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CostHelper.com > Cars  > Windshield Replacement and Repair

Windshield Replacement and Repair Cost

How Much Does Windshield Replacement and Repair Cost?

low cost Repair Cracks: $20-$60
low cost Range: $150-$325
low cost Minivan: $175-$300

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Next to airbags and seatbelts, a vehicle's windshield is considered its third most important safety component. According to Nader.org, windshields protect occupants from debris, and an improperly installed windshields can "blow out of their mounting" when an airbag inflates. In case of a crash or rollover, windshields are designed to keep occupants inside the vehicle.
 
Typical costs:
  • Chips or cracks in the windshield may not require replacement. Many auto insurers will cover repairs in full, with no deductible, to avoid costly replacements. However, only certain chips and cracks can be repaired. Repairs can't be in the driver's direct line of sight and they must be small.
  • Replacing windshields range from$157 to $324 for passenger cars; $164 to $290 for SUVs; $164 to $310 for pickup trucks; and $174 to $294 for minivans.
  • Costs for chip repair range from $20 for in-store service to $55 for mobile service. Expect to pay $20 more for each additional chip. Cost for crack repair up to 12 inches range from $50 - $59; cracks between 12 and 24 inches range from $59 to $69. Reputable shops will advise replacement of windshields with cracks longer than 24 inches, since anything bigger cannot be repaired safely.
What should be included:
  • Each vehicle manufacturer specifies windshield size and curvature based on the make and model of vehicle. Replacement costs typically include the glass, installation labor, adhesive and cleaning.
  • Most auto glass shops should include warranties or guarantees. Even if a warranty isn't specified, the National Glass Association recommends that consumers who notice any water or air leaks around the windshield should demand that it be reinstalled.
  • Windshield manufacturers must adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The cost difference between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass and so-called "after market" glass is small enough that the NHTSA suggests asking for OEM parts whenever available.
Additional costs:
  • Certain vehicles require special rubber moldings that cost $5 to $21.
  • If your windshield has attached wipers, replacing the windshield will also require replacement of the wipers and blades, which would cost $10 to $20.
Discounts:
  • Comprehensive insurance often covers reimbursement for windshield replacement. According to the Insurance Information Institute, some insurers offer glass coverage with or without a deductible. Deductibles for this coverage ranges from$100-$300.
Shopping for windshield replacement and repair:
  • The Coalition for Auto Glass Safety and Public Awareness suggests windshield replacement be done only by certified technicians using the manufacturer's recommended urethane adhesive. Technicians should wear gloves to avoid contaminating the bonding surfaces and should clean and prime both the glass and the area on the vehicle (known as the "pinchweld") where the glass is to be set. After installation, check to see that the windshield is centered and flush to the vehicle's body, that the molding is flat and that there are no visible gaps between the molding and the windshield.
  • Be careful of offers for free windshield repair or replacement. The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud warns that some businesses claim that your insurance will cover the cost in full, but inflate charges or overbill your policy for several windshield replacements.
  • You can locate a certified technician through the National Glass Association website.
  • Check a businesses' history with the Better Business Bureau before agreeing to have any work performed.
Article updated May 2007
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
help
Amount: $12,000.00
Posted by: Stacey Machado in Madison, WI.Posted: August 24th, 2008 09:08PM
Car Make: DodgeCar Model: Caravan sport
I need to know how much a window for the front passenger will cost to put in or to buy? We locked keys in the vehicle and had to bust the window out
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Windshield Crack
Amount: $55.00
Posted by: A user in CA in Walnut Creek, CA.Posted: December 5th, 2008 02:12PM
Filled in 1 small chip and 1 small crack (about the size of a dollar coin) for $55 total. The crack actually was filled in very well so that it was barely noticeable.
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replace windsheild
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: John Lewis in marrero, LA.Posted: March 4th, 2009 12:03PM
Car Make: 1997 Chevorlet SurbanCar Model:
Auto Shop: auto zone
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REPLACE WINDSHIELD
Amount: $125.00
Posted by: a user in arlington, TX.Posted: March 22nd, 2009 09:03PM
Car Make: PONTIACCar Model: GRAND AM SE
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Chip Repair Cost
Amount: $50.00
Posted by: Sarah R in Venice, CA.Posted: August 26th, 2009 04:08PM
Repaired 4 chips in my windshield for $50.00.
