How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Windshield?
Windshields are an important safety feature on all types of motor vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, windshields play a key role in helping drivers maintain control over their cars after a crash or collision. A crack or chip can adversely affect your ability to see clearly when you're driving. Even the smallest crack in the glass is capable of creating dangerous driving conditions for you and other drivers on the road. If your windshield suffers from damage, it is necessary to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Auto glass repairs are usually fast and economical, but you should expect some variation when pricing these repairs because they require special equipment and materials that do not come cheap.
Replacing a windshield is a complex and labor-intensive job that's why the cost to replace one can vary greatly, depending on:
1. The type of car you drive
2. Where you live and the price of auto glass in your area
3. Whether or not you have insurance coverage that will help cover the cost of replacement
4. How much over-the-counter glass repair costs at your local automotive repair shop* - windshield repairs usually start around $60 but could go as low as $10 for small chips and cracks (but this will depend on where you live)
5. The size of damage to your existing windshield – typically, the larger the crack is, the more it'll cost to repair
6. Whether or not your insurance company requires you to replace rather than repair the windshield
7. Your deductible amount – if your insurance policy has a $500 deductible, and they cover glass repairs and replacements, but they require you to pay the deductible first
8. Whether or not you choose to work with an independent glass shop or a national chain retailer for all of your auto glass needs
9. Upgrading features on your car such as "tinting" (which may be offered as an upgrade) can increase the cost to fix it
10. What type of vehicle do you drive – such as truck vs sedan vs SUV vs luxury car, etc
Add up all those factors and it's not surprising that the cost to replace a windshield can range from $200 to $450 on average.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, your insurance provider will usually cover the cost of glass replacement minus any deductible amount you owe them. In addition to the costs listed above, there are additional services and supplies that go into replacing a windshield such as:
1 Glass repair shop materials – using everything from epoxy to oleophobic solution
2 Windshield wiper blades
3 Windshield water repellant (a liquid applied during installation)
4 Windshield molding (removing old molding and adding new molding can add about $10 or more to the total cost)
5 Removal of the old windshield – this can be difficult if you have an older car with paint that might be bonded to the glass, which is why some shops will charge extra for it
6 Installation of a new windshield – because auto glass replacement requires special tools and equipment that contractors may not normally use on different job types (such as doors or roofs), it's important that they get to practice and training on installing and using them. Glass.net offers installation tips to help ensure shops provide high-quality workmanship when doing your installation
7 The use of more expensive "environmentally friendly" products such as the SGP Glass Pace Dealer Guidelines for Waterborne Urethane Adhesive (PDF) has been known to add a few extra dollars to the final bill
With all that being said, if you're dealing with a small crack or chip in your windshield, it's usually cheaper and more time-efficient to have it repaired instead. In fact, many shops will waive the fee for an initial diagnostic check if you get your windshield repaired first
The cost of replacing a windshield can be really expensive so it is advisable to get a good insurance policy on your car. When comparing rates, don't forget to factor in whether or not there's glass coverage included in your deductibles. If you live in Florida or California where there are a lot of earthquakes and other natural disasters then getting a replacement windshield becomes very important because of safety reasons.
If you live in areas where winter storms are common, then you need to do everything possible to protect your car or truck's glass so that it won't suffer any damage during the winter season. It doesn't matter what type of vehicle you have because these storms can cause havoc on all types of cars and trucks. So go ahead and call a good auto glass shop today for more information.
Seminole, FL