Repair Basics
6 questions
- How long does a windshield chip repair take?
- About 30 minutes from when I pull up to when I'm packing the truck back up. The actual injection and UV cure takes under 10 minutes. The rest is setup, cleanup, and showing you the result.
- Can I drive right after the repair?
- Yes. The resin cures rock-hard in under 90 seconds under the UV lamp. You can drive immediately, run it through a car wash an hour later, and go about your day.
- Will the chip be 100% invisible after repair?
- No, and any shop that tells you that is lying. A good repair takes a chip from very visible to about 90% invisible — you'll have to know where to look to find it. The structural strength, though, is 100% restored. That's the point of the repair.
- Why can't I just use a DIY repair kit from the parts store?
- DIY kits skip the vacuum step, which is the most important part. Without pulling a hard vacuum on the chip first, you trap air and moisture inside the repair — that's why DIY repairs always look bubbly and fail within a few weeks. Professional equipment costs a few thousand dollars and the resin isn't sold at retail.
- How long will the repair last?
- For the life of the windshield. Every repair I do comes with a lifetime warranty — if the chip ever spreads from the repair site, I credit the full cost of the repair toward a replacement. In years of doing this, that warranty almost never gets called in.
- Do you fix back glass or side windows?
- No. Side and rear windows are tempered glass, not laminated — when they break, they shatter into pellets. They can't be repaired, only replaced. I only work on laminated windshield glass.
Insurance
6 questions
- Does insurance cover windshield chip repair in NY?
- Often, yes — most NY comprehensive policies cover chip repair, and many waive the deductible on repair (not replacement). Coverage varies by carrier and policy, so call your insurer to confirm what your specific plan does.
- Will filing a windshield claim raise my insurance rates?
- No. Glass claims fall under comprehensive coverage, not collision. Most NY insurers do not surcharge for comprehensive glass claims because they want you to repair before it becomes a bigger replacement claim.
- Do you work with my insurance carrier?
- Ask us about insurance billing — text your insurance card photo to (716) 548-2683 and we'll walk you through what your specific carrier and policy will cover, and what's involved in filing.
- Do I need to call my insurance company first?
- Calling your carrier first to confirm coverage and get a claim number is the cleanest path. Have your insurance card, your VIN, and a photo of the damage ready when you call.
- Will my deductible apply if I need a replacement instead of a repair?
- Yes. The deductible waiver only applies to repairs. Replacements go against your standard comprehensive deductible. That's why I always try to repair first — if the chip is repairable, you save the deductible.
- What if I don't have comprehensive coverage?
- Then you'd pay cash. We'll quote you an honest cash price up front based on the damage. No mark-up, no different rate for cash vs. insurance. Text us a photo at (716) 548-2683 for a free quote in under 60 seconds.
Mobile Service
6 questions
- Do you really come to my driveway?
- Yes. Driveway, office parking lot, daycare pickup line, job site, wherever you are. Mobile service inside the 18-suburb service area is included — no travel surcharge.
- Does it cost extra for mobile service?
- No. Mobile service is included in the price inside the service area. The chip-repair price is the same whether you come to me or I come to you.
- What suburbs do you cover?
- Buffalo plus Amherst, Williamsville, Snyder, Getzville, East Amherst, Clarence, Tonawanda, North Tonawanda, Kenmore, Grand Island, Cheektowaga, Depew, Lancaster, West Seneca, Orchard Park, Hamburg, Lackawanna, and Blasdell. If you're just outside that ring, call anyway — I drive a lot.
- Can you repair my windshield at my office during work hours?
- Yes, that's actually most of what I do. Text me your office address and a time window and I'll be there. The repair takes 30 minutes and you can stay at your desk the whole time.
- What if it's raining when you come out?
- Rain is a problem because moisture in the chip ruins the repair. If it's raining we reschedule — usually for the next day. I'll never try to do a wet repair just to get the job done.
- Do you charge a travel fee if I'm far away?
- Not inside the 18-suburb service area. If you're outside it, call me — I'll usually try to fit you in if I'm heading that direction for another job and there's no extra charge then.
Pricing
7 questions
- How much does a windshield chip repair cost in Buffalo?
- Repair cost depends on the size and location of the chip and your vehicle. Text us a photo at (716) 548-2683 for a free quote in under 60 seconds. If you have comprehensive insurance, ask your carrier about repair coverage — many NY policies cover repair with no deductible, but details vary by plan.
- How much does a crack repair cost?
- Crack repair cost depends on the length, location on the windshield, and your vehicle. We repair most cracks up to about 24 inches; longer ones usually need a full replacement. Text us a photo at (716) 548-2683 for an honest quote in under 60 seconds.
- Are there any hidden fees?
- No. The price I quote on the phone is the price on the invoice. No travel fee, no shop supplies fee, no diagnostic fee. I don't add anything at the end.
- Do you charge for the assessment if it turns out my windshield needs replacement?
- No. If I show up and the damage is too big to repair, I tell you and I leave. No charge for showing up. That's just how you treat people.
