Windshield Replacement Cost
What's In This Post?
- 1 Windshield Replacement Cost
- 2 Auto Glass Cost Factors
- 3 Average windshield replacement cost by vehicle
- 4 Prevent Auto Glass Damage
- 5 Commonly Asked Questions
- 6 Installation Services We Provide
- 7 Key Takeaways and Considerations
- 8 Let’s Talk
We’re all seeing significant increases in the money required to buy food and fill up the car with gas in the past year. If you’ve purchased a windshield lately, you’ve probably noticed the windshield replacement cost on your vehicle is a lot more now than in previous years.
By the end of this article, you’ll better understand what a windshield replacement cost with and without insurance, plus know what additional factors caused the auto glass prices to be so much higher on vehicles produced after 2007. In addition, we’ll cover a unique product designed to help prevent windshield damage from occurring so you can save money on auto glass services!
Average Cost Without Insurance
The price of replacing an automobile’s windshield has been going through the roof for several years. The average windshield replacement cost without insurance was $179 for OEE (Original Equipment Equivalent) in the 1990s and early 2000s. That number jumped to more than $400 after 2007 and has continued to skyrocket in recent years. However, basing the windshield price on standard vehicles sold in the U.S. today puts the average cost without insurance around $375.
Average Cost With Insurance
The average cost of a windshield replacement with insurance depends on your coverage type and deductible. Auto glass replacements fall under your policy’s comprehensive portion, covering everything except collision damage. In most cases, deductibles can range from as low as $100 to as high as $1000. Your deductible will determine how much of the total bill you pay out-of-pocket.
Auto Glass Cost Factors
There are many factors contributing to the ever-increasing price of auto glass replacements. For example, the type of glass installed, advanced driver assistance systems, and other safety features have contributed to the increased cost of windshield replacements. Let’s look at these additional factors to understand better why prices have skyrocketed.
Type of Auto Glass
The type of glass used on your vehicle can affect its replacement cost by 40 and 60 percent, so glass selection is essential. There are three types of windshields to consider when requesting a glass replacement for your vehicle. You can choose from “Dealer,” “OEM,” or “OEE / Aftermarket” glass.
So which glass type is best for your car? Most auto glass retailers will typically install OEM glass since it is rated the same as manufactured. However, we’ve provided more information below to help you make the best decision when having your windshield replaced.
Dealer
You’ll need to contact a dealership authorized by the vehicle manufacturer to service your car and purchase dealer glass. This auto glass is from the same distributor that manufactured your original auto glass and will generally have the make of the vehicle stamped on it.
OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer glass has the exact specifications as dealer glass. For example, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, and Chrysler products are the same color, durability, thickness, size, and shape as the original windshields installed by the manufacturer. Likewise, windows labeled “OEM” are identical to dealer glass, but each is from a different manufacturing plant.
As a result, OEM glass can save you money over Dealership glass and offers the same safety and specs needed to maintain your car’s structural integrity.
OEE or Aftermarket
Aftermarket auto glass is significantly cheaper than original equipment manufacturer or dealer parts. However, it’s usually a different thickness than other glass. As a result, most dealers will not accept aftermarket glass when you return a leased vehicle because it’s not equivalent or may differ too much from the original design.
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)
ADAS systems include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert, which have become increasingly common in new cars. In addition, some of these systems require cameras or laser sensors to function correctly, which can fail if bumped or moved during a windshield replacement. For this reason, you’ll most likely need to have them recalibrated after the windshield replacement, which is an additional cost of $300 or more. Below are further details to help you better understand how some of these features work.
LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System)
The LDWS system uses cameras to monitor traffic ahead and alerts drivers when their vehicle begins drifting into another lane. It also warns them when they drift too close to the car in front of them.
FCA (Forward Collision Alert)
Special radar sensors or cameras on the front of the car help this feature trigger the automatic emergency braking when it detects objects that may contact the vehicle.
Adaptive Cruise Control
This technology automatically adjusts the speed and distance between the vehicle and the one in front of it. It also monitors the surrounding environment and implements automatic emergency braking if necessary.
Cost of Living
The salary level of a qualified technician has continued to go up as the cost of living increases. Due to salary increases, auto glass companies charge more to make a profit on each job.
