How much does it cost to replace a broken windshield

How much does it cost to replace a windshield without insurance?

This question is about Windshield Insurance

Anamarie Waite, Car Insurance Writer

@anamarie.waite 06/06/22 This answer was first published on 02/26/20 and it was last updated on 06/06/22.For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

On average, it costs between $100 and $400 to replace a windshield if you don't have insurance. The exact amount you will have to pay to replace your windshield will vary based on a number of factors including the year, make, model, and trim of your car.

Replacing the windshield of a new, luxury vehicle loaded with features could cost twice as much as replacing the glass of an older, economy car. The type of glass used is another factor that greatly influences your final price.

Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket Windshield Replacement Cost

Aftermarket windshields cost around $100 less than OEM (original equipment manufacturer) glass. But AAA warns that using lower-quality parts might be a risk. Bargain windshields may create optical distortions that make it harder to drive.

Another safety concern with aftermarket parts is fit. Your windshield helps to support the roof and structure of your car in an accident and plays a critical role in airbag deployment. If it doesn’t fit perfectly, you’re less safe in the event of a crash.

It generally costs between $50 and $150 to repair a cracked windshield, but it could cost less in some cases. Usually, the smaller the chip, the cheaper it will be to repair.

Even without insurance, windshield repair or replacement should be pretty affordable. But if you do have insurance, it’s possible that you may not have to pay anything at all. Many insurers offer $0 or low deductible glass claims as part of comprehensive coverage.

When You Should Replace Your Windshield

In general, your windshield needs to be replaced if it has a fissure larger than a dollar bill or a chip that’s larger than a quarter. If the damage is small and falls out of the driver’s line of sight, it can usually be repaired rather than replaced.

Answer Question

People also ask

Does car insurance cover windshield replacement?

Car insurance does cover windshield replacement if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive car insurance protects your car from damage caused by something other than a collision with another vehicle. It can help pay for windshield damage caused by tree branches falling, rocks or debris on the roadway while driving, acts of vandalism, and collisions with animals (like a deer).read full answer

If your windshield was damaged in a car accident and the other driver was at fault, their liability insurance should pay for your windshield repair or replacement. If you are at fault in the accident, you will have to file a claim under collision insurance, which covers the damage after you pay your deductible.

Although comprehensive insurance usually has a deductible, too, some companies have a reduced or even $0 deductible for comprehensive windshield claims. Florida, Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Kentucky have laws requiring that comprehensive policies pay in full for windshield replacement. In Arizona, Connecticut, Minnesota and New York, drivers have the ability to choose a lower or $0 deductible for glass claims when they set up their comprehensive policy. This lower deductible is different than the driver’s standard comprehensive deductible, which is usually $500 or $1,000.

Windshield damage might not cost you anything if you have comprehensive coverage, but you should check with your insurer about your policy details. Windshield repair and replacement is usually affordable, so the cost might be less than your deductible. If that’s the case, you won’t be able to file a claim anyway. If the cost is just over that of your deductible, it might not be worth filing a claim and paying higher premiums over time in order to save on windshield replacement right now.

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How does Geico windshield replacement coverage work?

Geico windshield replacement is part of the company’s comprehensive coverage. When a windshield is damaged by anything other than a car accident, Geico will arrange for repair or replacement as long as the policyholder has comprehensive coverage. Windshield repairs are not subject to Geico’s regular comprehensive deductible, but full windshield replacement with Geico requires a deductible in most states.read full answer

If your windshield is damaged in a collision caused by another driver, his or her liability insurance will cover your repair or replacement costs. If you are at-fault in an accident that damages your windshield, you can file a collision claim with Geico.

Geico Windshield Replacement Policies by State

Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina require all insurance companies to waive the comprehensive deductible for windshield repairs and replacement. This encourages policyholders to fix a problem that poses a safety hazard to other drivers, passengers and cars.

Additionally, insurance companies are required to offer a $0 windshield deductible to customers in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota and New York.

Everywhere else, you should expect to pay your comprehensive deductible for a windshield replacement unless your policy specifies otherwise.

Geico Windshield Replacement & Repair Timing

Geico schedules windshield repairs and replacements quickly, often the same day that the claim is made. If there is a small chip or crack in the windshield (generally smaller than a dollar bill), Geico will arrange for a professional technician to repair the damage at your home or office. This process can take 30 minutes or less. For more extensive damage, full windshield replacement usually takes less than an hour.

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Does GEICO have glass coverage?

Yes, GEICO has glass coverage. GEICO’s glass coverage is generally part of its comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to a vehicle from theft, vandalism, flood, fire or other perils. This type of insurance is usually written with a deductible between $500 and $1,500 per incident. Glass damage is subject to the comprehensive deductible unless the damage occurs to the car’s windshield. GEICO will waive the deductible for repairs to the windshield. Although repairs to the windshield are free, windshield replacements are not and will require policyholders to pay their deductible in most states.read full answer

Glass damage from a car accident is paid under different coverage. If the accident is the other driver’s fault, his or her liability insurance will pay to repair your glass. There is no deductible involved and no cost to you. If you are at fault in the accident, and you carry GEICO collision insurance, your collision policy will pay the amount of the repairs over your chosen deductible.

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How much does it cost to replace a windshield?

You might pay $250 to $400 to replace a windshield. The amount varies by location, windshield replacement service, and the type of damage. Price differences also occur due to a vehicle's make, model, or year. If you drive a collector's car or luxury model, the cost may be higher.

Is it better to replace or repair a cracked windshield?

Whether or not you should replace your windshield typically boils down to the size of your windshield, the type of glass and the size of the crack, according to Glass.com. It's usually a good idea to replace your windshield when: The glass is tempered, not laminated. The crack is longer than a dollar bill.

How long does it take to replace windshield?

When done by a reputable and experienced technician, a Windshield repair takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes and Windshield replacement anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2 hours.

What happens to a broken windshield?

In most cases, the glass repair shop will accept it and put it in with the ones they have that are ready for recycling. Recycling centers have access to the recycling facilities that are able to break down the glass and turn it over to the manufacturers who can then re-purpose it.