Windshield Replacement Cost

Windshield Replacement Cost - Deciding Whether To Repair or Replace

So, that big old 18-wheeler truck just shot a rock at your windshield. The force of it created a penny-size chip right in your line of vision. Not only that, if the chip isn't quickly repaired or replaced, it will soon spread across the whole windshield.

It wasn't that long when a crack or chip meant a complete windshield replacement. But today things are different. Advances in technology have made it possible to repair windshields that years would have been replaced.

These advances not only save the windshield, but also save the expense of a complete windshield replacement cost. But even with these technological advancements in glass repair, not all windshields can be salvaged. If the damage caused to your windshield is severe, a complete windshield replacement will probably be necessary.

Should The Windshield Be Replaced or Repaired?

Windshield replacement or repair depends on few important factors; the size of the chip or crack, where the chip or crack is located, and how severe the damage is. In general, most windshield repair shops are capable of repairing chips the size of a quarter and cracks up to three inches long.

Beyond that, most windshields will need to be replaced. But there are a few exceptional techniques that enable some shops to repair cracks of up to 12 inches long. For this reason, it's your best interest to look around before committing to a complete windshield replacement cost.

The fate of your windshield is also decided by the location of the crack or chip. The most damaging cracks are those that are located on the edge of the windshield. These cracks have the tendency to spread very fast and can jeopardize the structural integrity of the glass. But, some of these cracks can be repaired if taken care of early. Still, the route most often advised is a complete windshield replacement.

Another point consider in deciding is that some shops may refuse to repair a crack or chip located squarely in the driver’s field of vision. This is because the glass displays minor distortions after the repair process. If this distortion is located directly in the driver's line of vision, some shops strongly recommend a complete windshield replacement.

Whether the size of the chip or crack is large or small, the best course of action is to repair or replace the windshield as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more dirt is likely to accumulate in the damaged area. This will limit the clarity and effectiveness of any repair work performed.

Lastly, if the windshield took a major hit, it will more than likely have to be replaced. Damage caused by accidents and large objects go beyond what glass repair methods are able to fix. In such cases, total replacement is required.

Windshield Replacement Cost - How Much Should You Expect To Pay?

Windshield replacement cost is fairly standard throughout the country. One recent national survey observed that costs are pretty consistent among windshield repair shops. The cost to repair a single chip costs in the range of $40 to $50. Additional chips typically cost about $10 more.

Repair costs for cracks are roughly the same. But if a crack extends beyond three inches, a special treatment may be required. Techniques that specialize in repairing long cracks typically charge about $70 to repair windshield cracks between 6 and 12 inches.

A complete windshield replacement costs quite a bit more and varies based on make and model. Besides the cost of the actual windshield, other factors considered into the total windshield replacement cost are the windshield molding kit and labor installation.

You may find a difference in price between what an independent glass shop and a dealership charges. The difference is typically because dealers and independent glass shops use different types of glass.

Windshield replacement cost will cost more at a dealer because they use the exact windshield shield that originally came with the car. This is known as an OEM windshield, or Original Equipment Manufacturer.

On the other hand, local and independent glass shops usually use windshields provided by no-OEM suppliers. While this glass is typically cheaper in cost, it generally offers similar quality, safety, and clarity as the more costly OEM windshield.

Non-OEM is mandated to meet or exceed the same safety standards as OEM glass. Even so, most independent and local glass shops strongly recommend using only OEM recommended adhesives and sealers during the windshield replacement. If a low quality urethane is used in the installation process, potential problems include leaking or the windshield actually becoming dislodged in the event of an accident.

Where To Get a Windshield Repaired or Replaced

You have a variety of options in getting your windshield repaired or replaced. It just depends on your own particular needs and preferences. Most shops will exhaust all other methods of windshield repair before advising a replacement.

Automotive Glass Specialist

This type of shop specializes exclusively in repairing and replacing all types of automotive glass. This includes windshield, rear windows, and side windows.

Windshield Repair Shop

These shops specialize exclusively in repairing windshields. They are typically franchises or independently owned shops. They repair cracks and chips, but they do not do windshield replacement installations.

New Car Dealerships

Local new car dealerships perform windshield replacement installations with an OEM windshield. It's not uncommon for dealerships to subcontract to mobile glass services, which come to the dealership and perform the windshield replacement on the site.

Non-OEM windshields are sometimes also available through dealerships.

Mobile Glass Repair & Replacement Services

These shops come to your work or home to perform windshield repairs and replacements.

General Glass Services

General glass services perform windshield repairs and replacements in addition to selling and installing residential and commercial glass.

You can find any of the windshield services just mentioned by checking with the Yellow Pages or conducting a Google search under the search terms "windshield repair", "windshield replacement", or "glass-auto".

Are Windshield Repair and Windshield Replacement Costs Covered By Insurance?

All automotive insurance companies cover windshields. However, windshield replacement cost is so much higher than windshield repair cost that insurance coverage is different each method.

If you have to replace a windshield, your insurance company will require you to pay your deductible, and then they will pay for the complete windshield replacement cost. If you are repairing the windshield, things get a little better.

Because repairs are so much less expensive than windshield replacements, many insurance companies will waive the deductible and pay for the entire windshield repair cost. This tactic by insurance companies is designed to motivate car owners to repair rather than replace a windshield.

This can save both you and insurance company quite a bit of money over the life of the insurance policy.

But if the windshield is indeed beyond repair, it will have to be replaced. Not only is a severely damaged windshield difficult to see through, but it's also a safety hazard. If the structural integrity of the windshield is compromised, it could further weaken if not repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

A qualified glass specialist will be able to tell you whether the windshield can be repaired or a complete windshield replacement is necessary.