New Moldings
Adding new moldings can increase the price, but it doesn’t typically raise that much.
Amount of Adhesive (Urethane) Required
There needs to be a specific amount of urethane applied for a proper seal during the installation process. More glue means more money.
Acoustic Inner Layer
Some windshields have an additional layer of glass used for noise reduction and thermal insulation. It will typically cost more for a replacement if your car requires this type of glass.
Average windshield replacement cost by vehicle
Below is a list of average repair costs by type of vehicle ranging from 2015 until now. If your car isn’t listed, give us a call at 877-781-6961 or try checking the list of vehicle articles we’ve put together.
Standard Vehicles
2020 Toyota Corolla – $478
2021 Toyota Highlander – $586
2021 Honda Odyssey – $589
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – $581
2021 Ford Explorer – $581
2019 Honda Civic – $179
2020 Dodge Charger – $579
2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – $587
2020 Dodge Challenger – $585
2021 Nissan Pathfinder – $589
2021 Toyota 4Runner – $691
High-End Vehicles
2020 Mercedes Benz E300 – $1860
2020 Mercedes Benz S500 – $2040
2020 Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe – $2645
2020 BMW 745e xDrive – $451
2020 Lamborghini Huracan – $9,697
2020 BMW X3 – $1,298
2019 Cadillac XTS -$578.20
2020 Acura TLX – $579.10
2021 Land Rover Discovery – $1245
2020 Tesla Model S sedan – $1,325
2020 Audi A8 – $1,200
The prices listed above are examples and should only be used as a guide to help you determine how much you might spend on replacing the glass on your vehicle.
Prevent Auto Glass Damage
Believe it or not, there is a way to help stop damage to your windshield when it’s hit by flying rocks or other small debris from the road while driving. We’ve found a technology that uses nano-ceramic film, also known as a windshield protection film. Let’s look at how windshield protection film works and its application.
Windshield Protection Film
This film is a thin plastic material covering the entire windshield surface and helps prevent chips and cracks caused by flying stones and other debris. Protection films are optically clear and have been tested and proven to help reduce the likelihood of chips and cracks by up to 95%, which means fewer repairs and lower insurance premiums.
How the film is made
The windshield protection film uses nano-ceramic materials, which are ceramic particles less than 1/10th the width of a human hair. They’re applied to the surface of the windshield and then cured with heat. The resulting film is exceptionally durable and flexible, ideal for protecting the windshield against impacts.
There are three layers used to make nano-ceramic protection film:
- The top protective layer
- The impact-absorbing polymer layer
- The bottom layer of adhesive
How the film works
When a rock or other flying debris hits the windshield protection film, it causes the nano-ceramic particles to fracture and shatter, creating microscopic holes in the film, and preventing the stone or debris from penetrating the windshield and causing damage.
How long the film last
Depending on the quality and brand of the windshield replacement film, the life expectancy from natural wear and tear can range from three months to more than three years. Cleaning the film gently and avoiding harsh chemicals or ammonia-based cleaners can help extend its lifespan.
DIY or Professional Installation?
Many places online offer a do-it-yourself (DIY) version with instructions, but you might not have the necessary tools to apply the film correctly. Below is a list of tools required to install the protection film correctly on your windshield. In addition, check out this video Windshield Armor put together for their product.
- Heat Gun – It’s not necessary to have a heat gun, but it does help speed up the curing process.
- Squeegee – The squeegee will help smooth the film and remove bubbles or water between the windshield and film.
- Liquid Slip Solution – The slip solution is a special liquid to help you position the film before the glue layer adheres to the glass.
Commonly Asked Questions
- How much of a price difference is there between OEM and Aftermarket windshields? An OEM windshield can cost as much as 40 percent more than an aftermarket one, so ask what type of glass the auto glass repair shop is installing if it quoted a lower price than other shops.
- Can an Aftermarket Windshield be Installed On a Lease Vehicle? One thing to keep in mind, most automakers will not accept aftermarket windshields when you return a leased vehicle because differences between OEM specifications are usually too significant. In addition, the dealership might charge you a fee to replace the windshield if it doesn’t meet the required standards in your lease agreement. However, we recommend checking your lease agreement or speaking with the leasing agent to determine whether installing aftermarket glass is okay.
