How Much Does it Cost to Replace Your Car Windshield?

Driving with a cracked windshield is never fun. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it is also a danger to you and all the people around you. However, it’s still something that happens. It’s more common than you might think. Every year in the United States alone, around 13–14 million windshields are replaced. Those people probably have insurance covering the cost, but what happens to those who don’t? Do they pay a fortune? Aside from the thought of paying a high price, how difficult is it to repair a windshield? Can you do it yourself? When I got my first crack at eighteen, I asked myself those same questions, and no, you can’t do it yourself – best to check with a professional. 

I was driving down the Pacific Coast when suddenly, I heard a loud pop. I looked around and noticed a long crack in my windshield. I panicked and switched on my emergency lights. We didn’t have any iPhones or Android phones back then, so I couldn’t look up what to do. In the end, I managed to drive my car to the first auto shop I saw and got it fixed. To this day, I am not sure how that crack happened, but I know if I had the Internet and articles like this one, I wouldn’t have been as anxious.

Why Should You Replace Your Windshield?

That’s a good question. Sometimes, depending on the extent of the damage, you might not have to bother with a replacement. If the damage is in the form of a star or bullseye, you don’t have to replace the whole windshield. You can repair the broken part, which is something you can do yourself.

On the other hand, if the damage is more than a couple of inches wide, you will have to see a professional. You will also need to go to a mechanic if the damage is on the driver’s side – no matter how big or small. That’s because most DIY repair kits might leave the area a bit distorted. Trust me – that’s distracting.

Thus, to answer the question, I want you to picture this: You have a cracked windshield, and it’s too big to repair, but the damage doesn’t look that bad, so you decide to leave it off for now. You are not sure how much it will cost, and you have more important things to worry about right now. One day, you notice the crack has gotten a bit bigger. Even so, it’s on the passenger side, so why should you care? You go for a leisurely drive, but just as you are enjoying the ride, the windshield brakes from the outside-in, and pieces of glass are flung all over your body. Thus, in a state of panic and pain, you lose control and crash into the railing. Another scenario is that the crack inhibits your vision. You suddenly notice a red Chevy coming out of nowhere as you are driving, but it’s too late. You crash head-on, and both you and the other driver come flying out.

I could keep going on and on, but I’m sure you get the point. Driving with a cracked windshield is dangerous both to you and the people around you – not to mention that there are also significant fines that will cost you a lot more than simply going to a mechanic and fixing the problem.

Would You Rather Repair or Replace a Cracked Windshield?

There is a significant difference between the windshield replacement cost and repair. If you don’t have insurance, the replacement could be as much as a new PS5, while the repair will cost you a pack of cigarettes. That’s why it’s crucial to determine the exact nature of the damage and its extent.

The first thing you should remember is that when the damage appears on the driver’s side, you will need to replace the windshield as soon as possible – even if you think it’s not worth it. That’s because the repair, no matter how well done, can distort the glass, which, as you might imagine, can be distracting. You should remember that if the damage is on the windshield’s edges, you should get it replaced as soon as possible. The cracks on the side will compromise the integrity of the whole car, and they will only grow. If you don’t take care of the problem on time, you will soon find yourself with a missing windshield, and you will have to get a new one anyway. 

Now, what about other types of damage? Well, if a crack is longer than 6 inches, you will have to see about getting a replacement. I like to use a dollar bill to determine the length as it’s just about the right size, and I don’t always carry a ruler with me. However, what if the damage is not a crack but more of a bullseye? Keeping up with the money theme, if a chip is smaller than a quarter, it can be easily repaired. However, even if it’s the size of a pea, the chip cannot be repaired if it has penetrated halfway through the windshield.

All of this can be pretty scary – although I think it’s important to stay informed. At the end of the day, if you are unsure about something, it’s best to ask a professional. Try answering this question: If you had to replace your glass, how much would that cost you?

How Much Does a New Windshield Cost?

I touched on this a bit, but generally, an aftermarket windshield would average around $200 to $500, with the most expensive ones going for about $1000. However, unless you have some luxury vehicle or a collectors’ car, you should expect it to be around the average. Of course, if you have windshield insurance, you will only have to pay the deductible, which generally stands around the $250 to $500 range. In some rare cases, however, it can go as high as $1000. 

