How much does it usually cost to replace a windshield

Previously found on: https://www.glassusa.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-replace-a-windshield-without-insurance/

There are few things more unsafe than driving a vehicle with a damaged windshield. Of course, if you do not have car insurance, it may feel like getting it repaired or replaced is not an option for you. Thankfully, that is not the case. Without insurance, you do have to pay out-of-pocket, but it should not set you back too far. Not to mention, avoiding the repair can actually make the damage worse and it could become a life-or-death situation – one that can even result in a traffic ticket in some states.

Replace versus Repair?

You might think the chip is barely noticeable and you can get by without a repair. However, a small chip today can turn into a major crack tomorrow. Keep in mind that any chip or crack in your vehicle’s windshield, regardless of how small, has affected the structural integrity of the glass. This means that no matter its size, your windshield is already not protecting you at its 100% capacity. Anything less than 100% is too unsafe.

Of course, there is a chance your small chip can be filled and does not need a full-fledged replacement. This is often true when a chip is not in the driver’s line of sight or near the edge of the glass and is smaller than a quarter. We recommend, however, that a professional glass technician be the judge of that. A quick consultation will help a technician evaluate the best course of action – and the best way to keep you and your family safe while saving you money.

With or without insurance, windshield repairs and replacements are a must. Understanding this, the cost will never be something completely out of reach.

Windshield Replacement Costs

The cost of a windshield replacement can range from $100 to $1,500 – depending on your specific vehicle and the labor associated. A luxury vehicle, for example, will be on the higher end of the spectrum but the average cost for windshield replacement is actually around $250.

There are some specific factors that can affect the price, like:

• Make/Model of the vehicle
• VIN
• Your location

It is important to understand what is included in your repair/replacement cost. For one, the make and model of your vehicle are important to determine the exact type of glass and shape needed. No two vehicles are exactly alike and Glass America utilizes glass made by the manufacturer to ensure the best possible installation. As you can imagine, the original cost of your vehicle (however low or high) may be reflected in the final cost of the windshield service.

Beyond that, some vehicles within the same brand and even model may have different features. This is where your VIN, or vehicle identification number, also comes into play as it will detail every feature your car has. There is a lot of modern technology in cars today – from collision prevention and blind-spot assistance to backup cameras, these elements are all affected by windshield repair or replacement. The cameras installed to provide these add-ons are often located in the windshield and need to be calibrated. At Glass America, this will not cost you more – all camera calibrations are part of your replacement or repair. Because a full-functioning windshield is our guarantee, we would never return a vehicle to you unless every feature is working as it should and it is safe for you and your passengers.

Why Glass America?

With or without insurance, a windshield repair/replacement is so incredibly important that it definitely matters who is providing the service. From ordering the right windshield shape and size for your vehicle to using the right adhesive, a reputable company is key. Glass America technicians are experienced and trained to follow all safety standards for repairs and replacements. We also guarantee the use of quality materials when working on your vehicle and always recommend the use of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass. Additionally, we offer convenient scheduling to meet the needs of your busy schedule and we also offer FREE mobile service – we come to you at no additional charge.

To ensure maximum safety and efficiency, it does matter who you hire. We’ve been in the business of keeping vehicles safe on the road for over 20 years. Contact your local Glass America team to schedule your consultation today!

It may not be as complex as airbags, electric engines, or self-driving capabilities, but your car’s windshield is arguably one of the most important components of any vehicle. Ever.

If that may be surprising, it may be even more of a shock to know that while they were initially invented in 1904, it was a long time before windshields became commonplace. Instead, drivers were forced to wear goggles to protect them from flying debris and dust on the road! However, thanks to the formation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) in the 1970s, they’re now a standard safety feature—and becoming even more effective as time goes by.

Like it protects you, it makes sense that you’d want to protect your windshield. However, just like components such as your shocks and struts, your car’s windshield won’t be covered by any extended warranty or vehicle service contract (VSC) you may have. Without coverage from repair bills, it’s crucial to prevent unnecessary damage with proper maintenance. It also helps to have some idea of how much it costs to get your damaged windshield replaced, too.

How to Protect Your Windshield

While extended warranties (also known more commonly as VSCs within the industry) generally offer comprehensive coverage for trips to a repair shop for vital components such as your car’s engine or transmission, they exclude windshields completely. This is also the case with other components such as your airbags or catalytic converter. 

