If you've noticed a crack or chip in your windshield, you might be wondering how much it will cost to fix. Typically, windshield repair for chips or small cracks costs $50 to $150, while a full windshield replacement can cost $250 to $1,500 or more.
Prices depend on various factors, such as your vehicle's make and model, location, ADAS recalibration requirements, insurance coverage and your choice of OEM or aftermarket glass.
Understanding these factors can help you budget more effectively. Let's explore each of them in detail and discover how AAA can help you get the best rates.
Average Cost to Replace a Windshield
It's difficult to provide an average for windshield repair and replacement costs because so many different factors can influence your rate. Depending on the damage, the average cost to fix your car's windshield can range from $50 to $1,500+.
Here is a breakdown of typical price ranges by repair type:
- Small chip repair: $60-$100
- Crack repair: $100-$150
- Full replacement: $250-$1,500+
These prices can increase drastically if you're looking to repair a luxury vehicle or a car with rare parts. Prices may also vary by state or city, so we recommend checking with multiple auto shops.
6 Factors Affecting Windshield Replacement or Repair Cost
The cost of windshield replacement and repair can vary widely depending on several key factors. Understanding these factors helps you better estimate your expenses and avoid surprises when it's time to get your windshield fixed. Here are six of the variables that can influence how much you'll pay for the service.
1. Vehicle Make and Model
The make and model of your vehicle can influence windshield replacement costs due to supply and demand. If your car has extremely rare parts, mechanics may have a hard time obtaining them, or they'll have to pay a hefty price.
2. OEM vs. Aftermarket Windshields
Ordering a new windshield from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) can be expensive, but it ensures a perfect fit and a guaranteed lifespan that matches the original factory standards.
For cars equipped with ADAS technology, OEM- or OEM-equivalent glass is especially important because it provides the precise optical clarity required for cameras and sensors to function correctly.
Aftermarket car parts can also be high quality and often less expensive than OEM parts. However, you must choose the right type of window tint that won't affect your vision, and check with your insurer before modifying your vehicle.
3. Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
A vehicle equipped with an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) may have a higher new windshield cost than a car without one. Calibrating an ADAS system to accommodate a new windshield can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
The typical cost of recalibration is $360, though this can vary based on the calibration type. Static calibration aligns sensors with stationary targets, while dynamic calibration adjusts them during a test drive. Dynamic calibration tends to be pricier than static. Be sure to factor in recalibration when calculating your total estimate before approving repairs.
4. Labor Costs
Once you obtain a new windshield, someone will need to install it. Mechanics can handle this process for you, though you'll have to pay for their labor. The average mechanic labor rate differs by state, ranging from $100 to $300 for windshield replacement.
Some may try the DIY route, but an improper installation can rack up windshield repair costs by compromising your vehicle's structural integrity or impairing ADAS functionality.
5. Location
The cost to fix a cracked front windshield can vary by state or city. Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina are unique in offering zero-deductible windshield repair to drivers with comprehensive coverage.
6. Additional Repairs Needed
If your vehicle has severe damage, you may have to pay for more than just a windshield replacement. For example, fixing a damaged frame can cost $500 to $10,000 for a luxury vehicle.
Types of Windshield Damage
No two windshield cracks are the same, which is another reason repair costs can fluctuate so extensively. Technicians often sort cracks into various categories based on their severity, impact on a windshield's overall integrity and the likelihood it'll need replacing. Here are the most common types of cracks you'll encounter.
Chips
Chips are small, round cracks that often look like tiny specks or pits. In most cases, mechanics can repair a chip without much difficulty. Larger or multiple chips may require a full replacement to ensure safety. Windshield chip repair costs tend to be lower than for other types of cracks, since these are the least severe.
Angel Wings
Angel Wings are moderately sized cracks with distinct wings spreading from the impact point on either side. While repair kits can often fix small Angel Wing cracks, larger or spreading ones may require full windshield replacement to prevent further cracking.
Starburst
Starburst cracks have a central impact point with radiating cracks like a spiderweb. If the crack is under 3 inches, it's typically repairable. Larger cracks tend to weaken the windshield's structure and usually require full replacement to maintain safety.
