So, your windshield has chipped and now you’re curious to see if you can handle this problem yourself, right? If your search for “DIY windshield repair” led you here, you won’t find a step-by-step guide. Instead, you’ll find an analysis of whether DIY is really the best option – spoiler alert: we think not!

Your Windshield Repair Options

• Option 1: Buy a DIY Repair Kit

  The cost of a DIY windshield repair kit is about $15.00, a lot of patience, and a steady hand. These DIY kits are ideal for minimal chipping damage. You can pick them up at a variety of stores, follow the instructions, and (hopefully) have a repaired windshield in a minimal amount of time.

• Option 2: Call Your Insurance Company

  If you’re not comfortable with the DIY route, talk to your insurance company. Many companies are more than flexible in terms of window repairs. In fact, most companies cover window and windshield repairs comprehensively.

  If your coverage extends to large-scale windshield damages, however, it’s still wise to turn away from a full-on replacement job. Just because something is covered doesn’t mean it should be selected.

• Option 3: Depend on Referrals

  If you don’t want to fix the repair yourself, but you also don’t want to depend on your insurance company for suggestions, your last option is to do some research on your own. Depend on suggestions from family and friends, read online reviews in-depth, and ask for a quote from a reputable long-standing windshield repair company.

Things to Consider

Beware of Windshield Repair Fraud

When handling insurance, it’s important to avoid dangerous situations. Don’t give your information to any individual or business which isn’t reputable. Additionally, make sure any providers used to inspect, replace or repair your windshield have a long-standing presence. Always avoid temporary repair stations.

If you’re proactive about your insurance coverage, you’ll save money in the long-run while minimizing inconvenience.

Maintaining Your Vehicle: Yearly Inspections

Even if you don’t think your windshield’s chip is dangerous, your annual emissions and safety inspection can say otherwise. If your windshield, windows or back window are chipped, they may compromise your vision—and, thus, your safety. In such a case, it isn’t rare to see inspectors fail a vehicle. That said, most inspection technicians will still pass a repaired windshield chip.

What this Boils Down To

If you’re trying to make the decision between buying a DIY kit and taking your car to an auto glass specialist, there are a few things you need to think about:

• Price

  Are DIY windshield repair kits inexpensive? Yes; but you’re spending your time and risking the possibility of doing the repair incorrectly. Having your windshield chip repaired by a professional glass company will only cost you about $75.00 and 15 minutes of your day.

• Knowledge & Ability

  If the crack in your windshield is smaller than a quarter, it can usually be repaired, whether it’s by you or by a professional. However, anything larger than that will require a full replacement. That being said, every chip is unique in its severity. If you’re not sure how severe your chip is, it’s better to trust the repair vs. replace decision to a professional.

• Quality of Repair

  DIY kits can work just fine for small chips, but that’s contingent upon you doing it correctly, and even then, there’s no promise that it will last. If you bring it to a professional glass repair shop like Anthony Volk Glass, we’ll provide you with a lifetime guarantee on your repair.

  As long as the resin is applied correctly, the chip won’t spread. You’ll always see the repaired area, no matter how much experience the technician has, but you don’t have to worry about it becoming a crack.

• Time

  The longer you continue to push off your repair, the greater the chance the chip turns into a crack. You can either keep telling yourself you’ll stop and pick up a DIY kit “tomorrow” and find the time to make the repair, or you can make a no-hassle 15-minute appointment with a professional!

Does the Repair Process Really Work?

Here at Anthony Volk Glass, we feel it’s our responsibility to ease your mind about windshield chip repair. By following industry standards, we can secure your windshield in a matter of minutes, no matter what kind of chip you’re dealing with. When it comes down to it, wouldn’t you like to get a lifetime guarantee on a professional repair rather than having to repeatedly fix the damage yourself?

If you’re looking for the best way to handle your windshield chip, get in touch with Anthony Volk Glass by calling (610) 436-9727 and let us treat you to prompt, courteous service and an extensive selection of quality auto glass. We’ll be happy to offer you a quick quote on the process and come directly to you for the repair!