If your windshield is damaged beyond repair, you may prefer to replace it as soon as possible. Many auto glass stores offer same-day services, and it usually takes an hour or less to complete a full replacement. Same-day service may or may not add an additional cost to your replacement, depending on the availability and policy of the auto glass shop you choose. Many auto glass companies offer mobile windshield repair and replacement, which means that a qualified technician will come to you at work or at your home to provide services.
This is a convenient solution for busy people who may not have time to go to an auto glass shop and wait up to an hour while a technician replaces their windshield. If that sounds like you, consider cell phone repair and replacement options. Mobile repairs are usually comparable in price to going to an auto glass shop, and many stores offer this extra benefit for free. One way to find an experienced installer is to ask the automotive glass replacement company if they are a member of the Automotive Glass Safety Council.
Replacing a car's rear windshield can also be necessary if it is damaged. As with the front windshield, the costs of replacing a car's rear windshield vary depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, the type of glass, and the severity of the damage. In addition to the front and rear windshields, your car has other types of car glass that may require repair and replacement. Cars also have automotive glass on the front and rear doors, ventilation glass, and quarter-panel glass.
Any of these types of glass can be damaged and require repair or replacement. The cost will vary depending on the location of the glass and the model of the vehicle. Luxury vehicles, such as Mercedes and Lexus, may require specific windshields that are often only available at the dealership. Sometimes they can cost two or three times more than glass for non-luxury vehicles.
The cost of replacing your car windshield will generally be higher if it is equipped with optional features. Some vehicles have special moldings that are part of the windshield, meaning that the glass will also need them to match the structural design. Price fluctuations affect all major industries, including automotive glass. There are many factors that determine the cost you'll pay when it comes time to replace a windshield, side windows, backlights, room, or ventilation glass.
These include machinery costs (for the actual manufacture of the glass itself), what the manufacturer charges the glass shop, and the glass shop's profit margin for parts and service. Comprehensive coverage generally covers damage caused by storms, fire, vandalism, animal collisions, etc. Repair (rather than replacement) is more common when it comes to car glass because most damage occurs 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 using the “dollar bill rule” - if the crack is completely covered by a dollar bill then it measures less than 6 inches.
If so, you can call your insurance company and file a claim online for repair or replacement. The exact amount you'll have to pay to replace your windshield will vary based on several factors including your car's year, make, model, and finish - taking into account special features when replacing the windshield is something many people don't think about at first. Many auto glass companies offer free instant quotes online so you can save time when trying to figure out how much it costs to replace a windshield. They will also need your vehicle identification number (VIN) in order to install the correct replacement windshield.
Windshield replacement costs generally include glass, installation, adhesive and other parts, and cleaning - a special replacement windshield must be installed for functions such as HUDs, ADASs, and rain-sensing wipers to work properly. Knowing if and when your insurance pays for windshield repair and replacement could save you hundreds of dollars - if you buy a windshield without these additional options they just won't work but should have same fit and finish as before. For many people replacing a windshield will cost less than their insurance deductible which means they'll pay in cash - it's a good idea to check online and call for price estimates from several windshield replacement providers before making a decision though! Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina are states that exempt deductibles for windshield repair and replacement.
