Rock chip repair cost
Reviewed WindshieldEstimate editorial team
The rock-chip repair is one of the highest-value services in the auto-glass business. A chip the size of a dime gets fixed in about 30 minutes for under $150 — and that's usually fully covered by your insurance. Here's what to expect on pricing and why acting fast is the difference between a $100 repair and a $400 replacement.
Typical pricing
In the Kansas City metro:
- Single chip repair: $60–$130
- Each additional chip on the same windshield: +$25
- Short crack repair (under 6"): $110–$180
| Service | Typical cost | Most common |
|---|---|---|
| Single chip repair Most common | $60–$130 | $95 |
| Each additional chip | +$25 | +$25 |
| Short crack repair (under 6") | $110–$180 | $145 |
Typical KC metro single chip repair range
Mobile service is included at no extra charge by many shops; others add a surcharge that can range from $20 to $150+ depending on the shop — ask when booking.
Most shops include a 1-year warranty: if the repair fails and you need a replacement within a year, the repair fee credits toward the new windshield.
Why repair is much less expensive than replacement
A repair takes one tech, no glass inventory, no calibration, and 30 minutes. A replacement takes one or two techs, $200+ of glass, often $200+ of calibration equipment time, and 2-3 hours including cure time. The materials cost for a repair is essentially a syringe of UV-cured resin and the labor is brief.
Insurance companies do the math too — that's why most comprehensive policies cover chip repair at $0 deductible. A $100 repair claim today prevents a $500 replacement claim six months from now after the chip spreads.
What insurance pays
If you have comprehensive auto coverage:
- $0 glass-coverage rider: repair is fully covered, you pay nothing.
- Standard deductible $100+: usually the repair is still covered at $0 because most insurers explicitly waive the deductible for chip repair (they want to avoid a future replacement claim).
In Missouri, comprehensive glass claims are explicitly protected from rate surcharges by state law (20 CSR 500-2.600). In Kansas there is no equivalent statutory protection — outcomes depend on your carrier and policy terms. See does insurance cover windshield replacement.
Why act fast
Glass expands and contracts with temperature. A chip that's stable at 70°F can spread overnight when temperatures swing 30 degrees and you crank the defroster on the way to work. KC weather, especially in spring and fall, is a chip's worst enemy.
Other things that can rapidly worsen a chip:
- Hot water on a cold windshield (sudden thermal shock)
- Slamming a door (pressure wave through the cabin)
- Driving over potholes or speed bumps (flex in the body)
- Pressure washing the windshield directly
If you have a chip today, get it scheduled this week. Don't put it off.
What the repair actually does (and doesn't)
The repair process injects UV-cured resin into the void the rock left in the outer glass layer, then cures it under UV light. It restores up to 90–95% of the original structural strength (per industry testing) and stops the damage from spreading.
What it won't do: make the chip completely invisible. There will be a faint discoloration roughly the size of the original chip. The repair is a structural fix, not a cosmetic one. For damage in the driver's primary line of sight, that residual scar can be distracting — most shops recommend replacement instead for driver-side chips.
FAQ
How much does rock chip repair cost in Kansas City?
A single chip repair in the KC metro runs $60–$130. Each additional chip on the same windshield adds about $25. Short crack repairs under 6 inches are $110–$180. Mobile service is included at no extra charge by many shops; others add a surcharge of $20–$150+ depending on the provider.
Does insurance cover rock chip repair?
Comprehensive auto coverage typically covers chip repair at $0 out of pocket. Most insurers explicitly waive the deductible for chip repair because a $100 repair claim now prevents a $500 replacement claim later. In Missouri, state law protects drivers from rate surcharges on comprehensive glass claims. In Kansas, outcomes vary by carrier and policy terms.
When should a chip be repaired rather than replaced?
A chip is a repair candidate when it is smaller than a quarter in diameter, not at the edge of the windshield, not in the driver's primary line of sight, and confined to the outer glass layer. If any of those conditions apply, replacement is typically needed. Most shops use these same criteria.
How long does rock chip repair take?
A single chip repair takes about 30 minutes. The technician injects UV-cured resin into the void, then cures it under a lamp. The repair is structurally complete before you leave, though most shops recommend avoiding car washes for 24 hours.
Does chip repair make the damage invisible?
No. Repair restores up to 90–95% of the original structural strength and stops the chip from spreading, but it will not make the damage disappear. There will be a faint discoloration roughly the size of the original chip. For damage in the driver's primary line of sight, that residual scar can be distracting — most shops recommend replacement instead.
Get a chip-repair quote — usually $0 with insurance
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