A wide range of factors can increase the cost of replacing your windshield. We'll explore several of these factors and give tips for saving money on repairs.
The cost of windshield replacement varies depending on multiple factors. Your location, the extent of the damage and the make of your vehicle are just a few variables that can influence the cost of windshield replacement. Here, we'll explain some factors that can raise or lower your windshield replacement price, and how a AAA membership can help you find great rates.
Average Cost To Replace a Windshield
It's difficult to provide an average for windshield repair costs because so many different factors can influence your rate. Forbes reported that the average cost to completely replace a windshield was between $350 to $550 . However, that price can drastically increase if you're looking to repair a luxury vehicle or a car with rare parts. Prices may also shift depending on the state or city you're in, so we recommend checking with multiple auto shops to see which rates you may be eligible for.
6 Factors Affecting the Cost of Windshield Repair
We've alluded to several variables that can impact the cost of repairing seemingly minor damage to your windshield. Here are six factors that can noticeably influence the price you'll pay for windshield repair.
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 to retrieve fairly expensive parts.
2. OEM vs. Aftermarket Windshields
Ordering a new windshield from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) can be expensive, but the quality of this part will be superb since it was tailor-made for your vehicle. Aftermarket car parts can also be high quality and often less expensive than OEM parts, but you may need to check with your insurer before modifying your vehicle.
3. Driver Assistance Systems
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.
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. Some may try the DIY route by researching How to replace a windshield. Remember that an improper DIY installation can rack up even more repair costs by impacting your vehicle's structural integrity or impairing ADAS functionality.
5. Location
The price of fixing a cracked front windshield can vary based on your state or city. Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina are unique in that they offer 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 from $500 to $10,000 for luxury vehicles.
Types of Windshield Damage
No two windshield cracks are the same, which is another reason repair costs can fluctuate so extensively. Mechanics often sort cracks into various categories based on their severity, impact on a windshield's overall integrity and the likelihood it'll need replacing. If the damage to your windshield is too severe, AAA Roadside Assistance can tow your vehicle to the nearest repair shop.
Chips
Chips are the smallest and least severe category of cracks that might impact your windshield. These occur when a small object collides with your window, such as a pebble or a tiny piece of debris.
Chips won't significantly impact your windshield's integrity, but they can obscure your vision depending on their location. In most cases, mechanics can repair a chip without much difficulty.
Angel Wings
Angel Wings are moderately sized cracks with distinct wings on either side of the impact point.
Angel Wings may not pose an immediate threat to your windshield's integrity, but they can worsen over time. It's normally possible to fix Angel Wing cracks with repair kits instead of replacing the entire windshield.
Starburst
Starburst cracks appear as impact points surrounded by radiating, spiderweb-like cracks. Starburst cracks can pose a great risk to your windshield's integrity and may worsen under added pressure from the wind or subsequent impacts.
If this type of crack is no greater than 3 inches, it's possible to repair it. Any length above that threshold may require windshield replacement.
Bull's-eye
A wide and circular crater is the telltale sign of a Bull's-eye crack. These can often resemble larger and deeper Chip cracks. Bull's-eyes may not pose an immediate risk to your windshield, but they can gradually become deeper and wider if untreated.
A Bull's-eye can become harder to repair over time, as dust and debris can seep into the impact point and weaken your windshield.
Edge Cracks
Edge Cracks are easily identifiable due to their location; they spread from the ends of the windshield and stretch toward the center. Edge Cracks pose a severe risk to a windshield's integrity as pressure and debris can drastically hasten their spread.
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.
When To Replace a Windshield
Noticing a crack on your windshield doesn't necessarily mean you'll need a replacement. As we've mentioned earlier, most windshield damage can be repaired if you take fast action. However, the following signs indicate that you may need to replace your windshield as soon as possible.
- Cracks are deep set and larger than 3 inches in length
- You have multiple cracks on your windshield that obscure your vision
- Your windshield is more than 5 years old, and simple repair solutions aren't as effective
Does Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?
Comprehensive insurance will cover the cost of windshield replacement when a driver isn't at fault. Drivers will likely be eligible for assistance with cracks created by natural occurrences, like a rock or tree branch striking your 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 to drivers with full and comprehensive coverage plans.
Tips To Save Money on Replacing a Windshield
Auto repair costs can be reduced in some cases and waived in others. Consider the following tips if you need to replace a windshield:
- Utilize insurance coverage if possible, especially if your deductible is low.
- Seek quotes from multiple repair shops, including mechanics in other towns.
- Try to repair small and medium-sized cracks as soon as possible.
- Use membership discounts like AAA's deal for Safelite windshield repair .
Replace Your Windshield at a AAA Approved Repair Facility
AAA has over 100 years of experience assisting drivers with unexpected automotive issues. If a windshield is severely damaged, AAA can safely tow your vehicle to the nearest auto repair shop. Drivers with a AAA membership can also qualify for discounts on repair services, and AAA also offers an Auto Repair Facility Locator to members and nonmembers alike.