Fixing Chips in the Windshield

[DaltonGang]

Time to pick the brains of the Jeep Community.
My Jeep has another Star shaped chip, a little bigger than a quarter. My wife says not to get it fixed for free, through our insurance, because insurance companies now consider it a claim and our rates will increase. So, I decided to order one of these inexpensive kits, that was rated good. My main concern is the angle of the windshield and getting enough the fluid in the area affected.
Anyone have thoughts on doing repairs yourself?

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[19 JLUR Bright Whit3]

I have used the RainX version, they have suction cups and a twist type applicator that forces the liquid in the chip/crack. They worked well.
My $.02

 

[Vinman]

The area I live in goes through the most windshields per capita of any city in the world.
I have used those DIY kits at least a few dozen times over the years and while the finished results aren’t as good as a pro could do I have never had a chip I repaired progress any worse. I keep a kit in each of our vehicles at wll times

 

[BVGeezer]

Don't understand your statement about your insurance. Windshields replacement because of rock chips/cracks is considered a comprehensive claim. We lived in Colorado for 40 years where you have to replace your windshield nearly every year due to wind driven debris. My record was three Jeep windshields in one year. It never raised my rates. Now we live in Arizona. During the last 4+ years we replaced three Jeep windshields. We carry glass coverage with $0 deductible.

 

[DaltonGang]

Don't understand your statement about your insurance. Windshields replacement because of rock chips/cracks is considered a comprehensive claim. We lived in Colorado for 40 years where you have to replace your windshield nearly every year due to wind driven debris. My record was three Jeep windshields in one year. It never raised my rates. Now we live in Arizona. During the last 4+ years we replaced three Jeep windshields. We carry glass coverage with $0 deductible.

Insurance companies are changing everything, around here. What was true, over the last 20 years is not anymore. In Houston, car insurance companies are using whatever excuse to raise or cancel policies. Rising crime, due to a massive influx of (I cannot speak of, due to sensitive snowflakes) has hit the Houston area hard. Insurance companies are no longer making money, hand over fist, like they had in the past.
All these changes in home and car insurance rates were hinted at last year, by most companies. Now, these companies have worked together to stick it to us, all at the same time.

.

 

[Valpo Jeep]

Glass claims depend on your insurance company as to what you pay, some are free some are not.. We have State Farm and they used to cover glass repairs but no longer do but lump it into a comprehensive claim. You just have to pay the deductible.

Comprehensive claims do not raise your rates.

We have a $250 deductible but I could change that to a zero deductible and just pay a bit more on my monthly premium.

 

[Nailgun]

The area I live in goes through the most windshields per capita of any city in the world.
I have used those DIY kits at least a few dozen times over the years and while the finished results aren’t as good as a pro could do I have never had a chip I repaired progress any worse. I keep a kit in each of our vehicles at wll times

A buddy of mine last fall was out in Calgary and mentioned independent windshield repair guys setup in parking lots to cash in on the carnage. Must be hell out there.

 

[sourdough]

The more vertical the windshield the more vulnerable. I use the RainX kit. As it says "saves time and money".

 

[Heimkehr]

Insurance coverage and reimbursement policies will vary according to the owner's state of residence, and the company that he uses. This, per my wife, who used to manage a State Farm office. That's who we've used for several decades now.

We've a zero deductible for auto glass repairs or replacement via the policy's Comprehensive line item. One phone call is all that's required for us to arrange for Safelite to visit the house (as they did last year for my wife's Honda) or to book a slot at their shop (as I did <1 month ago for the Jeep.) Easy peasy.

More to the point, PA is very prescriptive as it concerns damage to a vehicle's windscreen, no matter how small the defect. This manifests as easy fails during the annual safety inspection. It's therefore best for us to have a pro perform the repairs in lieu of hoping a $10 blister pack kit from one of the chain stores works at all.

 

[BVGeezer]

Insurance coverage and reimbursement policies will vary according to the owner's state of residence, and the company that he uses. This, per my wife, who used to manage a State Farm office. That's who we've used for several decades now.

We've a zero deductible for auto glass repairs or replacement via the policy's Comprehensive line item. One phone call is all that's required for us to arrange for Safelite to visit the house (as they did last year for my wife's Honda) or to book a slot at their shop (as I did <1 month ago for the Jeep.) Easy peasy.

More to the point, PA is very prescriptive as it concerns damage to a vehicle's windscreen, no matter how small the defect. This manifests as easy fails during the annual safety inspection. It's therefore best for us to have a pro perform the repairs in lieu of hoping a $10 blister pack kit from one of the chain stores works at all.

Bingo! We had Travlers for the 40 years in Colorado. One phone call and they come to the house. Switched to Farm Bureau Insurance in Arizona. Text in a photograph, and it's done.

 

[Vinman]

A buddy of mine last fall was out in Calgary and mentioned independent windshield repair guys setup in parking lots to cash in on the carnage. Must be hell out there.

Yup, I see those guys around frequently, must be lucrative enough for them.

 

[gsbrockman]

My wife says not to get it fixed for free, through our insurance, because insurance companies now consider it a claim and our rates will increase.

No offense to your wife….but I think I’d review your policy declarations and perhaps even call your agent for verification.

As mentioned previously….it’s quite odd that many insurance companies would raise rates on windshield related replacements or repairs.

 

[DaltonGang]

I bought this one for $13.99. It was easy, And seems to have worked well. Looks better that one a "Professional" had done, years back. The kit is good for at least 4 repairs. More if you can find a way to seal the nozzle, once opened.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRYH4ZL1?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

[Vinman]

This is the type I’ve used.

https://www.amazon.ca/Permatex-bull...6&psc=1&mcid=c23de360fdd23e129c1eda89b947c8c1

 

[DaltonGang]

This is the type I’ve used.

https://www.amazon.ca/Permatex-bull...6&psc=1&mcid=c23de360fdd23e129c1eda89b947c8c1

I chose the one that I have, because more pressure can be applied, to inject the fluid. That, and it can be reused, at least 4 times.

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