Windshield Replacement and Repair Cost

• Repairing a crack in a windshield can cost $50 -$150, depending on the length of the crack. Repairing a small chip in a windshield typically costs $10 -$60, depending on location and whether the work is done in a shop or as a mobile service (the technician comes to the vehicle, and typically charges slightly more than in-shop work); plus $10 -$25 for each additional chip. CostHelper readers report paying $10 -$147 for windshield repairs, at an average cost of $58.
• Replacing a windshield typically costs $100 -$400, depending on the year, make, model and type of vehicle, as well as whether the replacement windshield is original equipment glass (OEM, made by the vehicle manufacturer) or aftermarket (produced by another company). CostHelper readers report paying $150 -$300 for a windshield replacement, at an average cost of $214. WindshieldsToGo.com provides an online form to estimate the cost of windshield replacement with and without installation, based on zip code and the year, make, model and style of vehicle.
• It can cost $500 -$1,500 or more to replace a vehicle's windshield, if the replacement part is rare and/or only available through a dealer. For example, in 2011 Edmunds.com reported that it paid $1,300 to replace the windshield on a 2011 Infiniti M56 long-term test car.

• Not all windshield chips and cracks can be safely repaired. Repairs must be small and can't be in the driver's direct line of sight. If a crack is longer than 2', the windshield will need to be replaced rather than repaired. Expert Village has a series of videos explaining how to repair a bullseye break, a clamshell chip, a crack or a star break in a windshield.
• Windshield replacement costs typically include the glass, installation labor, adhesive and cleaning. According to Edmunds, windshield installation takes about an hour, and does not necessarily need to be done in a shop; the installation technician should wear gloves (grease from hands can prevent adhesives from bonding correctly); the tech must use all the required bonding agents, such as primer; and the vehicle must sit for one to 12 hours before being driven. An auto glass repair shop in California has a video demonstrating windshield replacement.
• Many auto glass shops include a free one- or two-year warranty that covers cracks, leaks or other problems caused by poor installation; check whether the warranty is valid nationwide or only at that location.

• Some vehicles require special rubber moldings that typically cost $5 -$25.
• If the vehicle has windshield wipers attached to the windshield, these wipers will need to be replaced at an average cost of $7 -$20 each.

• Many auto insurance companies cover windshield repairs in full, with no deductible, to avoid costly replacements. For example, AAA in Northern California, Nevada and Utah offers its policyholders no-cost windshield repair service.
• Comprehensive auto insurance often covers windshield replacement, either with a $100 -$300 deductible or with no deductible amount due, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

• Windshield repair or replacement is typically done by a shop or mobile service specializing in auto glass work. (Car dealerships that do windshield replacement may sub the actual installation work out to a specialized auto glass shop.) The National Glass Association has a searchable directory of auto glass businesses.
• Check whether the business has any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.
• Be wary of offers for free windshield repair or replacement. The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud warns that some businesses claim that insurance will cover the cost in full, but then inflate the charges or overbill the policy for several windshield replacements.

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