- Can I pay with credit card?
- Yes — credit card, debit card, or cash. Ask us about insurance billing if you'd like to go that route.
- How much does headlight restoration cost?
- Headlight restoration is affordably priced — text us a photo of the headlights for a free quote in under 60 seconds. Foggy, yellowed headlights restored to clear so you can actually see at night and pass NY inspection without the lens being flagged.
- What does rock chip prevention film cost?
- Cost depends on the vehicle and how much of the windshield you want covered. It's a clear protective film that takes the impact instead of your glass. Worth considering if you commute heavy highway miles. Text us at (716) 548-2683 for a free quote in under 60 seconds.
Damage Types
6 questions
- What's a bullseye chip?
- A round chip with a dark circle in the middle, usually about the size of a dime. Happens when a rock hits the windshield straight on. Almost always repairable.
- What's a star break?
- An impact point with several hairline cracks radiating outward in a star pattern. Common from highway gravel. Repairable if caught before the legs spread too far — call right away if you see one.
- Can you repair a crack longer than 6 inches?
- Yes, usually up to about 24 inches. Beyond that the windshield needs replacement. The longer the crack, the more important it is to get it sealed before it travels further.
- Can you repair a chip in my driver's line of sight?
- Sometimes, but it depends on size and location. NY inspection rules don't allow obvious damage in the driver's primary view, and even a perfect repair leaves a faint mark. I'll look at it and tell you honestly whether repair is the right call or whether replacement makes more sense for safety and inspection.
- What if the crack is at the edge of the windshield?
- Edge cracks are tricky because the glass has less structural support near the edges, so they travel faster. The earlier we catch them the better. I can repair most edge cracks under 24 inches if caught in time.
- How big is too big to repair?
- Bigger than about a half-dollar for chips, longer than about 24 inches for cracks, or any damage that goes through both layers of the laminated glass. When in doubt, text me a photo and I'll tell you straight.
Buffalo Winter & Weather
6 questions
- Should I get my chip repaired before winter?
- Yes — before, not after. Buffalo winter temperature swings are the main reason small chips spread into full cracks. The glass expands and contracts every time you defrost a cold windshield, and a chip is the weak point that gives first. A repair in October is a fraction of a replacement in February.
- Can you repair a windshield in cold weather?
- Yes, but the glass and resin both need to be warm enough for proper cure. I work out of a heated truck and warm the area around the chip before injecting. Below about 20°F outside it gets tougher — we'd plan around the weather or do the job in your garage if you have one.
- Will defrosting my windshield make a chip worse?
- Yes. Blasting hot defrost on cold glass is the fastest way to turn a small chip into a long crack. Warm it up gradually, or better yet, get the chip sealed before winter so the structural weak point is gone.
- My chip got bigger after a snowstorm — can you still fix it?
- Maybe — depends how much bigger. Text me a photo. If it spread into a long crack we may need to replace, but if it's still under 24 inches there's a good chance I can stop it and seal it.
- Should I avoid car washes if I have a chip?
- Yes, until it's repaired. High-pressure water can drive moisture and grit into the chip, which makes repair less effective. Once it's repaired, car washes are fine.
- Will salt and road treatment damage a repaired chip?
- No. The cured resin is sealed against weather, salt, and water. Once it's done, it's done.
Warranty & Quality
7 questions
- Do you offer a warranty on repairs?
- Yes — lifetime warranty. If the chip ever spreads from the repair site, I credit the full cost of the repair toward a replacement. That warranty stays with the vehicle for as long as you own it.
- What resin do you use?
- Professional optical-grade resin from the same supplier the major OEM glass shops use. It's not available at retail. The difference between this and a parts store kit is the difference between a repair that holds for years and one that fails in weeks.
- Will the repair pass NY State inspection?
- Yes. A properly repaired chip is structurally sound and almost invisible cosmetically — well within NY inspection standards. Cracks in the driver's primary view may be a different story, which is why I'll tell you upfront if a repair won't get you through inspection.
- What's the difference between OEM glass and aftermarket?
- Only matters for replacements, not repairs. For repairs, I'm working on the glass that's already in your vehicle — OEM or aftermarket, same process either way. For replacements, OEM glass matches your original spec exactly and is required for some vehicles with cameras or HUD systems.
- Do you have insurance and licensing?
- Yes — Buffalo Windshield Chip and Crack Repair LLC is fully licensed in NY and carries general liability insurance. Happy to send proof of either on request.
- Why are your prices lower than the big chains?
- Because I don't have a building, a regional manager, or a corporate overhead to pay for. I'm a one-man mobile operation working out of a truck. Same OEM equipment, same OEM resin, none of the chain markup.
- How do I leave a review after my repair?
- I'll text you the Google review link after the job, or you can search Buffalo Windshield on Google Maps anytime. 5.0 stars across 48+ reviews and counting — every one of them earned by showing up on time and doing honest work.
Question we didn't answer? Just call.
(716) 548-2683 — Sonny answers. Or text a photo and we'll reply in 20 minutes.