Now, let’s talk a little about the different types you can get. Most of the time, you, the auto repair shop, and your insurance company will be dealing with aftermarket windshields. They are windshields produced by third-party manufacturers – in other words, those that don’t supply to the big car manufacturers. Then, there are the OEM manufacturers – in other words, the ones who provide to the big guys. Generally, they don’t work with individuals unless your windshield has specifications that can’t be manufactured by a third party, such as a HUD display. Of course, OEM windshields are much more expensive than the aftermarket ones. 

While those are the main factors that will affect your price, many other specifications will either increase or decrease the cost of a new windshield.

Factors that Will Affect the Windshield Replacement Cost

Generally speaking, a windshield replacement cost will depend on the model of your vehicle and the year it was made. So, a Porsche 911 GT3 windshield will cost a lot more than one for a Ford Fiesta. The newer the car, the more expensive it is, but that rule comes with an asterisk. You see, if you have some vintage car, such as a Chevrolet Corvette or Jaguar E-Type, the windshield replacement might be as much as one for the newest and most expensive car.

Speaking of car models, I have researched different car models, and you can find average prices here:

The calculator takes into account your location as that will also influence the price. Aside from that, it also considers the year of the car, the brand, and the model. Then, it uses all of that information to give you the cheapest windshield replacement cost near you as well as some information about the auto repair shop itself, such as on-site work and whether or not they are a government-approved contractor. However, the price they give you does not account for any additional molding or attachments that might be needed. This brings me to my next point.

The price of the windshield will be determined by the type of glass you have. A tinted windshield will be more expensive than a regular one because of the additional alterations after installation, but even that is not as expensive as a HUD windshield. A heads-up display is not just glass; it’s also a piece of technology, and not just any old glass company can replace that. You will need to go back to the dealership, and from there, they will contact the OEM manufacturer of your particular windshield. Of course, this means the price will skyrocket.

However, your windshield might have some other attachments that are not as complicated as a heads-up display. If you have some sensors attached, you won’t need to go to an OEM manufacturer. Instead, pop into your local auto repair shop. They will take care of everything, but there will be an additional charge because the glass needs to accommodate this feature.

The last tidbit that will affect your car’s windshield price is the extent of the damage. The more damaged the glass is, the more the price will jump. So we’ve seen the windshield replacement prices and how they can be all over the place, but why exactly is that?

Why Is Windshield Replacement So Expensive?

Nowadays, a new windshield can cost as much as a new gaming console, but why is that exactly? After all, isn’t the windshield just a large piece of glass? Well, that’s not entirely true. Most modern cars come with at least one driver assistance feature built-in. Those features are known as ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), and while they are a marvel of technology that helps keep everyone on the road safe, they are also the reason why your windshield repair bill is so damn expensive.

You see, a lot of the sensors that help ADAS function are located directly behind the windshield. So your big piece of glass stops bugs from getting into your car and is now responsible for your safety. The good news is that your windshield protects those sensors from whatever may come their way. The bad news is that if you need to get a replacement, the ADAS system might get misaligned in the process. Even a one-degree change in the orientation could cost your life, so the technician must do a recalibration every time you need new glass, thus causing the cost of replacing a windshield to go up. However, not just any mechanic can do the recalibration as the auto shop must call a particular technician to ensure that the sensors are working as they should be.

With all of this, plus the cost of a brand new windshield, new wiper blades, and whatever else needs to be replaced, you can see how prices have jumped in recent years. As cars are becoming more and more integrated with technology, the cost of repairing or replacing will continue to go up, not just for the windshield but for everything else as well. That’s why there is insurance to help you pay for any unfortunate circumstance.

Windshield Replacement Costs in 2021

A windshield replacement can be pretty expensive, but it all depends on various factors. If you happen to have insurance, the price might be covered minus a deductible, but how exactly does all that work? What happens if you break one of the other types of windows? Who are the top auto glass repair shops? Most importantly, how do you get a windshield replacement quote? That’s what I have been wondering for a while now, so I decided to delve deep into the Internet to find answers. While I can’t say I’m happy with some of the information I found, it was all fascinating. I would like to start by going back to one of the first questions and see when you can repair a windshield and when you cannot.

