A stone chip is a small piece of damage in the windshield, typically from a stone hitting the glass while driving. Caught and treated in time, many stone chips can be repaired — instead of the windshield needing full replacement. See the difference between repair and replacement on our page about windshield replacement.
Why it’s urgent to get the chip checked
A stone chip doesn’t get better on its own. Temperature swings — for example heat from the sun combined with cold washer fluid, or frost in winter — can cause a small chip to spread into a crack. The earlier the damage is assessed, the better the chance it can be repaired rather than requiring a whole new windshield.
When can a stone chip typically be repaired?
Whether a stone chip can be repaired depends on several specific factors:
- Size — smaller chips are usually easier to repair well than large ones.
- Location — damage right in the driver’s line of sight or right at the edge of the glass can be harder to repair safely than damage elsewhere on the glass.
- Type — whether it’s a clean chip, or whether a crack has already started to form from it.
- Proximity to a camera/sensor — if the damage is close to a camera or sensor at the windshield, that can affect the solution. We ask about this in the quote wizard.
We can’t promise a stone chip can be repaired without having seen it — but the sooner you send us information and ideally a photo, the better we can assess the case.
What does the glass look like after a repair?
A repair stops the damage and prevents it from spreading, but a stone chip can in some cases still be faintly visible in the glass afterward. The purpose of the repair is primarily to prevent the damage from developing into a crack that would make a full replacement necessary.
Insurance for stone chips
If you have comprehensive cover or a separate glass cover, the glass damage can often be fully or partly covered. Your own out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific policy, excess, and type of damage. You can provide your insurance details in the quote wizard, and we’ll help you move forward in the process. Read more on our insurance page.
Mobile repair — we come to you
The repair is carried out wherever your car is — at home, at work, or another location that suits you. Read more about how the mobile service works in practice on our page about mobile glass service.
Frequently asked questions about stone chips
Why does a stone chip develop into a crack?
Typically due to vibrations from driving and temperature swings, which put pressure on the glass around the damage. That’s why we recommend getting a stone chip checked as soon as possible.
Can a stone chip be repaired if it’s right in my line of sight?
It depends on the specific damage. Damage right in the driver’s line of sight can in some cases require replacement instead of repair, for the sake of visibility afterward. We assess this based on your specific case.
Does it cost anything if you assess that the stone chip cannot be repaired?
We always contact you with a quote before any work is started — you won’t be surprised by a price or solution you haven’t approved first.