Windshield Repair

Portland Glass specialists consider a few factors when determining if your best option is windshield repair or replacement: size, location, and time span. Though there are a few exceptions, chips larger than a quarter and cracks generally require windshield replacement, and cracks that have splintered to the edge of the windshield typically require replacement due to their tendency to spread. If the chip or crack is directly in your line of vision, it will typically require replacement, too, since the repair does not always cure clearly, leaving a slight outline in the repair area. Additionally, the longer you wait to address any chips or cracks, the more likely dirt and debris will build up in the area. This makes it difficult to perform a successful repair, so it often requires a full replacement.

Portland Glass specialists consider a few factors when determining if your best option is windshield repair or replacement: size, location, and time span. Though there are a few exceptions, chips larger than a quarter and cracks generally require windshield replacement, and cracks that have splintered to the edge of the windshield typically require replacement due to their tendency to spread. If the chip or crack is directly in your line of vision, it will typically require replacement, too, since the repair does not always cure clearly, leaving a slight outline in the repair area. Additionally, the longer you wait to address any chips or cracks, the more likely dirt and debris will build up in the area. This makes it difficult to perform a successful repair, so it often requires a full replacement.

An appointment isn’t required, but we recommend booking ahead so a technician is ready when you arrive. You’re also welcome to stop by any of our 33 Portland Glass locations across Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont for walk-in windshield repair. Calling ahead helps us confirm we have the right resin and tools on hand.

Portland Glass services are always performed by our team of auto glass repair specialists.

Most windshield repairs take 45 minutes or less from start to finish. Simple chip or bullseye repairs are often quicker, while multiple chips or longer cracks can take closer to an hour. Because the process is so fast, many customers wait on-site while our technicians inject and cure the repair resin, so there’s no need to leave your vehicle with us for the day.

Windshield repair costs typically range from about $60 to $150, depending on the size, number, and location of the chips or cracks. Most insurance policies with comprehensive coverage waive the deductible for chip repair, so your visit may cost you nothing out of pocket. Request a free quote from your local Portland Glass for an exact price based on your damage.

In most cases, yes. Windshield repair typically costs about $60 to $150, while a full windshield replacement costs more in both materials and labor, since the entire windshield has to be removed and reset. Many insurance companies waive the deductible for repair, so a small chip or crack may cost you nothing out of pocket. If your damage qualifies for repair, choosing it over replacement saves you money and time, since repairs take less than an hour. Request a free quote and a Portland Glass technician will recommend the most affordable fix for your damage.

In many cases, yes. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover windshield repair at no cost to you, since insurers would rather pay for a quick repair than a full windshield replacement later. Portland Glass works directly with major insurance providers to handle the claims process, so you can often schedule your repair with little to no paperwork or out-of-pocket expense.

A properly performed windshield repair restores the structural integrity of the glass and is designed to last for the life of your windshield. Our technicians use professional-grade resin, injected and cured under controlled conditions, to stop the damage from spreading. While no repair can guarantee a chip or crack will never reappear, a quality repair significantly reduces that risk compared to leaving damage untreated.

Yes. Windshield repairs use a fast-curing resin that hardens under UV light, so you can typically drive away as soon as your appointment is finished. Unlike a full windshield replacement, which uses urethane adhesive that needs time to set, a repair doesn’t require you to wait before getting back on the road. Your technician will let you know if any extra care is needed for your specific repair.

We don’t recommend it. DIY windshield repair kits can be tempting, but improper application often traps air bubbles or dirt in the damage, weakening the repair and sometimes making the windshield unsafe to fix later. A professional Portland Glass technician uses commercial-grade resin and tools to ensure a clean, strong repair the first time, which protects both your visibility and your windshield’s structural integrity.