Type of damageRepair or replaceNotes
Star or bullseyeRepairYou can’t be in front of a sensor, and you can’t have more than three on the surface of the glass
CracksRepairThe crack has to be less than six inches long and out of the path of a sensor
Sand damageReplaceNo data
Wiper scratch ReplaceNo data
DelaminationReplaceNo data

Insurance

As you may know, there are different types of auto insurance. They will often cover a windshield replacement, but I would still advise you to read the fine print and ask your agent if you are uncertain about something. So, let’s say an accident happens – nothing major, but you realize that the time has come to get a new windshield. The first thing you should do is make sure you and anyone else in the car are unharmed. If another driver was involved, make sure they are alright as well. After that, you will need to call your insurance company and give them all the details of when and where. Alternatively, you can file a claim online, but the sooner you do all this, the better. Now, the insurer will present a list of the best auto repair shops in your area. Take your car in and wait as the insurance company will cover all the payments – minus a deductible, of course. 

What Is a Deductible?

Simply put, it’s the amount of money you pay out of pocket. Now, no one likes paying for stuff, so there are a couple of ways to get around that – the easiest of which is to simply live in a Zero Deductible state, such as Kentucky. This means that the state does not allow deductibles to exist. The other way is to purchase a collision deductible waiver (CDW), which adds to your already-existing collision insurance. Still, it doesn’t apply to all types of collisions. If an accident happens that only involves one car, the CDW won’t apply. If the accident is partly your fault or no one’s fault, the CDW won’t apply. Likewise, if the accident was a hit and run, the CDW also won’t apply. There are a few instances where you can use your collision deductible waiver, but before you do anything, ask yourself if it’s worth paying extra anywhere from $1 to $12 a month. It’s not. That’s because depending on the type of insurance, you may not even have to pay a deductible. For some extra information, here is a list of states and their standing on deductibles.

By the way, if you are just like me and you always need to confirm if the state you live in qualifies you (or not) for a free windshield replacement, I have prepared an article for all the lost souls out there. Also, congrats – if you’re from Florida, Arizona, and a few more states, you do get to enjoy a free windshield replacement. As a matter of fact, there are so many windshield replacement rules and regulations that are state-based that they can easily make your head spin. After so many years of traveling throughout the States and gathering extensive research, I can now give you a full list of state-based windshield replacement rules and regulations. You are most welcome!

StateDeductible standingNotes
KentuckyNo deductible All auto glass is covered with no deductible
FloridaNo deductible There’s no deductible on a windshield, but other types of glass require a deductible
ArizonaDeductible You can opt to choose separate auto glass coverage that allows you to waive the deductible windshields
MassachusettsDeductible In Massachusetts, you can opt to have a $100 deductible on windshield replacement when you have comprehensive coverage
New YorkDeductible You can opt to purchase a zero-deductible policy on windshields
South CarolinaNo deductible With comprehensive coverages

Can You Waive a Deductible?

Contrary to popular belief, waiving your deductible is entirely legal, and there are a few ways you can do it. You can get zero-deductible insurance. This is an exciting policy because it may or may not be helpful depending on who you are. Okay, let’s say you get into an accident. If that happens, your insurance provider will cover the entire repair cost, which sounds nice on paper, but it will cost you a lot more in premiums. If that is something that you think will be useful to you, then go ahead. I am not its biggest fan, but if you plan to get it, I should mention that some states don’t allow zero-deductible insurance.

Another way is if you have a collision deductible waiver (CDW). The collision deductible waiver saves the driver money if they get into an accident that an insured driver caused. The other driver’s insurance will pay for your damages, but you will have to pay out of pocket if he is not insured.

If for some reason, you can’t waive your deductible, there is a way to lower it, and that is by increasing your premiums. Thus, you pay more monthly for a lower deductible if you get into a car accident.

Comprehensive and Collision Insurance

Now, I’ve put these two together because they generally come bundled up in a single package. Collision insurance covers everything that involves a head-on crash, whether with another car, a fence, a tree, or even if you happen to roll over. On the other hand, comprehensive insurance covers everything else. This includes anything from a tree falling on top to a fire and even theft or vandalism. While the comprehensive insurance covers your windshield under the “windshield” or “glass” line items, there could be some instances that the insurance doesn’t cover it. For example, if you were driving under the influence when an accident happened, your insurance will not cover the damages even if it was not your fault. If the damage occurred while you were driving without a license, the damage wouldn’t be covered. Lastly, most insurance companies don’t cover what is known as “collateral damage.” This means anything from wars to riots and rebellions.