Instead, you may find windshield protection in most car insurance policies available through your auto insurance company. However, this will only be in the case of an accident, theft or bad weather. Because of this, the only way to avoid issues—and keep money in your pocket—is to keep your windshield in the best possible condition.

These windshield protection tips will help you do just that:

Check Your Wipers

Properly working and well-maintained windshield wipers aren’t just important to help keep you safe when driving in rain or snow—they can also protect your windshield from damage. Worn wipers can begin to deteriorate, making them more likely to scratch or chip your car’s windshield, so be sure to check yours regularly.

Close Doors Gently

Intense vibrations can wreak havoc on your vehicle, especially when it comes to your windows and windshield. Shutting doors too hard can cause side windows to come loose, and any windshield chips can become full-blown cracks.

Clean Regularly

Once you’re done deep-cleaning your car’s interior, give your windshield a once-over. It gives you better visibility when you’re out driving, and you’re also more likely to spot any chips before they become unmanageable.

Steer Clear of Extreme Temperature Changes

Similar to vibrations, extreme temperature changes can be bad news for windshields. During the winter and spring months, temperature fluctuations can cause the glass to contract and expand, making chips much worse. Never use boiling water to defrost your windshield either, as the extreme shift can cause the windshield to break or shatter entirely. 

Don’t Leave It Until Later

When any sort of car issue crops up, the thought of emptying your wallet on repairs can make holding off very tempting. However, leave chips to become small cracks or more, and you’ll pay even more to fix things.

Don’t Try and Fix It Yourself

Some minor car maintenance is OK to DIY (if the terms of your service contract allow it), but trying to fix your windshield is a bad idea. By visiting an auto glass repair professional, such as those found at companies like Safelite, you can ensure things are fixed properly—and stay fixed for the long term.

While our vehicle service contracts may not cover windshield repairs, they can cover the next best thing: maintenance. Our market-leading Advantage plan features up to $3,500 in annual maintenance coverages such as engine diagnostic exams, alignment checks, state safety inspection services and more. You’ll also get the help of a one-time front or rear wiper set replacement, so you don’t have to be worried about bad wiper blades causing you problems.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Your Car’s Windshield?

You can often repair small chips for around $40, but anything more significant will likely mean replacing your whole windshield. So how much is it to get your windshield replaced? That can depend on several factors, including:

• The type of damage incurred
• Your vehicle’s make, model, and year
• Any special features your windshield may have (ex., rain detection)
• The type of glass used for the replacement
• Whether you opt for an original manufacturer replacement

The average cost of a new windshield is $200, but that can skyrocket up to $2,000 if advanced driver-assistance systems are involved, as these will need to be recalibrated too. Even a windshield with just a heads-up display (and no driver assistance/rain detection) can set you back around $1,500, so preventing repairs wherever possible is the best strategy.

Get Extra Auto Protection for Added Peace of Mind with Endurance

Big or small, repair bills aren’t something anyone wants to deal with. For those who’d like to keep the cost of car ownership down, an auto protection plan is the best investment you can make. Whether you want to cover a lot or a little, the award-winning Endurance team will be happy to work directly with you to find the plan that fits your individual needs and budget. With the Advantage protection plan, you can even save on repair costs and up to $3,500 in regular maintenance services.

Even luxury cars are catered for with our new Highline protection plan, including those from automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover and more. As long as it’s on our list of eligible vehicles, is less than eight years old or has under 80,000 miles on the clock, you’ll receive total protection from sudden breakdowns (subject to a $500 deductible). Plus, as an Endurance customer, you can benefit from 24/7 roadside assistance regardless of the Endurance plan you choose. Not only that, but each Endurance plan also comes the chance to enjoy a full year of Endurance Elite Benefits—featuring roadside assistance, tire replacement, and more for just a small activation fee.

To learn more about how Endurance can help you and your vehicle, request a free quote or call us directly at (800) 253-8203 to speak directly with a member of our award-winning care team. Or, if you’d like to learn more about all things automotive, including discovering DIY maintenance tips, browsing through vehicle buying guides or finding answers to all of your extended warranty FAQs, take a look at the Endurance blog.

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