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 |  | Repairing a Chip: Usually Around $50 |  | Typical Windshield Replacement: $180-$400 |  | Rare Windshield Replacement: $500-$1,500+ |
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Modern windshields are typically made of laminated safety glass -- two curved sheets of glass with a plastic layer laminated between them. A properly installed and undamaged windshield is an important part of the vehicle's safety restraint system, keeping the driver and passenger inside the car in a head-on collision and providing extra strength to prevent the roof caving in during a roll-over.
Typical costs: |
- Replacing a front car windshield typically costs $180-$400, depending on the model and type of vehicle, as well as whether the replacement windshield is OEM or aftermarket. Users report paying $160-$600 for a windshield replacement, at an average cost of $282.
- Repairing a crack in a front car windshield can cost $30-$150, depending on local conditions, the length of the crack and how many there are. Users report paying $30-90 for windshield repairs, typically paying about $50.
- 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.
Related articles: Replacing a Passenger or Driver Side Window, Window Tinting, Windshield Wipers, Painting a Car, Auto Detailing
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What should be included: |
- 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.
- Windshield replacement costs typically include the glass, installation labor, adhesive and cleaning. According to Edmunds[1] , 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[2] .
- 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.
Additional costs: |
- 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.
Discounts: |
- Many auto insurance companies cover windshield repairs in full, with no deductible, to avoid costly replacements.
- 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[3] .
Shopping for replacing or repairing a windshield: |
- 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.)
- Be wary of offers for free windshield repair or replacement. The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud[4] 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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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Debi Ashley in Livermore CA, CA. | Posted: July 30th, 2023 01:07PM |
| Car Make: Chevy Camaro | Car Model: Cemaro |
| Auto Shop: Safelite |
That's the quoted price, it went from 385.00 to 750.00 in 3 weeks REDICULOUS I'm going elsewhere |
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| Posted by: [email protected] in San Jose, CA. | Posted: November 14th, 2020 11:11AM |
| Car Make: Toyota | Car Model: 2010 Prius |
| Auto Shop: Low Price Auto glass |
I called around and this was the cheapest place. Low overhead not a lot of parking available but it was the cheapest buy a long shot and the work was great. |
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| Posted by: Jacob German in Augusta, GA. | Posted: September 4th, 2019 06:09PM |
| Car Make: Toyota | Car Model: Rav4 |
| Auto Shop: Augusta auto glass |
My wife was out of town for work when a rock hit her windshield on the road causing a chip. Afraid to drive the vehicle all the way back home (300 miles), I got online and found the guys at www.augustaautoglass.com They were extremely helpful and allowed me to take care of the transaction over the phone. Highly recommend this company. |
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| Posted by: Christine Brown in Santa Clarita, CA. | Posted: February 4th, 2019 09:02AM |
| Car Make: 2018 Honda | Car Model: Accord |
| Auto Shop: Mobile Auto Glass |
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| Posted by: Kurt Yoneda in Pearl City, HI. | Posted: January 26th, 2017 08:01PM |
| Auto Shop: Safelite Glass |
Got a quote online at Safelite for my 2006 Toyota Tacoma which was hit by a rock and the crack has extended in several different locations. Quote was priced at $412.58. Wow, a bit costly, i think ill go somewhere else |
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| Posted by: Very Satisfied GA Customer in Atlanta, GA. | Posted: August 4th, 2015 03:08PM |
| Car Make: Toyota | Car Model: Camry |
| Auto Shop: Universal Auto Glass |
Great Company and fast and efficient. Had an Avalon windshield replaced about 6 years ago with this company and was pleased with the work. Took another car in to replace and the price is still the same. I will be back because my Avalon windshield is damaged again with cracks and runs. |
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| Posted by: Beezy in Alexandria, VA. | Posted: July 10th, 2015 04:07PM |
| Auto Shop: MINI Dealership, VA |
Insurance covered, but wow. Original MINI glass. |
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| Posted by: solo in Detroit, MI. | Posted: July 22nd, 2014 04:07PM |
