How Much To Replace A Broken Windshield
Sylv1rob1/Shutterstock.com Your vehicle’s windshield is an important safety feature. In the event of an accident, the toughened safety glass strengthens the vehicle’s structure to prevent the roof from collapsing, while also keeping you and your passengers inside the vehicle in the event of a head-on collision.
Damage to the windshield, even a small chip or crack, weakens the structural integrity and undermines the robust design. If you are worried about the cost of repairing the glass and the damage seems minor, you may consider delaying the repairs, but that is not a wise decision. Even minor faults increase the chance of a structural failure during an accident, but before deciding on the timing of repairs, ask yourself: How much does it cost to replace a windshield? The sooner you make repairs, the better. Fortunately, in many cases, your auto insurance has got you covered. Windshield replacement costs The cost to replace a windshield varies based on the make and model of the car. Costs range from $150 to $300, with an average of $214.
However, rare windshields for collector cars and high value vehicles, which are only available through dealers, could cost as much as $1,500. Shop around for quotes before committing to a purchase.
It is possible to reduce costs by purchasing an aftermarket windshield rather than an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) component. OEM parts are the official products from the original manufacturer, and therefore match perfectly without any modifications.
By purchasing OEM parts, you maintain your vehicle’s original look and quality. Aftermarket components are from third-party manufacturers and are usually less expensive, although they may be just as good as OEM parts.
Additional costs The cost of replacing a windshield covers an installation technician coming out to your home or place of work to replace the glass. It is rarely necessary to take the car to a repair shop. However, you usually have the option of taking your vehicle to a shop, if doing so is more convenient for you.
Labor and materials are included in the cost, and the process usually takes no longer than one hour. In some situations, there may be additional costs.
How Much To Replace A Broken Windshield Screen
If your vehicle has special rubber moldings, you may need to pay an additional $5 to $25. If the windshield wipers attach directly to the windshield, you also need to pay for the wiper replacements, which could be as much as $20 each.
Check with your installation technician if there are any additional charges before agreeing to the service. Replacement In some cases, you may not have to replace your windshield.
If a crack is less than 2 inches long and falls outside the driver’s direct line of sight, you may be able to repair the damage for a smaller fee. A repair for a small crack could cost from $50 to $150, while repairing a chip could cost as little as $10, depending on the location of the damage. RATES: Comprehensive insurance cover Comprehensive auto insurance often covers repairing or replacing a windshield.
Recognized auto repair and windshield specialists work with major insurance providers to ensure a speedy repair at little or no cost to you. Before paying for any work on your vehicle, check your car insurance policy carefully to see if you are entitled to coverage. Here is what to expect from your car insurance for:. Repairing a windshield: Many insurance products pay for a windshield repair.
The work costs you nothing at all and does not affect your insurance premiums. Replacing a windshield: Many insurance products pay for a windshield replacement less your prearranged deductible.
If the replacement costs less than your deductible, you are responsible for paying the full amount. Conclusion You owe it to yourself and your passengers to ensure your car or truck is always safe for use. A small crack or chip in the windshield may seem like a minor inconvenience rather than a major problem, but that small weakness could make the difference between your windshield holding up as intended during an accident or collapsing under the strain of a rollover or head-on collision. Before contacting your insurance company, get a repairman to answer this question: How much does it cost to replace a windshield. Ask your provider if your auto insurance covers repairs or replacements. In many cases, the work is free to you or only costs you the amount of your agreed-upon deductible. APPLY: Compare to pay for your car repairs today.
It’s a simple question and you want a simple answer: How much will it cost to replace my windshield? The answer, however, depends on more than just your cracked or chipped window. Windshield replacement costs typically include glass, installation, the adhesive and cleaning. Type of Vehicle When it comes to windshield replacement, one of the first things every shop you call will ask is, “What’s the make and model of your vehicle?” This detail will have a big impact on the cost.
A luxury vehicle, such as Mercedes and Lexus for example, require specific windshields that are often only available through the dealer. These can sometimes cost two or three times what glass for non-luxury vehicles might cost.
