Can a Rock Chip in My Windshield Be Repaired?
Windshield Rock Chip Repair: What You Need to Know
When a rock hits and chips the windshield, it’s annoying and dangerous. Much of the structural integrity of your vehicle depends on your windshield. When it’s damaged, you put yourself and your passengers at risk. This blog explores rock chips, their repair options, and what that means for drivers in the great state of Florida.
Assess The Damage
The first thing you want to do is check out the damage. If it falls under the following criteria, it may be repairable.
- The Size: If the chip is small—under the size of a quarter, to be exact—then you might be able to have it repaired. Large chips that extend beyond a quarter will likely warrant a full replacement.
- The Depth: Windshields are made of several layers, typically layers of glass surrounding a plastic layer in the middle. They’re designed this way so they don’t shatter into shards of glass upon impact. If the rock chip has penetrated more than one layer of glass, then you’ll likely need a replacement.
- The Type: This blog focuses on rock chips, which come in many shapes and sizes. Larger types like star breaks and bullseyes are typically not repairable.
- Location: If the rock chip obstructs the driver’s view, then a replacement will be necessary. The same goes for chips at the edge of the windshield. Those are more difficult to repair and pose a greater threat to the structural integrity of your vehicle.
Are Rock Chip Repairs Covered By My Auto Insurance in Florida?
Yes, they are according to Florida law. Florida law requires insurance companies to pay for windshield repairs and replacements for drivers who have comprehensive coverage. This doesn’t apply to those with liability insurance because liability only pays for damage to other people’s property or person if you are at fault.
Why You Should Choose Mobile Auto Glass Repair
Mobile auto glass repair services offer drivers the following benefits.
- Convenience: Mobile auto glass repair technicians come to you, no matter where you are. This means you don’t have to sit in a waiting room while they repair your rock chip. Instead, you could be working or spending time talking to a friend. There is no better convenience than having a service come to you.
- Cost-Effective: Mobile auto glass services aren’t any more expensive than in-shop services, which means you save on gas you would’ve used driving to the shop. Also, if you’re working, you don’t have to stop to take it in, which saves you even more money.
- Saves Time: Because you don’t have to drive your vehicle to a shop, and you can do what you want while the technician works on your windshield, mobile auto glass services will save you time.
DIY Options and Why You Should Avoid Them
While there are some DIY windshield repair kits on the market, a reputable auto glass technician will clean the chip, inject it with specialized resin, dry it using a special UV light, and then polish it down until you can’t tell it was there. DIY kits don’t offer that level of care.
Also, DIY kits can do more harm than good, which can turn a simple repair into a full replacement. Plus, they could void your manufacturer’s warranty and insurance coverage. DIY kits also don’t come with the experience and expertise a reputable auto glass technician provides.
Do You Need a Windshield Rock Chip Repair in Altamonte Springs, FL?
If you live, work, or are visiting
Lake Mary,
Winter Park, or
Altamonte Springs, FL, and you need a
windshield rock chip repair,
contact us at Stat Auto Glass. We’re a full-service mobile auto glass company happy to come out and take care of that rock chip while you go on with your day. We’ll also help with your
insurance claim.