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Chip Repair Cost
Amount: $10.00
Posted by: Erin B. in omaha, NE.Posted: November 17th, 2009 06:11AM
Car Make: chevyCar Model: 1500
Auto Shop: 123 Glass Company
They fixed a chip in my windshield for $10 dollars since i brought it into their shop. Looks like new again.
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Hertz Rental Car bilking consumers
Amount: $1,198.00
Posted by: Mary D. in Dublin, Other.Posted: February 9th, 2010 10:02AM
While in Ireland, I rented a car from Hertz Rental Car. Upon returning the car at the Dublin Airport, I was told I could NOT LEAVE the country without paying $1198 for a chip in the windshield (which I never even noticied!)
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Repair kit
Amount: $16.00
Posted by: Rog in Amarillo, TX.Posted: March 9th, 2010 07:03PM
Car Make: ChevyCar Model: Equinox
Auto Shop: Autozone
The "do it yourself" kit was not so easy to do. After I purchased the kit, and opened it up, I read the confusing instructions stating I needed at least 50 degrees and an hour of direct sun light. It was the middle of winter and dark......needless to say the kit didn't work. Within a day the crack spread. Lejt a pro do it, $50 is well spent!
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Replaced Winsheild
Amount: $241.00
Posted by: txifreman in Amarillo, TX.Posted: April 23rd, 2010 09:04AM
Car Make: CheroletCar Model: HHR LT
Auto Shop: Safelite
They were by far and away the cheapest by almost a $100 in the city! They came to my job and were finished in about 40 minutes. They did a great job!
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windshield replacement
Amount: $50.00
Posted by: Meglins in Spokane, WA.Posted: June 7th, 2010 11:06AM
Car Make: GeoCar Model: Metro
I am looking to buy a Geo and the guy says the front windshield needs to be replaced and says that you can usually get it replaced for $50...does this have anything truth to it?!
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windshield repair
Amount: $65.00
Posted by: windshield wonder llc c in montclair, NJ.Posted: September 10th, 2010 01:09PM
Car Make: fordCar Model: explorer
Auto Shop: windshield wonder llc
its a great service they do cracks up to 14 inches and insurance will pay and waive the deductible looks great you can barley see it
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front windshield replacment
Amount: $230.00
Posted by: snookums in culpeper, VA.Posted: October 18th, 2010 07:10PM
Car Make: KiaCar Model: rio hatchback
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Windshield Replacement
Amount: $219.74
Posted by: Holly P in Lakeland, FL.Posted: November 29th, 2010 07:11AM
Car Make: MitsubishiCar Model: Eclipse
Auto Shop: Glass America
I was driving down the road and my hood flew up and SHATTERED my windshield. I have setup an appointment with Glass America. One simple call and thats all I have to do, they are doing all the rest. I dont even have to take my car to them. They are coming to my car free of charge and it comes with a warranty good for as long as I own my car. PLUS, they get the original windshield for my car straight from the Mitsubishi company. HOWS THAT FOR SERVICE! :)
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Windshield Replacement MN
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: Windshield Replacement MN in Peoria,, .Posted: September 21st, 2011 11:09AM
Car Make: qinahieldCar Model: Toyota Inova
Auto Shop: Auti Glass
"Thank you for the excellent windshield replacement. I work at a high-tech medical company and do a lot of research before I make a decision. After calling several glass companies, it was easy to make my decision. The Rapid Glass Customer Service staff was friendly and helpful."
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1997 ford explorer windshield wipers front and back size and cost
Amount: $35.00
Posted by: lilah in san jose, CA.Posted: October 6th, 2011 01:10PM
Car Make: 1997Car Model: ford explorer
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cost of 2006 saturn winsheid
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: Diane Morrison in Davenport, IA.Posted: January 21st, 2012 02:01AM
Car Make: saturn 2006Car Model: ion
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Mobile Windshield Replacement
Amount: $174.00
Posted by: missDaisy in Allentown, PA.Posted: February 23rd, 2012 03:02PM
Car Make: HondaCar Model: Accord
Auto Shop: All Star Auto Glass, Allentown PA 18109
I had put off replaceing my windshield for months until i finally was pulled over and was ticketed for having a broken windshield. I called everywhere in the area and all star auto glass was by far the best, they had the best price, they were fast and friendly and didnt charge me for mobile service, i would def recommend them to anyone i know and ill use them again
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Repaired Windshield Chip (combo type)
Amount: $30.00
Posted by: Dave1234 in marianna, FL.Posted: February 28th, 2012 07:02PM
Car Make: MazdaCar Model: 626
Auto Shop: Tommy\'s Marianna, Fl
Did a good job, was a combo chip that opened the glass and started to star.
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