Chip Repair vs. Full Windshield Replacement

Choose chip repair when the chip is smaller than a quarter, cracks are under 6 inches, and the damage is not directly in the driver's line of sight. Repair costs $49 to $89 cash or $0 with insurance, takes 20 to 30 minutes, and lets you drive immediately. Choose full replacement when cracks exceed 6 inches, damage has branching spider-web patterns, or the inner glass layer is compromised. Replacement costs $250 to $800+ plus $150 to $300 for ADAS camera recalibration on newer vehicles. For Denver drivers, repairing early is especially critical because temperature swings of 30 to 50 degrees a day cause repairable chips to become irreparable cracks within days.

When a rock hits your windshield on I-25 or I-70, you are left with a decision: repair the chip or replace the entire windshield. The right choice depends on the type and severity of the damage, where it is located, and how many chips you have. Making the wrong call can either waste money on an unnecessary replacement or put your safety at risk by repairing damage that should have been replaced.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When Chip Repair Is the Right Choice

Chip repair is appropriate when the damage is small, shallow, and located away from critical areas. Specifically, repair makes sense when:

• The chip is smaller than a quarter (approximately 1 inch in diameter)
• Any cracks extending from the chip are shorter than 6 inches
• The damage only penetrates the outer glass layer
• The chip is not directly in the driver's primary line of sight
• You have three or fewer total chips on the windshield
• The damage is relatively fresh and free of dirt contamination

For Denver drivers, repairing quickly is especially important because of our extreme temperature swings. A repairable chip today can become an unrepairable crack after just one cold night followed by a warm afternoon.

When Full Replacement Is Necessary

Some damage is simply too severe for resin repair. You need a full replacement when:

• The crack is longer than 6 inches (or extending rapidly)
• The damage has branching spider-web patterns
• The chip is larger than a quarter
• The inner glass layer or PVB interlayer is compromised
• A stress crack runs from edge to edge
• There are four or more separate chips across the windshield
• The damage is directly in the driver's line of sight and repair distortion would impair visibility

The ADAS Factor: A Hidden Replacement Cost

Modern vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) -- lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking -- have cameras and sensors mounted behind the windshield. When you replace a windshield, these systems must be recalibrated to ensure accuracy. ADAS recalibration typically costs an additional $150 to $300 on top of the replacement cost. Chip repair avoids this entirely because the windshield is not removed.

This makes chip repair even more cost-effective for newer vehicles. If you drive a 2018 or newer car with ADAS features, catching chips early and repairing them saves you the recalibration expense.

Insurance Considerations in Colorado

Colorado law (CRS 10-4-613) requires insurance companies to offer zero-deductible comprehensive glass coverage. Under most policies, chip repair is covered at $0 out of pocket. Full replacement may or may not be fully covered depending on your policy and deductible. Either way, filing a glass claim does not raise your rates because it is classified as a comprehensive claim, not at-fault.

Insurance companies actually prefer that you repair chips rather than replace windshields. A $60 repair claim is far cheaper for them than a $500 replacement claim. This is why most insurers waive the deductible entirely for repairs.

The Bottom Line for Denver Drivers

If your chip qualifies for repair, repair it. It is faster, cheaper, preserves your original factory seal, avoids ADAS recalibration, and is almost always free with insurance. The only reason to choose replacement is when the damage is too severe for resin to adequately restore structural integrity and optical clarity. When in doubt, have a professional assess the damage. You can check our cost guide for detailed Denver pricing.