Windshield Repair or Replacement? Understanding the Cost Differences

Table of Contents

	Windshield Repair or Replacement? Understanding the Cost Differences
1.	Cost of Windshield Repair
2.	Cost of Windshield Replacement
• Brand and Make of the Car
3.	Windshields with Advanced Features
• Type of Insurance • The Auto Glass Type • Comparing Costs
4.	When to Choose Repair Over Replacement
5.	Conclusion

Windshield damage can happen anytime and anywhere. Debris, rocks on the road, or a stray branch can damage your windshield.  Even though it is upsetting, you cannot ignore the damage; it is a safety threat to the driver and passengers that needs to be rectified immediately. 

However, deciding between windshield repair vs. replacement can always be confusing. This is the most common dilemma a vehicle owner needs an answer to. While many factors determine your final choice, the cost implications play a big role in your decision-making.

Want to know more about windshield replacement and auto glass chip repair costs?  We will list factors that influence the costs and can help you decide between a windshield repair and replacement. Come, let us break down the costs involved for both processes. 

Cost of Windshield Repair

The cost of windshield repair depends on two factors; the type of repair needed and the auto glass service provider you choose. It can cost around $70. 

You can repair small surface cracks yourself while deeper ones need the services of an auto glass technician. You can identify deeper ones by running your fingernails across the damage. If your fingernails get stuck in it, then the damage is deep. Below are the auto glass chip repair costs.  

Type of Repair	For Damage Type	Cost ()
DIY	For small damages on the surface of the windshield	$30 or less, depending on the cost of the DIY kit.
Mobile service repairs	When technicians come to your home or office to repair the damage	$55
Cracks/chips	Below 1 foot	Between $50 and $60
Cracks/Chips	Between 1 and 2 feet	Between $60 and $70

 

Cost of Windshield Replacement 

The damaged windshield is removed and a new one is fixed during a windshield replacement. The minimum cost of a windshield replacement is $250 and the maximum is approximately $400. However, these factors can increase costs.

Brand and Make of the Car

Some car brands that have larger windshields attract higher costs for windshield replacement. The age of your car windshield will also decide the windshield replacement cost. 

Car Type	Windshield Replacement Cost (Approximate)
Sedan cars	$157 to $324
SUV	$164 to $290
Pick up Truck	$164 to $310
Mini Van	$174 to $294

 

Windshields with Advanced Features 

Windshield replacement costs are higher when the damaged windshield includes advanced features like Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) or rain sensors. These features need recalibration and increase the cost by $20. 

Type of Insurance

You can also get your windshield fixed at a minimal cost with comprehensive or collision insurance. You need to pay the cost of windshield replacement if you have liability insurance. 

The Auto Glass Type

The type of auto glass- an after-market glass or an OEM windshield can modify the cost of windshield replacement. Costs are comparatively higher if you replace the front or rear windshields. Replacing a windshield that has a wiper can increase costs by $20. 

Comparing Costs

The cost of windshield replacement is higher but there are certain factors that you need to consider other than the cost to decide between a windshield repair Vs. replacement. 

For an informed decision, you need to consider the extent of the damage and where it is located. Windshield repairs can suffice for small chips that are not in the driver’s line of vision. Significant damages need a windshield replacement to prevent you from being in an unsafe driving scenario

 

When to Choose Repair Over Replacement

An auto glass technician is the best judge and will help you decide between a windshield replacement and a repair. You can go for a windshield repair in the following cases:

1. Small chips or cracks that do not obstruct a driver’s vision and do not appear to spread do not require a windshield replacement.
2. You can also repair small cracks that can spread.

If you have any of the following damages, a technician will recommend a windshield replacement, as they can hamper windshield stability and cause safety issues:

1. If the crack or chip is over 1 or 1.5 feet long. 
2. If there are several cracks or chips on the windshield. 
3. Damages directly in the driver’s line of sight or near the windshield’s edge regardless of the size. 
4. Deeper damages that penetrate the structure of the windshield. 

Conclusion

Whatever might be the damage, fixing the windshield needs your immediate attention. You can schedule an on-site appointment or use a mobile service where a technician will come to your premises for repair or windshield replacement. Remember to get quotes from different service providers and compare windshield replacement costs before zeroing in on one. 

Go for an auto glass company offering dedicated, prompt, and high-quality windshield solutions. They should also be able to liaise with your insurance provider and offer a guarantee for their work. If you are looking for a windshield service provider that ticks these right boxes in Arizona, South Carolina, and Colorado, look no further than NuVision Auto Glass. Contact the fastest-growing auto glass company for a free quote today.