Full Glass Coverage

This is essential insurance if you are worried about your windshield. Full glass coverage is an additional charge you can purchase for an extra $100 or so, and it will completely get rid of your deductible. Is it really with it, though? I would argue that it isn’t unless you have some super luxury vehicle that will set you back by more than a thousand just for a windshield replacement. However, if you don’t, then I don’t think it’s worth it. That’s because most of the time, you will have a chipped or cracked windshield that can easily be repaired – for a fraction of the price. However, if you still want to be on the cautious side, go ahead – don’t let me stop you.

Will a Windshield Replacement Increase My Premium?

Generally, you don’t have to worry about that. A windshield replacement is considered a no-fault incident, which means that it won’t increase your premiums – that is, of course, as long as you don’t go around breaking it constantly. How do you define a no-fault incident? As far as the insurance company is concerned, two types of incidents are at fault and no-fault. Generally, your rates will only go up if you have a few at-fault incidents, but they also could go up if you have a lot more no-fault ones. Now, we all know that insurance companies use many factors to determine your premiums, such as location, history, and even wealth. That can be pretty annoying. Luckily, there are a few ways you can lower your rates.

The first way is pretty straightforward. We already established that you can raise your premiums to lower your deductible, but the opposite is also true. You can lower premiums by increasing your deductible. Think of it as a scale, and you are putting money on whichever platform you prefer. 

Another way is to get a coupon simply. There is a surprising number of insurance discounts that can significantly lower your rates. The most common ones are taking a defensive driving course, staying claims-free, having certain safety features installed in your car, having multiple vehicles insured, and simply being a good student. You can use any of these to receive up to a 50% discount on an insurance claim.

The other way you can lower your premiums is to bundle your policies – the more insurance packages you buy from a company, the more discounts and bundles you will receive. Thus, your loyalty to a particular insurance provider will be rewarded.

Filing an Insurance Claim

The very first thing you should do when you get into an accident is to make sure everyone around you – and even you – is unharmed. After the panic has settled down a little bit, you will need to call your insurance company and notify them of what has just happened. The sooner this happens, the better, as the damage will only get worse if you delay even for a day or two. When you ring them up, the insurance company will ask for every detail you have. They will ask for the time and place of the accident, the number of people involved, and any injuries. Also, if the damage happened because of malicious intent, the insurance company would want that police report. 

You can also file a claim online or use a third-party app. Phone applications, such as GEICO, make filing a claim easy. However, if you prefer to file a claim from the computer, go to your favorite insurance website and create an account. From there, you will be able to choose what kind of claim you would like to file.

When your claim has been processed, your insurer will give you a list of all the best auto repair shops on the block. Now, you will be able to choose which auto glass shop you want to get your windshield replaced at. They all offer quality service, most of which are in mobile workshops. Once the mechanic is done, you will have to pay the deductible – unless, of course, you find a way to waive it, and then the insurance will take on the rest.

There is also an alternative way to go about the whole thing. If you find an auto glass repair shop yourself and then pay for the whole operation yourself, the insurance company will reimburse you afterward. However, you should check with your insurance agent to see if you have that option.

Windshield Replacement Cost with Insurance

We touched on this a bit in the “How Much Does a New Windshield Cost?” section, but let’s take a more in-depth look. Now, while the cost of a deductible may vary, generally, they are around $100 to $2000, which is an extensive range and can be pretty terrifying. There is one way you can decrease the amount, though, and that is by simply increasing your premiums, which is not ideal, but at least it’s something. Those can be pretty expensive, but what happens if the windshield replacement cost is lower than your deductible? You will have to pay everything out of pocket as the insurance companies only cover the amount after the deductible.

Windshield Replacement Cost Without Insurance

Now, I believe I’ve mentioned this before, but the windshield cost without insurance will generally be around $200 to $400, depending on various factors. Even the auto repair shop will have as much influence as anything else, so you must get both quality and affordability. Safelite, one of the industry leaders, has just that.

Safelite serviceSafelite price
Repair 1 chip – windshield$134.99
Repair 2 chips – windshield$164.98
Repair 3 chips – windshield$189.97
Replace windshield$359.99
Replace rear windshield$359.99
Replace front window – driver side$339.99
Replace back window – driver side$329.99
Replace vent glass – driver side$349.99
Replace quarter panel – driver side$499.99
Replace front window – passenger side$339.99
Replace back window – passenger side$329.99
Replace vent glass – passenger side$349.99
Replace quarter panel – passenger side$499.99

Types of Windows

So far, we have only been talking about windshields, but as you might know, the car has more than one glass window. If you haven’t bothered to count them all, don’t worry – I got you covered. There are six in total, the most important of which is the windshield. It does a lot more than most people realize. The windshield not only protects you from the wind and bugs but it’s often tinted for better visibility and supports 30% of the roof – not to mention that when the airbags are triggered, they bounce off the windshield before expanding. So, yeah, I would say it’s pretty essential for your safety.