- Are there different types of windshield protection film? Yes, there are two main types of windshield protection film: hard coat and soft coat. Hard coat windshield protection film has a more complex finish that provides better chip resistance, while soft coat windshield protection film is softer and self-healing when minor scratches are present. Both types offer excellent protection against small stones and debris.
- Does filing a claim increase my insurance premium? It’s possible. Some shops will tell you it won’t increase the premium on your insurance policy, but they’re not your agent and don’t ultimately control your rates. For example, I’ve had agents explain that comprehensive glass claims alone won’t cause your insurance to go up, but it does count towards the overall claims you make each year. So if you’ve had other claims throughout the year, filing an auto glass claim could cause your premium to go up. In my opinion, the only person able to let you know if an increase will happen is your insurance provider. So be sure to do some research to prevent accidentally raising your rates.
- Is an OEM or Aftermarket Windshield Better? Most insurance companies and automakers prefer OEM over Aftermarket, which will fit more correctly on your vehicle. Aftermarket glass will fit your car but doesn’t always meet the recommended quality of OEM glass. Both windshields will perform the same, but it’s always best to check with your insurance agent if you’re unsure which to have installed.
- Is auto glass repair better than a complete windshield replacement? A repair can be better and considered since it can help restore the structural integrity of your glass if there’s a small rock chip. The average cost for an auto glass repair is between $55 and $75 for one chip and $10 to $25 for additional chips on the same piece of glass, which is affordable.
- Do auto insurance policies pay for a windshield chip repair? Your insurance company may regard this type of damage as “no-fault damage,” so they will usually waive the deductible for the repair. Check your policy’s comprehensive auto insurance section to determine if you can have the deductible waived. In addition, most auto glass specialists should be able to check if a repair is possible and assist with filing your claim.
- Does liability insurance cover repairs? Unfortunately, no. Liability doesn’t provide glass coverage or collision coverage on your vehicle. Instead, it pays for damage you’ve caused to someone else’s car.
- What’s a third visor frit? The third visor frit is the top section of your windshield behind the rearview mirror. It’s typically filled with black or small black dots to help protect your eyes from the sun since there’s not a physical visor in that location.
- Will the head-up display make the replacement windshield cost more? Windshields specifically made for HUD (Head-Up Display) systems have a unique film to ensure the display is clear and generally cost a few hundred more than traditional windshields. However, the HUD system will work on regular windshields, but they show up better on windshields designed for them.
Installation Services We Provide
- Front Windshields
- Door Glass
- Rear Windows
- Vent Glass
- Semi Truck Windshields (Not all locations)
- Sunroof Replacements (Not all areas)
- Glass Scratch Removal (Not all areas)
- Mobile Windshield Repairs
- RV Windshield Replacement & Repair
Key Takeaways and Considerations
- Today’s average windshield replacement cost without insurance is around $375 on standard vehicles sold in the U.S.
- The average windshield replacement cost with insurance depends on your deductible, ranging from $100 to $1,000.
- The type of auto glass installed, new technology like ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), plus the general increase in the cost of living are vital contributors to the increased cost of windshields over the past ten years.
- The recalibration process on ADAS systems can increase the price by more than $300.
- It’s possible to stop minor damage to the front windshield by overlaying the glass with windshield protection film.
- Stay away from auto glass technicians offering low prices on bargain windshields. Most of the time, you’ll receive a poor-quality glass with imperfections.
- If you have adequate insurance and a low deductible, filing a claim is your best option to save money. In some cases, an auto glass service provider may waive all or part of the deductible, saving you even more money.
- If your auto policy doesn’t have comprehensive coverage or your deductible is more than $500, it might be best to pay cash. Auto glass prices are lower when paying out-of-pocket, so let the shop know you’re paying cash and not filing an insurance claim to get the best price.
Let’s Talk
Making choices for auto glass on your vehicle doesn’t have to be a hassle, and we hope this page was helpful in your decision process! If you have any questions about your windshield, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (877)-781-6961. Our customer service representatives are available and ready to help with your auto glass installation or repair needs.
