How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Window?
Find yourself in need of a car window replacement? Caliber Auto Glass offers high-quality replacement windshields, door glass for both front and rear doors, and back glass, quarter glass, and vent glass.
Fortunately, car insurance typically pays for most car window repairs and replacements, although individual policies differ. How much you (or your insurer) can expect to pay for car window replacement varies widely based on several factors.
A primer on window replacements for your car, truck, SUV, or van can help you understand more about what goes into the pricing for your broken car window.
Factors Affecting Car Window Replacement
Knowing what influences a car window replacement price helps you weigh all available options. In general, the cost of a car window replacement largely depends on the following:
The Car’s Make and Model
Your car’s make and model significantly impacts the price of your replacement window; whether it’s a luxury or economy vehicle.
More times than not, the more expensive the vehicle, the greater the cost to replace its window. For instance, if you drive a luxury car, you might have to pay more to replace a broken window or windshield than you would if you drove an economy vehicle.
The Age of the Car
The year model of your car also has a great deal to do with the price you’ll pay to get a broken window fixed. This is because older cars have fewer performance features built in to the glass than newer models, making them cheaper to manufacture.
The Amount of Damage
The level of damage to the window may also affect how much it costs to replace it.
For example, a windshield can be repaired rather than replaced, so a small crack caused by flying road debris may be repairable. On the other hand, a brick thrown through your windshield may cause such extensive damage that car window replacement is your only option.
The Glass Type Used in the Replacement
Whether you use an OEM (original manufacturer’s equipment) part or an aftermarket window impacts the repair cost of your vehicle’s broken window. The OEM is often the costliest option and is made to the exact specifications of the initially installed window.
Aftermarket windows are typically cheaper than OEM windows and perform just as well for most replacements.
The Actual Window Itself
The side and back glass windows of your car are usually made from tempered glass. However, windshields are generally made from laminated glass due to its high strength and resistance to shattering. That’s because a typical laminated glass has an interlayer that holds broken glass fragments in place using compressional forces, offering protection from cuts and injuries. That said, laminated windshields can be more expensive.
Should You Delay Car Window Replacement?
If your car has been involved in a wreck, then any affected windows are generally repaired along with any auto body repairs done to the vehicle. Still, you don’t have to be in a car accident to end up with a broken car window.
From vandalism to stray pebbles on the roadway chipping your windshield, if your window gets broken, it’s generally best practice to have it fixed ASAP. Failing to do so can make your car unsafe since the glass protecting car occupants is jeopardized.
Besides making it easier for crooks to break into your car, broken glass exposes its interior to the elements.
Repairing vs. Replacing Your Broken Car Window
Is it better to repair or replace your broken car window? Windshields can sometimes be repaired to restore the cosmetic look of the car and the integrity of the windshield, but this is not always the case.
Caliber’s expert technicians can assess the damage, with the most crucial consideration being how it affects your ability to see your surroundings and operate the car safely. Aside from the visibility issues caused by breaks, cracks, or other damage, our car window replacement professionals also consider the location of the crack or chip, its depth, and its size.
Note that there are limitations when it comes to the types and size of the damage to the glass that can make the repair more feasible than replacement and vice versa. A windshield may be repairable if the restoration doesn’t impact the driver’s and occupants’ safety while the car is in motion or is involved in a collision or other impact. Repairs are generally most suitable for 12-inch cracks or shorter or chips that are one inch in diameter or less.
Windshields have two layers of glass. Repairs should usually be considered only if the damage is limited to the outer glass layer and when it is not near the outer perimeter of the windshield. Even tiny cracks near the corner or the edge of the windshield can worsen over time, whether from road bumps or car vibrations.
Replacement is necessary in many cases of broken windshields. This is especially true if the windshield has sustained so much damage that the driver’s ability to see the roadway and surroundings is impaired.
Replacement is recommended for cracks 14 inches or longer or chips three inches in diameter or more. If the damage involves the inner glass layer or if it is near the margin of the windshield, then replacement is a must. Moreover, windshields equipped with components such as sensors for advanced driver assistance systems or auto braking might need to be replaced if not doing so would interfere with the functionality of these systems.
Need Car Window Replacement?
If you’re looking for reliable, expert car window replacement, Caliber Auto Glass is Clearing the Way Forward® for you. We partner with Protech Automotive Solutions™ when we replace your damaged auto glass or windshield so that you can be sure of the professional calibration of your vehicle’s safety systems.
Our mobile repair services make it easy to get your repair or replacement at the location of your choice. When you trust Caliber for your auto glass needs, you get our nationwide limited lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.
Contact your local Caliber Auto Glass for an estimate, an appointment, or to discuss your car window replacement needs with our experienced techs.