Then, we have the front and rear windows of the car. They may not be as responsible for your safety as the windshield, but they are just as important. Generally, when we think of car windows, the two on the front and the two on the back are the first things that pop into our minds. Those are the ones that are modified most often, although that may be illegal depending on where you are. In some states, such as Georgia, the two windows on the front and back must allow more than 32% light to pass through. Here is the kicker, which only applies to sedans – if you drive an SUV or a van, you can darken the back windows. However, no matter what you are going, all four must have a reflective surface below 20%. So say goodbye to fully tinted glass.

There is also a vent and quarter glass. Not all cars have those, and they are generally small windows tucked into a corner. The vent glass was typically found at the front row near the driver or the shotgun passenger. They were used to let in some cool air without having to open the full-on window. This was before air conditioning became so widespread. The same goes for the quarter glass.

Next, we have an often-overlooked piece of glass – the sunroof. It’s made out of the same tempered glass as the side windows. They are also more likely to leak than break.

Last but not least, we have the back glass. Generally, the same rules for tinting, like the rear windows, apply to the back glass. As I like to call it, the rear windshield is made out of tempered glass, which increases its toughness. If broken, that glass will break into tiny round pieces. In general, it’s a safe alternative to standard glass.

Type of windowCost
Passenger window replacement$100–350 depending on the model
Car door window replacement$100–350 depending on the model
Driver window replacement $200–450 based on a variety of factors
Front windshield replacement $200–$500 average
Rear window replacement$325 average

Types of Window Damage

All windshield damages are expensive, but they vary in severity. While most types you will experience are small, nobody wants to drive with a hole in their side door. The major one you have to look out for is, of course, the windshield. If there is a small crack on the driver’s side, you can’t repair it, and you will need to get yours replaced. However, if it’s on the passenger side, you don’t even need to call your insurance company. You can do it yourself, depending on the type of damage.

One of the most common is star or bullseye chips. They are usually caused by small rocks or pieces of gravel slamming into your windshield and are known for their distinctive shapes. All it takes is for a rock to be kicked up by the red Chevy in front, and it will come crashing into your glass. If a chip just hollows out a spot, then it is known as a bullseye. If it instead develops a small crack that expands from the center, then it’s a star.

You also have longer cracks. If the crack is on the edge of the windshield or right in front of the driver, then you will need to get yours fixed. If it’s anywhere else and less in length than a dollar bill, you will be able to repair it yourself. The cause for these cracks is always a microscopic chip in the windshield, and they are commonly known as “stress cracks.” You don’t see them as much in modern vehicles, but in the old days, a stress crack used to develop out of nowhere and could be traced to the edge of the glass coming in contact with a hard surface. Nowadays, almost all modern vehicles have urethane moldings that are permanently bonded to the glass, allowing for expansion and contraction, so stress cracks don’t happen anymore. 

Sand damage happens in sandy areas, surprisingly, but also during winter when sand is applied to the road. Your windshield could be filled with sand thanks to drivers who are going at high speeds. Then we have wiper damage. If you have been driving for a very long time with the same wiper blades, they can lose their rubber and scratch the surface of your windshield. 

Finally, we have delamination, which doesn’t happen anymore, but it was quite the problem during my time. You see the layers of glass can start to delaminate from the plastic inner membrane, and you will know when this happens because the damage always starts from the edge of the glass, and the membrane can fog to the point that you can’t see through it anymore. 

OEM vs. Aftermarket Windshield Replacement Costs

We already established that OEM windshields are more expensive and harder to get than the aftermarket ones, but what is the difference? A brand new OEM windshield will cost you anywhere between $1000 and $6000, depending on the car you have, while an aftermarket windshield can range from $100 to $1000. The average, however, is anywhere from $200 to $500. Below is the average cost for some mid-range cars.

