Windshield Chip Repair Cost in Tempe
Windshield chip repair in Tempe costs $50 to $85 per chip without insurance, or $0 with most comprehensive auto insurance policies. Arizona requires insurers to offer zero-deductible glass coverage, and most companies waive the deductible entirely for chip repair because a $60 repair saves them from paying $300 to $800 for a full replacement later. Additional chips on the same windshield cost only $10 to $25 each. For vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems, repairing a chip instead of replacing the windshield also avoids the $150 to $400 ADAS camera recalibration fee. The repair takes 20 to 30 minutes and you can drive immediately afterward.
Here is a complete breakdown of what you can expect to pay.
What Chip Repair Costs in Tempe
Cash Price (No Insurance)
Prices vary based on damage type, size, and location on the windshield.
With Insurance
Most Arizona comprehensive policies cover chip repair with zero out-of-pocket cost. We verify your coverage before starting.
Why Do Insurance Companies Cover Chip Repair for Free?
It is simple math. A chip repair costs an insurance company $50 to $85. A windshield replacement costs $300 to $800 or more. By covering chip repair at $0, insurers prevent far more expensive replacement claims down the road. It is one of the rare situations where insurance companies and customers both win.
Chip Repair vs. Windshield Replacement: Cost Comparison
Repairing a chip early is dramatically cheaper than replacing the entire windshield later. Here is how the numbers compare.
| Factor | Chip Repair | Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (cash) | $50 - $85 | $300 - $800+ |
| Cost (with insurance) | $0 | $0 - $500 deductible |
| Time required | 20 - 30 minutes | 1 - 2 hours + cure time |
| Drive immediately? | Yes | Wait 1 hour minimum |
| ADAS recalibration? | Not needed | $150 - $400 extra |
| Original factory glass? | Preserved | Aftermarket or OEM |
Cost (cash)
Repair
$50 - $85
Replace
$300 - $800+
Cost (insurance)
Repair
$0
Replace
$0 - $500 deductible
Time
Repair
20-30 min
Replace
1-2 hours + cure
Drive immediately?
Repair
Yes
Replace
Wait 1 hour+
ADAS recalibration?
Repair
Not needed
Replace
$150-$400 extra
Original glass?
Repair
Preserved
Replace
Aftermarket or OEM
The ROI of Repairing Early
$0
Cost to repair a chip today with insurance
$300-$800+
Cost if that chip becomes a crack requiring replacement
$450-$1,200+
Replacement + ADAS recalibration on newer vehicles
Vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) -- features like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control -- require a camera recalibration after windshield replacement. That adds $150 to $400 to the total cost. Chip repair avoids this entirely because the original windshield and camera alignment stay intact.
What Affects Chip Repair Price?
Damage Type and Size
A small bullseye is the cheapest to repair. Star breaks and combination breaks cost more because they require more resin and precision. Larger damage approaches the limit of what is repairable.
Number of Chips
The first chip costs the most. Additional chips on the same windshield are discounted to $10-$25 each because the technician is already set up and on-site.
Location on Windshield
Chips near the windshield edge or directly in the driver's sightline may cost more due to the extra care required. Edge damage sometimes requires replacement instead of repair.
Age and Contamination
Fresh chips repair better than old ones. In Tempe heat, desert dust and debris infiltrate fracture lines faster than in most climates. Act quickly for the best result.
Most Tempe Drivers Pay $0
Let us check your insurance coverage -- it takes 2 minutes and there is no obligation. If you are covered, your chip repair is free.