You catch a rock on I-10 between Kenner and Metairie, and now you’ve got a chip in your windshield. The question every driver asks: Do I need a full replacement, or can this be repaired?
The answer matters. Repair is fast and cheap. Replacement is a bigger job. And insurance treats them differently. Here’s how to know which one you need before you make the call.
The Basic Rule
There’s a generally accepted industry standard. Chips smaller than a quarter (about 1 inch) can usually be repaired. Cracks shorter than three inches can usually be repaired. Anything larger almost always requires full replacement.
But size isn’t the only factor. Location and depth matter just as much.
Location: Where the Damage Sits
A crack the size of a fingernail in the wrong location can mean you need a full windshield. Look at where the damage is.
Driver’s line of sight. Federal motor vehicle safety standards (and Louisiana law) prohibit windshields with damage in the driver’s primary viewing area. Even a quarter-size chip directly in front of the driver typically requires replacement, not repair.
Edge of the windshield. Cracks within an inch or two of the windshield’s edge tend to spread fast and compromise structural integrity. The windshield is structural in a rollover — edge damage usually means replacement.
Multiple chips in proximity. A repair works on a single chip. Three chips within a few inches of each other usually need a new windshield.
Depth: One Layer or Both
Your windshield is laminated — two layers of glass with a plastic film between them. A repairable chip damages only the outer layer. If both layers are compromised, repair won’t restore the structural integrity. That’s a replacement.
Not sure what you’re looking at? Text a photo of the damage to (504) 368-8826. We can usually tell from the photo.
Why Repair Is Worth It When You Can
When repair is an option, take it. Here’s why.
Cost. A repair is a fraction of the cost of replacement, even when insurance is involved.
Time. A standard chip repair takes 30 minutes or less. Replacement takes 1-2 hours plus an hour of cure time before you can drive.
Insurance. Most insurance policies cover windshield repair with zero deductible — meaning it costs you nothing out of pocket. They’d rather pay 100 dollars for a repair today than 400 dollars for a replacement next month.
OEM glass. A repair keeps your original factory windshield in place. Some drivers prefer that over an aftermarket replacement.
When Replacement Is Definitely the Answer
Don’t try to save a windshield that needs replacing. These situations are non-negotiable: a crack longer than 6 inches, any damage that pierces both layers of glass, damage in the driver’s primary viewing area, a chip or crack that has been there for months and started spreading, or multiple chips or cracks.
A compromised windshield is a safety issue, not an aesthetic one. It affects airbag deployment, structural integrity in a rollover, and your view of the road.
How Louisiana Insurance Handles It
Louisiana isn’t a zero-deductible state for windshield replacement — your out-of-pocket depends on your specific comprehensive coverage. But repair is usually fully covered with no deductible, because insurers prefer it. Replacement is covered under comprehensive, minus your deductible.
We work directly with all major insurance carriers and handle the paperwork. You don’t write a check, you don’t file the claim — we coordinate the whole thing.
Ready to Get Started?
Star Glass Inc. serves Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish, and the greater New Orleans metro. Reach us any way that works best for you:
Call or text: (504) 368-8826 Email: glass@starglass.com
Visit us: 1000 Westbank Expy, Gretna, LA 70053