ModelPrice
Toyota Camry 2019$1359 
Toyota Corolla 2019$1129 
Honda Civic 2020$869 
Jeep Wrangler 2020$1149 
Nissan Sentra 2020$1409 

While both aftermarket and OEM windshields have their advantages and disadvantages, manufacturers have started strongly encouraging the latter, seeing how replacing a windshield is becoming more difficult as the car becomes further integrated with modern technology. Nowadays, you can’t replace a modern windshield without recalibrating the ADAS sensors, and the ones who know how to do that perfectly are the ones who made it in the first place – in other words, the OEM manufacturer. So while it can be tempting to get a cheaper windshield, there might be some good reason to reconsider your OEM stance. 

How Mobile Windshield Replacement Works

At this point, you might be wondering how the whole mobile windshield replacement thing happens. Well, no matter where you go, all of the major windshield replacement companies offer mobile glass repair and replacement services. They also make it easy to get in touch and schedule an appointment. You have to contact the company and give them everything you know about your car and the windshield damage. If you have insurance, you will need to provide the repair shop their contact information. Then they will call your insurer and find out if you are covered or have to pay a deductible. Otherwise, the company will give you their quota on the spot.

After all that is taken care of, a technician will come to your house or office where they will repair or replace the windshield. They won’t stay long as replacing a windshield usually takes between 15 and 60 minutes. So while you work or relax, your windshield will be fixed within an hour. As with everything else, though, there are both advantages and disadvantages to mobile repair.

You might not want someone to come to your driveway if it’s cold, snowing, or raining. When the weather is terrible, it’s best to have your windshield replaced at the auto glass shop. The only exception to this is if you have a garage. Not only is it unpleasant for the technician to be working outside in those conditions, but the adhesive might not be set properly.

The other time that it’s better to have the car fixed at the auto shop is when the mechanic says so. Sometimes, the damage can be pretty severe, and they can only fix it in their shop, so listen to what the mechanic says and follow their instructions. 

Top Auto Glass Companies for Windshield Replacement

If you consider getting a new windshield, you might want to know who the best companies are on the road. There are, in fact, three main guys who have the technique and knowledge to replace your windshield perfectly. The biggest one is Safelite which has locations in 50 states as well as some in Canada. They mainly deal with window repair and replacement and are available for mobile appointments so that you can get your windshield replacement in your garage. More than that, the folks at Safelite Autoglass believe in their abilities so much that they are willing to offer you a lifetime warranty as well. They also work with original OEM materials, so you know you are getting quality. For reference, here are some quotes from the big three for windshield replacement.

VehicleSafelite Quotes
Toyota RAV4$409
Honda CR-V$369
Ram 1500$449
Ford F150$339
Toyota Tacoma$369
Chevy Silverado$329
Toyota Corolla$389
Honda Civic$369
Nissan Rogue$359
BMW X5$389

One of Safelite’s biggest competitors is Glass Doctor. They have locations in 43 states and are available in some places in Canada. They also mainly deal in car windows and shower doors. Glass Doctor is also available for mobile appointments, and they have a one-year warranty on your windshield replacement. This is also one of the only auto repair shops that still offers coupons for their services. You can get 25% off and even 50% from any service. 

Glass America is the smallest company compared with the other two, with locations in just 34 states. That doesn’t mean they are worse. It’s quite the opposite. The quality of work at Glass America is top tier, each technician is certified with the Auto Glass Safety Council, and the materials are OEM quality. They also have mobile repair services, so you can relax with a cold beer and a good match while the specialists work on your car.

While all of these repair shops have excellent standards and provide quality craft, I would say that Safelite offers the best of the best windshield replacement. It is America’s most beloved auto glass shop, and for a good reason, it has high ratings all across the internet, and millions of people trust it. Aside from that, their customer service is top tier, and they will even send you the name, photo, and credentials of any technician who will be going your way. Here is some extra information about the three big auto repair companies, their details, and their services.

Auto repair shopAvailabilityServicesOn-site appointmentsMobile appointmentsAdditional details
Safelite50 states and select locations in CanadaWindshield repair and replacement

Window repair and replacement

Power window repair
YesYesLifetime warranty

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts

TrueSeal technology

GlassHealer resin
Glass Doctor43 states and select locations in CanadaWindshield repair and replacement

Business glass

Shower doors
YesYesG12 Road Hazard windshield replacement guarantee for one year

Glass Doctor
Advantage Plan for future protection

Discounts
Glass America34 statesWindshield repair and replacementYesYesOEM-quality glass

Technicians certified with the Auto Glass Safety Council

Now, while the price of a windshield replacement might vary depending on the repair shop, generally, the range will be around the average. While I touched on this before, there is a way to calculate your windshield replacement cost, depending on various factors.