| Auto Shop: Halbrook, Detroit |
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| Posted by: Peter J in Babylon, NY. | Posted: March 22nd, 2013 09:03PM |
| Auto Shop: A&O Windshield Repair inc |
Rock hit my window and caused a star and there was black that could be seen from inside...reffered me this guy and he came with in hrs of calling him, took his time and was very professional....explained to me and my wife exactly what he was doing and why and charged me $50 with tax.....highly recommend! |
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| Posted by: smaaahtguy in weymouth, MA. | Posted: January 17th, 2013 01:01PM |
| Auto Shop: master glass |
They did a really good job and gote right in. I also shopped the competition and they were a hundred bucks more! |
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| Posted by: MrK in ashburn, VA. | Posted: October 20th, 2012 10:10AM |
| Car Make: ford | Car Model: taurus |
| Auto Shop: Auto Glass Depot |
The wind blew their reciept into my bushes and I find that an OEM windshield was $66, their cost. |
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| Posted by: VoiceODPPL in Glen Ellyn, IL. | Posted: August 20th, 2012 04:08PM |
| Car Make: Toyota | Car Model: Echo |
| Auto Shop: Safelight Auto |
The labor was $119.95 for a small chip! I felt like they took advanbtage of my wife who called for the appointment. Insurance will cover but that's not the point. BEWARE! |
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| Posted by: Dave1234 in marianna, FL. | Posted: February 28th, 2012 07:02PM |
| Car Make: Mazda | Car 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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| Posted by: missDaisy in Allentown, PA. | Posted: February 23rd, 2012 03:02PM |
| Car Make: Honda | Car 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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| Posted by: Diane Morrison in Davenport, IA. | Posted: January 21st, 2012 02:01AM |
| Car Make: saturn 2006 | Car Model: ion |
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| Posted by: lilah in san jose, CA. | Posted: October 6th, 2011 01:10PM |
| Car Make: 1997 | Car Model: ford explorer |
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| Posted by: Windshield Replacement MN in Peoria,, . | Posted: September 21st, 2011 11:09AM |
| Car Make: qinahield | Car 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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| Posted by: Holly P in Lakeland, FL. | Posted: November 29th, 2010 07:11AM |
| Car Make: Mitsubishi | Car 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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| Posted by: snookums in culpeper, VA. | Posted: October 18th, 2010 07:10PM |
| Car Make: Kia | Car Model: rio hatchback |
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| Posted by: windshield wonder llc c in montclair, NJ. | Posted: September 10th, 2010 01:09PM |
| Car Make: ford | Car 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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| Posted by: Meglins in Spokane, WA. | Posted: June 7th, 2010 11:06AM |
| Car Make: Geo | Car 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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| Posted by: txifreman in Amarillo, TX. | Posted: April 23rd, 2010 09:04AM |
| Car Make: Cherolet | Car 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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| Posted by: Rog in Amarillo, TX. | Posted: March 9th, 2010 07:03PM |
| Car Make: Chevy | Car 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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| 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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| Posted by: Erin B. in omaha, NE. | Posted: November 17th, 2009 06:11AM |
| Car Make: chevy | Car 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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| 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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| Posted by: a user in arlington, TX. | Posted: March 22nd, 2009 09:03PM |
| Car Make: PONTIAC | Car Model: GRAND AM SE |
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| Posted by: John Lewis in marrero, LA. | Posted: March 4th, 2009 12:03PM |
| Car Make: 1997 Chevorlet Surban | Car Model: |
| Auto Shop: auto zone |
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| 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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External Resources: |
- www.edmunds.com/car-maintenance/repair-or-replace-your-windshield-the-right-way.html
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoljdvhPUGE
- www.iii.org/article/what-covered-basic-auto-insurance-policy
- www.insurancefraud.org/scam-alerts-windshield.htm
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