Small chip in windshield - how to repair?
 

never had this happen before! Do the DIY kits work? Or do I need someone professional? thanks

Depends on where it is.

If it's out of your line of sight, you can probably get away with a DIY. If it's somewhere in your range of vision, I'd use a professional.

Florida Auto Insurance doesn't have "full glass coverage"? In MA (& some other states), Comprehensive Insurance comes with 100% glass coverage, with no deductible. Check your policy.

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Just call your insurance, if you have comprehensive coverage by Florida law there is no cost to you, no deductible has to be paid.

However, this will be treated as a claim on your insurance, I just checked and Safelight quoted $283 for a chip repair, I purchased a DIY kit from local auto parts store for $30, I did not want the insurance company to have an additional excuse to raise my rates.

I have used the Rain X windshield repair kit a couple times and had mixed results. I found the kit works great on chips, but not so good on cracks. The kit is available on Amazon for around $12. Small dings in the windshield can become bigger real fast if not repaired with a good resin. On very cold mornings, if you crank up the defroster, the sudden temperature change can turn a small ding into a spiderweb. Good luck.

Done this four times since moving here with no increase in insurance rates.

Safelite will come to your house.

Not 4 times since we moved, but a good number of times - Ohio winter. No discernible change in rates. It’s a comprehensive claim - something beyond your control. My Ohio Allstate guy actually quoted me zero deductible comp. It was a pittance more than a $250 or $500 deductible. My son’s car was broken into twice. I filed both times. Again no discernible change. DYODD

The Rain-X repair kit sold online or from Walmart works great.

I bought a DIY kit from Amazon, about $25.00. Took me about 1/2 hour. When I was done the small chip was still visible but, however, it was very much better. Still holding after 2 years.

I agree with a previous post that a chip is good to DIY, but not a crack. I filled my chip myself many years ago and it's still fine.

Use a professional...

The diy kits works great - easy instructions and much less expensive - have used more than once over the years! Give it a go as you can depend on the info on this site.

If your self repair does not work windshield companies only option is to replace the windshield. My reccomendation is let pros do it

DIY didn't work for me
 

I had a small chip in the lower right hand corner of my windshield. Since it was out of sight I ignored it, but then a crack started growing from it. I watched the youtube videos and ordered the recommended DIY Kit. It seemed to work for a few months, but then the crack started growing again.

I ended up taking it to Safelite and they replaced the windshield. Since my car is old (my wife drives the newer one), I only carry liability insurance, so it ended up costing a little less than $300.

If you have car insurance in Florida, your insurance company replaces it for free. Replace the windshield!

My 2022 vehicle is on its third windshield, hopefully its last.
In each case the cracks were caused by rocks from other vehicles.
All were replaced with no deductable via insurance with no increase in premium (so far).

Just had mine repaired this week. Safelite came out insured through AAA. No charge.

Total Recon in Leesburg on 14th St (owner Tom McGee, (352) 535-0299) will fix it for about $75 and the state of Florida REQUIRES insurance companies to cover windshield repairs IN FULL.

Do it any time a small stone hits the windshield and leaves a small crack. Best to do it before the crack grows or it will be too late. As long as the crack doesnt block your vision. Take a small sharp bit on your drill and very slightly etch the center of impact (DONT GO THRU THE GLASS). Put a large dab of super glue on the damaged area and then use a plastic dry wall putty knife to spread the super glue smooth. One pass is all that is needed. Use Q-tips soaked in rubbing alchohol to remove all smeared super glue not on the damaged area off your windshield. Has worked for me 4 times with no spreading of cracks. Worst case is have the windshield replaced by insurance company. ( This is a Nothing ventured, nothing gained approch).

Three replacements here, no cost, no insurance issues, no deductible. Safelight did all three at the house.

Free if you have USAA, Safelite.

I've repaired several windshields with repair kits.
Personally, I find it easier than making a claim - even calling.

I went to Safelight a few years ago. No charge for the windshield, but a hefty charge, that insur did not cover, to recalibrate my camera. Still don’t know what that was about.

While we’re discussing cameras, Safelight needs you to take the car to their repair shop if you have forward cameras. They cannot come to you.
I had this done in Ohio. Insurance paid for the new windshield, there was no additional charge to recalibrate the camera.

Problem is that the repaired area can still be seen. Had a crack in our Sprinter and per Safelite it could be repaired but would be visible. Ours is not a $283 repair

Something doesn't add up. Post No. 15 says that Safelite replaced his entire windshield for less than $300, but they wanted $283 from you to just repair a chip? I think I would have them replace the windshield.