How Much is it to Fix a Cracked Windshield?
How much is it to fix a cracked windshield?
The average cost for a windshield crack is around $200. The costs, however, can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the size of the crack and where it's located in the car.
Windshield cracks are caused by exposure to either extreme cold or heat. Windshields made from tempered glass will generally undergo a thermal reaction when exposed to high-temperature fluctuations which causes small fractures throughout the material. When a rock hits these weakened spots in the glass, it creates a spider web pattern across the entire windshield resulting in what we know as a cracked or chipped windshield. Glass that has not been tempered is more likely to create large cracks that extend all the way through the sheet of glass and cause serious vision problems while driving. These cracks are generally more costly to repair.
As with any car part, the price of windshield crack repairs will vary depending on whether they are being performed at a dealership or an independent auto shop. John's Windshield Repair charges $190 for the first crack and $60 for each additional crack in your windshield up to six cracks which totals out at $390. AAA Auto Glass offers a windshield chip replacement starting at $98. The company also has the ability to fix larger cracks that have spider-webbed across them up to 3" long, although it does ask for payment of half the cost of replacement up front before beginning work on your vehicle. BBB Auto Glass guarantees all of its work and will waive the charge if you find damage due to its repair work. They charge anywhere from $75 to $145 to repair small chips and cracks in windshields depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but if you allow them to replace your windshield they will only ask for payment of half the cost upfront before beginning work.
When it comes to replacing your entire windshield, this is generally only recommended if the damage is more than a couple inches long or begins to obstruct vision. In most cases, repairs can be made which recover 90% of functionality at around 1/4 of the replacement price of a new window. The average cost of a full windshield replacement is about $300 - $400 per window plus installation charges that usually fall between $75 and $200. These prices do not include the costs of a windshield crack repair.
The best way to avoid paying for costly repairs or even replacements is by being proactive in the case of small damage that may have been caused by your car's exposure to extreme temperatures. If you notice a tiny crack in your windshield, consider stopping in somewhere and having it checked out before it becomes a large problem that requires a bigger investment. To prevent dangerous cracks from spreading, try not to use wipers on your windshield when there is no precipitation present and refrain from using your air conditioning system when driving which can generate heat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit inside the vehicle. Keeping your windows rolled up during such conditions will help protect them from possible cracking or shattering while also providing better insulation against the elements for both you and your car's interior.
Overall, fixing windshield cracks and chips is a much more affordable alternative than getting your entire windshield replaced. Windshield replacements can cost up to 10 times as much as repairs depending on the damage which usually comes down to roughly $15-$30 per inch of glass. If you're looking for an exact price on how much it would be to replace your windshield crack, consider having one of these services provide you with an estimate based on the make, model, and year of your vehicle before deciding if it would be worthwhile for you or not. Otherwise, consider calling local shops that repair auto glass around where you live to receive prices over the phone before making an appointment.
Lastly, if you do end up getting your windshield replaced, keep in mind that most insurance companies will only cover the cost of a full replacement instead of repairs or have an exclusion on their policy which states they are not liable for damage caused by the vehicle's AC unit. There are also certain plans which automatically exclude coverage on damages caused by auto glass breakage so it is wise to double-check with your provider before agreeing on anything.
Some auto insurance plans specifically state that there will be no claim reimbursement for any damage whatsoever caused by contact with any object or persons while driving. They additionally will not reimburse claims arising from the use of defrosters, wipers, or air conditioning systems while operating your car.
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