Most people have seen the viral video of Elon Musk unveiling the new Tesla Cybertruck with military-grade windows, only to have them shattered by a baseball during a demonstration. Musk was likely more worried about PR than a dollar amount, but when a baseball comes crashing through your car’s windshield, you’ll probably be asking yourself about the cost to replace windshields.
The answer is that cost depends on a number of factors, not the least of which is the auto glass provider you choose for your repair or replacement. Read on to learn more about average windshield repair prices and compare the top auto glass companies in the industry.
To go ahead and get a free quote for your vehicle, visit the Safelite website or call 877-664-8931.
To learn more about our editorial integrity policy and how we make money through affiliate partnerships, read our full disclosure here.
Table of contents
When Should You Replace Your Windshield?
As soon as you notice damage to your car windshield or windows, you should get the glass repaired or replaced. The general rule of thumb when it comes to cracks or chips in your glass is that if the damage is smaller than a dollar bill, it can be repaired. That being said, there are exceptions that require windshield replacement.
In any case, damaged glass should be replaced as soon as possible. Small cracks or chips can “spider web” over time, and large cracks can be a danger to you and your passengers because the windshield is an important structural and safety feature. The windshield helps a vehicle maintain its structure, so if your car overturns in an accident, a flawed windshield could lead to the roof caving in along with shattered glass.
You should make an appointment with an auto glass specialist to fix any chipped or cracked glass in a timely manner. Most companies have the option to reserve on-site appointments or mobile services, in which a technician will meet you at your house or office. Before you choose a provider, compare several windshield replacement quotes to make sure you’re paying the right price for the service.
Cost to Replace Windshields
The average cost of windshield replacement is between $200 and $401, according to RepairPal. The amount you pay depends on many factors though, including the type of vehicle you drive, the auto glass company you choose, and whether you book a mobile or on-site appointment.
How Much Does Safelite Charge to Replace a Windshield?
Industry leader Safelite AutoGlass charges around $360 to replace a windshield in a 2016 Honda Fit. We found Safelite to be more expensive than some other providers, however Safelite is also one of the most convenient choices for auto glass services with availability in 50 states.
In our research, we received the following prices for various repair and replacement services with Safelite. When asked to choose between on-site service or mobile service, we opted for service in one of Safelite’s repair facilities in Raleigh, NC.
| Auto Glass Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Repair 1 chip in front windshield | $134.99 |
| Repair 2 chips in front windshield | $164.98 |
| Repair 3 chips in front windshield | $189.97 |
| Replace front windshield | $359.99 |
| Replace rear windshield | $359.99 |
| Replace driver side front window | $339.99 |
| Replace driver side back window | $329.99 |
| Replace driver side vent glass | $349.99 |
| Replace driver side quarter panel | $499.99 |
| Replace passenger side front window | $339.99 |
| Replace passenger side back window | $329.99 |
| Replace passenger side vent glass | $349.99 |
| Replace passenger side quarter panel | $499.99 |
If your chip or crack is less than 3 inches long, Safelite will likely recommend a repair instead of a windshield replacement, which could save you money.
What Affects the Cost of Windshield Replacement?
The price of windshield replacement varies from car to car and from provider to provider. Some factors that influence the cost include:
- Make, model, and year of your vehicle
- Windshield special features like rain sensors
- Quality of your windshield wipers
- Type of damage
- Type of glass used to replace the windshield
- Whether you want original equipment manufacturer glass
If your 2005 Chevrolet 1500 had a damaged car windshield, the cost of that replacement would be hundreds of dollars different from the same service performed on a 2017 BMW M4. This is because the BMW is newer, requires dealership glass, and probably has special features like rain sensors that would all need to be considered in a replacement.
How to Get a Windshield Replacement Quote
You can get an online quote with most major auto glass companies. To fill out a windshield replacement quote form, you generally need the following information:
- Your name and contact information
- Information about your car (make, model, year, vehicle identification number)
- Details of the damage
When Does Insurance Cover Windshield Repair?
If you have comprehensive car insurance coverage on your policy, many insurance companies will cover the cost to replace windshields at 100 percent. Insurance companies have different regulations regarding the size and length of a crack that they will cover.
To get your windshield replaced, you should check your coverage details and then file a claim with your insurance company. Some auto glass specialists like Safelite will work directly with your insurance provider to make the process easy.
Top Auto Glass Companies for Windshield Replacement
| Availability | Services | On-Site Appointments | Mobile Appointments | Additional Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safelite | 50 states and select locations in Canada | – Windshield repair and replacement
– Window repair and replacement – Power window repair |
✓ | ✓ | – Lifetime warranty
– Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts – TrueSeal® technology – GlassHealer™ resin |
| Glass Doctor | 43 states and select locations in Canada | – Windshield repair and replacement
– Business glass – Shower doors |
✓ | ✓ | – G12® Road Hazard windshield replacement guarantee for one year
– Glass Doctor Advantage Plan® for future protection – Discounts |
| Glass America | 34 states | – Windshield repair and replacement | ✓ | ✓ | – OEM-quality glass
– Technicians certified with the Auto Glass Safety Council |
Our Recommendation for Auto Glass Repair: Safelite
After reviewing top auto glass providers nationwide, Safelite AutoGlass is our first choice for windshield repair and replacements. Safelite is the nation’s largest auto glass company with more than 720 repair facilities across the country and more than 8,000 mobile repair shops. It has high ratings from experts like the Better Business Bureau.
Safelite uses top-of-the-line technology and products, including TrueSeal® technology to position new glass and GlassHealer™ resin to fill cracks and chips. Plus, Safelite will send you a Technician Profile Email with the name, photo, and credentials of any technician coming to meet you for a mobile appointment, so you know exactly who to expect.
Call 877-664-8931 or visit the Safelite website to get a free windshield replacement quote.