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| | | Next to airbags and seatbelts, a vehicle's windshield is considered its third most important safety component. According to Nader.org, windshields protect occupants from debris, and an improperly installed windshields can "blow out of their mounting" when an airbag inflates. In case of a crash or rollover, windshields are designed to keep occupants inside the vehicle. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Chips or cracks in the windshield may not require replacement. Many auto insurers will cover repairs in full, with no deductible, to avoid costly replacements. However, only certain chips and cracks can be repaired. Repairs can't be in the driver's direct line of sight and they must be small.
- Replacing windshields range from$157 to $324 for passenger cars; $164 to $290 for SUVs; $164 to $310 for pickup trucks; and $174 to $294 for minivans.
- Costs for chip repair range from $20 for in-store service to $55 for mobile service. Expect to pay $20 more for each additional chip. Cost for crack repair up to 12 inches range from $50 - $59; cracks between 12 and 24 inches range from $59 to $69. Reputable shops will advise replacement of windshields with cracks longer than 24 inches, since anything bigger cannot be repaired safely.
What should be included: | - Each vehicle manufacturer specifies windshield size and curvature based on the make and model of vehicle. Replacement costs typically include the glass, installation labor, adhesive and cleaning.
- Most auto glass shops should include warranties or guarantees. Even if a warranty isn't specified, the National Glass Association recommends that consumers who notice any water or air leaks around the windshield should demand that it be reinstalled.
- Windshield manufacturers must adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The cost difference between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass and so-called "after market" glass is small enough that the NHTSA suggests asking for OEM parts whenever available.
Additional costs: | - Certain vehicles require special rubber moldings that cost $5 to $21.
- If your windshield has attached wipers, replacing the windshield will also require replacement of the wipers and blades, which would cost $10 to $20.
Discounts: | - Comprehensive insurance often covers reimbursement for windshield replacement. According to the Insurance Information Institute, some insurers offer glass coverage with or without a deductible. Deductibles for this coverage ranges from$100-$300.
Shopping for windshield repair: | - The Coalition for Auto Glass Safety and Public Awareness suggests windshield replacement be done only by certified technicians using the manufacturer's recommended urethane adhesive. Technicians should wear gloves to avoid contaminating the bonding surfaces and should clean and prime both the glass and the area on the vehicle (known as the "pinchweld") where the glass is to be set. After installation, check to see that the windshield is centered and flush to the vehicle's body, that the molding is flat and that there are no visible gaps between the molding and the windshield.
- Be careful of offers for free windshield repair or replacement. The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud warns that some businesses claim that your insurance will cover the cost in full, but inflate charges or overbill your policy for several windshield replacements.
- You can locate a certified technician through the National Glass Association website.
- Check a businesses' history with the Better Business Bureau before agreeing to have any work performed.
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Article updated May 2007 |
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Recent Posts |
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| Posted by: Sarah R in Venice, CA. | Purchased: August, 2009 |
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| They fixed a chip in my windshield for $10 dollars since i brought it into their shop. Looks like new again. |
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