Special Features Windshield replacement may also include additional expenses depending on the type of vehicle. Some vehicles have special moldings that are a part of the windshield.
This means the glass will also need those to match the structural design. Also, newer vehicles sometimes come with features such as rain sensors and condensation sensors that involve more work to replace. In fact, some cars can have as many as five different sensors and cost several hundreds of dollars to replace. Windshield replacement on an older car without those details will be considerably less.
Rear Windshield Replacement Replacing the front windshield may be most common, sometimes the rear windshield (also called the backlite) may also be damaged. Like with the front windshield, costs vary based on factors such as the type of the vehicle, type of glass, and severity of the damage. So, What’s the Cost? The cost of a windshield replacement will be different from one customer to the next. According to some, average windshield replacement for typical, non-luxury vehicles, is often in the range of $150-$400. Where to Begin?
Replace A Car Windshield
If your vehicle is in need of a windshield replacement, glass.com can help. You can easily search by zip code for companies near you. Keep in mind, though, depending on the damage, rather than replacing your windshield may also be an option. Glass.com can also guide your repair needs as well. When Does Insurance Cover Windshield Repair?
If you drive a car, sooner or later, it’s bound to happen – your windshield is going to get chipped or cracked by a rock flung from the semi on the highway, maybe a foul ball at a Little League game, or a hail storm, or any number of ways. Or, you may be unlucky enough to have the entire windshield smashed and need to have it replaced. Knowing when to repair or replace the windshield is not always so obvious. Knowing if – and when – your insurance pays for windshield repair and replacement could save you hundreds of dollars.
Am I covered? First of all, many insurance companies cover windshield repair at 100 percent with no deductible, especially if you have comprehensive coverage. Insurers all have different rules for how long a crack can be to be covered for repair. Some insurers, though, such as State Farm, generally do not cover repairs.
That’s the easy part. Just remember, comprehensive coverage is optional, so make sure you have it before making any decisions.
Comprehensive coverage usually covers damage incurred from storms, fires, vandalism, animal collisions, etc. Repair (rather than replacement) is more common when it comes to auto glass. That’s because the majority of damage is in the form of chips or cracks. So, if your glass is chipped or cracked, check to see if the damage is less than 6 inches.
You can use the “dollar bill rule” for this – if the crack is completely covered by a dollar bill, then it’s less than 6 inches. If so, your next step is to call your insurance company and file a claim. You may also do this online.
Check your deductible Before filing a claim, be sure to compare the cost of the repair to your deductible. If the repair cost is lower than your deductible (if you have one for windshield repair), then your insurance carrier likely will not pay for the repair. But if the cost is higher than your deductible, and you decide to file the claim, now is the time to do so. Your insurance company will tell you whether the repair is covered.
Get it fixed Once you’ve taken these steps, it’s time to get the windshield repaired. Most times, the insurance company will put you in contact with a repair shop; Resources If it’s all new to you, these can be good resources for information: Things to Consider When Paying for Your Windshield Out of Pocket For many, replacing a windshield will cost less than your insurance deductible, meaning you will pay cash. Or perhaps you just prefer not to make a claim on your insurance policy and pay yourself. So how do you handle out of pocket windshield replacement? While it may be tempting to shop around for the lowest price and go with that windshield replacement company, this may not be the wisest choice. The Cheapest Option Isn’t Always the Best Your windshield is an important safety component for your vehicle. As a structural part of your vehicle, it helps to support your car’s roof and can also ensure you aren’t thrown from the vehicle in the event of a crash.
So you must ask yourself, is the cheapest replacement option reasonably the safest? The of a windshield replacement can vary. While the price of the windshield and cost of supplies are all factored into the cost of your replacement, another big thing to consider is the technician’s expertise and training.
The Value of Training One way to find an experienced installer is by asking the automotive glass replacement company if they are a member of the The AGSC provides a standard for auto glass retailers to follow to make sure all precautions are taken to ensure driver and passenger safety. For example, shows this badge near registered member companies. © 2017 Glass.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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