Small chip in windshield - how to repair?

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Old 10-17-2024, 05:59 PM
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Default Small chip in windshield - how to repair?

never had this happen before! Do the DIY kits work? Or do I need someone professional? thanks
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Old 10-17-2024, 06:02 PM
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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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Old 10-17-2024, 06:02 PM
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Old 10-17-2024, 06:07 PM
mbene mbene is offline
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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.
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Old 10-17-2024, 07:07 PM
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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.
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Old 10-17-2024, 07:17 PM
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never had this happen before! Do the DIY kits work? Or do I need someone professional? thanks
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.
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Old 10-17-2024, 07:25 PM
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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.
Done this four times since moving here with no increase in insurance rates.

Safelite will come to your house.

Last edited by Altavia; 10-18-2024 at 06:40 AM.
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Old 10-17-2024, 07:30 PM
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Done this four times since moving here with no increase in insurance rates.

Safeco 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
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Old 10-17-2024, 08:12 PM
Djean1981 Djean1981 is offline
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The Rain-X repair kit sold online or from Walmart works great.
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Old 10-19-2024, 05:02 AM
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never had this happen before! Do the DIY kits work? Or do I need someone professional? thanks
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.
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Old 10-19-2024, 05:16 AM
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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.
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Old 10-19-2024, 05:58 AM
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Use a professional...
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Old 10-19-2024, 07:16 AM
mkjelenbaas mkjelenbaas is offline
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never had this happen before! Do the DIY kits work? Or do I need someone professional? thanks
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.
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Old 10-19-2024, 07:32 AM
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never had this happen before! Do the DIY kits work? Or do I need someone professional? thanks
If your self repair does not work windshield companies only option is to replace the windshield. My reccomendation is let pros do it
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Old 10-19-2024, 07:57 AM
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Default DIY didn't work for me

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Originally Posted by JohnN View Post
never had this happen before! Do the DIY kits work? Or do I need someone professional? thanks
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.
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