This really shouldn't have to be stated, but additional damage is one of the most likely drawbacks that you will experience if you delay getting windshield crack repair taken care of immediately. Even tiny chips will grow over time. There are a number of reasons that a crack may grow including: vibrations from the road, dirt and debris get lodged into the crack and expand it, temperature changes, and everyday wear and tear. It will cost much more in the long run, especially if you are forced to replace the windshield, than if you would get it repaired immediately.
Any of these stone chips can be repaired. Beyond looking for these types of common chips, it is important to take into consideration the size of the damage. If the damage cannot be covered by a half dollar, the chip is too large to be repaired. Another important piece of information to consider is the acute area. The acute area is the area of the automobile windshield chip repair directly in the drivers line of vision. It is the same size as a piece of paper being held horizontally in front of the driver. In this area, the National Glass Association does not recommend a repair being done unless it is no greater than .95 of an inch. An easier way to imagine this is that a quarter should be able to cover the entire area of damage in the acute area.
I have seen this procedure first hand and walked away shaking my head wondering why anyone would want to do this to their windshield. Plus, if you haven't had a new windshield in a while it becomes pitted and is very difficult to see in the sun light or at night. If you have picked up a crack, more than likely it's been hit many times already and is probably pitted.
Check with your insurance, because it's likely your insurance will pay for some forms of windshield chip repair. They may even waive the deductible, since repairing your windshield is so much cheaper than replacing a windshield. Should you need total automobile windshield chip repair, you may have to pay a deductible with your insurance.
The secret to doing a lot of repairs is knowing where and how to contact people. Mostly it is a function of letting them know you there and able to do the repair. Problem is most people wake up thinking about how to find someone who needs windshield repair.
A surface pit is a nick in the glass associated with normal wear and tear that does not penetrate to the plastic inner layer. This can be repaired if the damaged area has a diameter of not less than 1/8 inch.
Windshield chips and cracks can usually be patched for under $90. You're going to pay hundreds to replace the whole thing. In this case, your best bet is to keep hunting for auto insurance quotes and pay the repairs out of pocket.