Bull's-eye
A wide and circular crater is the telltale sign of a Bull's-eye crack. These often resemble larger, deeper chip cracks. Small Bull's-eyes are often repairable if caught early. They can become harder to repair over time as dust and debris accumulate at the impact point.
Edge Cracks
Edge cracks spread from the ends of the windshield and stretch toward the center. You might encounter them if you try to de-ice your car's windshield with boiling water. In most cases, only small Edge cracks are repairable. To ensure a vehicle's safety, windshield replacement is often the best option for medium- to large-edge cracks.
Repair or Replace? How to Decide
Noticing a crack doesn't necessarily mean you'll need a replacement. Deciding whether to repair or replace involves understanding how much it costs to replace a windshield and considering several factors, including:
- Size: A chip or crack smaller than a quarter is usually repairable. Deep-set cracks longer than three inches often require a full windshield replacement.
- Extent: If your windshield has multiple cracks or chips that spread across the glass and impair your vision, it usually requires replacement to maintain proper visibility while driving.
- Location: Cracks near the edges or in the ADAS camera zone typically require replacement to ensure safety and proper sensor function.
- Timing: Most windshield damage can be repaired if you act quickly. Repair costs for small chips are generally between $60 and $100, but if a crack spreads, the cost of windshield replacement can exceed $150.
- Age Factor: If your windshield has been in use for over 5 years, repairs may not hold as well. In this case, replacement could be the more reliable choice for long-term safety.
Does Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?
Comprehensive insurance will typically cover car window replacement costs when a driver isn't at fault. Drivers will likely be eligible for assistance with cracks caused by natural events, such as a rock or tree branch striking the vehicle. On the flip side, liability insurance can help pay for damages to another driver's windshield if you were at fault in a collision.
You may have to pay a deductible for windshield repairs that should be outlined in your insurance policy. Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina may offer zero-deductible plans for drivers with full and comprehensive coverage.
Prevent Fraudulent Insurance Claims
When filing a claim, contact your insurer directly. Some unreliable shops may attempt to take advantage of the Assignment of Benefits (AOB) clause, a legal agreement that allows the shop to seek payment directly from your insurance company without requiring your direct approval at each step.
While the AOB clause is legally permitted and commonly used, it can be exploited if the shop:
- Submits inflated or unnecessary charges
- Proceeds with repairs that you did not authorize
This can result in higher costs for you or claims that do not accurately reflect the actual damage.
The ability to use AOB is granted by your insurance policy and state laws to streamline repairs, but it requires careful oversight. To reduce the risk of inaccurate billing or fraud, it's best to choose a technician who is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). These vetted ASE-certified auto glass and collision repair technicians are committed to transparency and safeguarding your interests during repairs.
Tips to Save Money on Replacing a Windshield
Auto repair costs can be reduced in some cases and waived in others. Here are some practical tips to help you get the best value for your repairs:
- Use your insurance: Check if your insurance policy covers windshield repairs or replacements, especially if your deductible is low. Utilizing your coverage can often reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses.
- Act quickly: Find a good mechanic to repair small and medium-sized cracks as soon as possible. Repairing early prevents cracks from spreading, which can save you hundreds of dollars in replacement costs later.
- Get multiple quotes: Seek quotes from multiple repair shops. Comparing prices ensures you're getting a fair deal, especially for larger repairs.
- Take advantage of your AAA membership: AAA members can save on chip repairs through the Safelite partnership. Check out AAA's website for current offers and discounts that make windshield repairs more affordable.
Get Trustworthy Service at a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility
When it's time for a repair or tune-up, you can trust AAA to provide reliable service with affordable costs at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. AAA has over 100 years of experience assisting drivers with unexpected automotive issues. If the damage is too severe, AAA Roadside Assistance can even tow your vehicle to the nearest repair shop.
Drivers with a AAA membership can also access exclusive discounts on auto glass repair and replacement through trusted partners like Safelite. Join AAA today to find a vetted shop near you whenever you need assistance.