I just repaired mine over the weekend, a trip to the parts place, $21 and 90 min later,can't even tell there was a chip... just read/followed the instructions and took my time.
Clearing a check is as simple as running it through the system it takes 2 - 3 seconds tops. People do it everyday, Walmart, Kroegers, in face they give the check back with the processing information on the back. I wrote one at the state tag office (because it's $15 for cards) walked out with...