. Cracks under 6 inches can also be repaired. However, damage that goes through both glass layers, sits within 2 inches of the windshield edge, or has branching spider-web patterns typically requires full windshield replacement at $300 to $800. Fresh chips repair better than old ones, so acting quickly matters -- especially in Denver where daily temperature swings cause chips to spread rapidly.

You are driving south on I-25 near the Broadway exit when a gravel truck kicks up a rock that slams into your windshield. There is now a dime-sized chip right above your dashboard. The first question that crosses your mind: can this be repaired, or do I need a whole new windshield?

The good news is that the vast majority of windshield chips in Denver can be repaired. According to industry data, approximately 80 to 90 percent of chips qualify for repair rather than full replacement. The repair process takes about 20 to 30 minutes, costs far less than replacement, and is often covered at $0 through Colorado insurance.

Factors That Determine Repairability

Four primary factors determine whether your chip can be repaired or whether you need a full windshield replacement: size, depth, location, and age.

Size of the Chip

The Repair of Laminated Automotive Glass Standard (ROLAGS) set by the National Windshield Repair Association establishes that chips up to one inch in diameter and cracks up to 14 inches long can generally be repaired. In practice, most Denver auto glass shops will repair chips up to the size of a quarter (about 1 inch across). Anything larger typically requires replacement because the resin cannot adequately fill and bond the damaged area.

Depth of the Damage

Your windshield is made of two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer (polyvinyl butyral or PVB) sandwiched between them. Chips that only penetrate the outer layer of glass are almost always repairable. If the damage goes through both glass layers or compromises the PVB interlayer, repair is not possible because the structural integrity of the entire windshield has been breached.

Location on the Windshield

Location matters for two reasons: safety and structural integrity. Chips directly in the driver's primary line of sight (the area directly in front of the steering wheel) are sometimes recommended for replacement even if they are small, because any distortion from the repair resin could affect visibility. Chips within two inches of the windshield edge are also more problematic because the edge is where the glass bonds to the vehicle frame. An edge chip can compromise the structural seal and may require replacement.

Age of the Damage

Fresh chips are far easier to repair than old ones. Over time, dirt, moisture, and road debris work their way into the fracture lines, contaminating the chip and preventing the repair resin from bonding properly. In Denver, this contamination happens faster during winter because road salt and mag chloride are constantly being sprayed onto highways. The sooner you get the chip repaired, the better the result. Learn more about timing in our guide on how soon you should repair a chip.

Quick Reference: Repairable vs. Not Repairable

Why Denver Drivers Should Repair Quickly

Denver's Front Range climate is uniquely hostile to windshield chips. Daily temperature swings of 30 to 50 degrees are common, especially during spring and fall. A 25-degree morning followed by a 65-degree afternoon creates thermal expansion and contraction that pushes chip fractures wider with every cycle. Add in altitude changes from driving to the mountains on I-70, potholes from winter freeze-thaw damage, and the vibration from Denver's perpetual construction zones, and a small chip can become a full crack in days rather than weeks.

The cost difference between repair and replacement is significant. A chip repair typically costs $49 to $89 out of pocket (or $0 with insurance), while a full windshield replacement runs $250 to $800 or more depending on your vehicle. Getting the chip fixed early is always the financially smart move.

What If You Are Not Sure?

If you cannot tell whether your chip is repairable, the easiest option is to have a professional assess it. A technician can evaluate the damage in under a minute and tell you whether repair is possible. For Denver drivers, our mobile repair service means you do not even need to drive anywhere -- we come to your home, office, or wherever your car is parked.

You can also check our chip size guide to get a quick self-assessment before calling.