How to Get a Windshield Replacement Quote?

Simply click the button below and it will take you to a page where you can choose what type of window you are looking for – windshield, side windows, or rear windows. You will also have to enter your zip code and the year of the car, the manufacturer, and the model. Then, you hit the big blue button, and it shows you the nearest repair shop with the most affordable price. It also shows you their contact information and whether they only have on-site appointments or mobile as well.

Alternatively, if you want to find a specific quote for, let’s say Glass America, you will need to go to their website and click on the big button called quote – at which point you will have to enter your vehicle information as well as a method of contact. Otherwise, you can simply call the number on top of the page, and they will give you their quotes as well as any seasonal deals they might have. 

How to Make Sure You Got a Quality Windshield Replacement

Well, the easiest way is to go to a trusted repair company such as Safelite Autoglass or get an OEM replacement. Let’s be honest here – most of the time, you probably won’t be able to do those things. Finding OEM glass is hard, not to mention it will cost a lot more, and there might not be a Safelite repair shop in your local area. So what can you do in that case?

Well, I realized I say this a lot, but stay educated, and learn the process of replacing a windshield. Other than that, you can ask about a warranty before you get your windshield replacement. If the auto shop is acting sketchy about that, get the hell out of there, and find a better one. You see, there is a lot of pride in quality craft, so the repair shop won’t hesitate to give you a warranty. Some even offer a lifetime warranty, and that’s because they believe in the excellent work they are doing. 

Finally, the best way to find out if you are getting quality service is to look online. Chances are, you are not the first person who has gone to that particular auto glass repair, so there are bound to be people who have shared their opinions online. See if the repair shop has any reviews. What do people in that local area think of it? This will help you determine whether or not you will receive the best possible service.

Now that we have answered that, it’s time to conclude this article. What? Do you still have more questions? Well, why not? Let’s look at some of the most frequently asked.

FAQ

Q: Can I wash my car right away after replacing the windshield?

A: No. It’s better to wait at least a day and at best, two or three. That’s because of the high pressure that comes with water spraying your car, which can wreck your glass seal and molding if it has not completely cured yet. If that happens, you will need to find yet another windshield, not to mention it will be awkward if you go back to the auto glass repair shop, not even a day after they finished installing your new windshield. However, if you really want to give your car a wash, then use a sponge, and avoid the windshield. I should also mention that if it’s going to rain, there is no need to worry as that won’t harm the new glass.

Q: Can I drive my car immediately after the windshield has been replaced?

A: This is a question that is a bit more complicated. The general rule is that you can’t drive until the adhesive has settled. This is determined by a few factors which are out of your control. The most important of these factors is the adhesive itself. There are different types and consistencies which can result in different settling times. The other important factors are temperature and humidity. When the sun is shining bright and the heat is unbearable, the adhesive will take longer to settle. The same goes for humidity. The higher it is, the longer it will take. Generally, however, most adhesives will settle within a few hours, but it will take a whole day for some. If you are not sure whether you should drive or not, then wait a day, or you can ask your mechanic.

Q: Should I replace the windshield myself? 

A: Now that’s a good question. Generally, it’s not that difficult to replace a windshield unless, of course, you have some sensors that need recalibration, which is when you will need to see a professional. However, if you don’t replace a windshield, it would probably take you a whole day, so reserve one of the weekends. Now, there are pros and cons to this – the main ones are that you might save a bit of money, although not a lot, if you don’t have insurance, but this is still a delicate process, and if you are not extremely careful, you might crack the new windshield as well. So look at what you need and make your decision.

Conclusion

There are a lot of factors that go into your windshield replacement cost. The fact is that answering a question, such as “How much is a car window?” is complicated. The best way to get a quick summary of the price is by using a calculator. This will take into account the significant factors and give you the cheapest estimate in your local area.

Luckily, insurance exists, and it will help you pay for the replacement – minus a deductible. However, if you don’t have that, then you could try to DIY it, but then you will have to take into account the new windshield cost as well as all the other materials you will need – not to mention that it can be a complex process and it can take the whole day, especially if you haven’t done it before. You will also need to be extremely careful not to chip the glass during the installation. Trust me; it’s way more complicated than it sounds. Between doing it yourself and going to a glass repair shop, there is not much difference in the windshield replacement prices. So take a look at all the factors, and decide for yourself.

Windshield Replacement