A rock chip appears on your windshield. You have two choices: grab a $15 DIY kit at AutoZone, or call a professional. Here's exactly when each option makes sense — and when waiting too long turns a $0 repair into a $300 replacement.
DIY kits work on single bullseye chips smaller than a quarter, located away from the driver's line of sight, with no cracks extending from the impact point. The resin fills the void and reduces visibility of the chip. Result: 60–80% improvement in appearance, chip is stabilized.
Professional repair uses vacuum injection to remove all air from the chip before injecting UV-cured optical resin. The result is nearly invisible and structurally sound. Insurance covers professional repair at $0 in most cases — making it free vs. $15 for DIY with worse results.
If the chip has cracks extending more than 6 inches, is in the driver's direct line of sight (within 3 inches of center), or if the inner layer of glass is compromised, the windshield must be replaced — not repaired. Driving with an unrepaired crack is a safety risk and an equipment violation in California.
In California, chip repair is covered under comprehensive insurance with $0 deductible at most carriers (Geico, AAA, State Farm, Allstate, Farmers). A professional repair costs you nothing and protects the glass. A DIY repair voids the chip for insurance purposes — meaning if it cracks later, you'll pay full replacement cost.
Auto Renu repairs windshield chips at your location in 20–30 minutes. We verify coverage before starting. If your insurance covers it (most do), you pay $0. If paying cash, chip repair is $125. We use resin matched to OEM specifications for a nearly invisible result.