Not only is a crack in your windshield inconvenient and annoying, but it’s also dangerous. The main function of your windshield is to protect you and the inside of your car against the elements, debris, and other random objects that may hurdle your vehicle. When your windshield becomes damaged, it won’t protect your vehicle as well.
The average cost to repair a chipped windshield is around $50 but can range from $35to $100 or more per chip.
If a chipped windshield isn’t fixed right away, it can spread across your entire windshield, affecting your visibility and overall safety. You’re going to have to replace or repair your windshield, but you shouldn’t have to pay for an arm and a leg. In this article, we’re going to discuss where you can get your windshield fixed and for how much.
| Vehicle | Repair | Replacement |
| Sedan | $35 to $100+ | $157 to $324+ |
| SUV | $40 to $100+ | $164 to $290+ |
| Pickup | $40 to $100+ | $164 to $310+ |
| Minivan | $50 to $100+ | $174 to $294+ |
*Prices will vary by location and insurance
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Cracked Windshield?
It can cost an average of $50 to fix each crack in your windshield, but the price can increase with each chip and if you need the whole windshield replaced.
There are a lot of factors that are considered when a windshield needs to be repaired or replaced. It will greatly depend on where you live, what kind of car you drive, the type of glass you need, cars with driver assistance systems that need cameras unplugged, and more. It’s been said that if a repair technician offers to replace a windshield without insurance for under $50, it’s probably very low quality and may even be difficult to see out of.
Most of the time, windshield repairs are affordable, but with insurance, you could even get that chip fixed for free. You could even get a new windshield for free.
Do OEM Windshields Cost More To Fix Than Aftermarket?
Yes, OEM windshields are generally more expensive to fix than aftermarkets by about $100. However, AAA says that using lower-quality windshields can have certain risks. They may create optical distortions and make it harder to drive.
Additionally, aftermarket windshields may not support the roof and structure of your vehicle if your car is in an accident. If it doesn’t fit correctly, you’re less safe in the event of an accident.
To Repair or Replace
Some may wonder whether the chip is bad enough to warrant an entire windshield replacement. The answer is usually no if there’s a small chip. However, if there’s a chip in the shape of a horseshoe, it’s a crater or shaped like a star, it can certainly be repaired if it’s not too wide.
The location of the chip and the time it took for you to request the repair are important factors to consider when deciding whether to repair the chip or replace the windshield. Cracks that have expanded past three inches will usually require you to replace the windshield.
It’s also advisable to replace the windshield if the crack obscures your line of sight. It’s a good idea to address the chip as soon as possible because, over time, dirt and dust will build up in it, making the repair more difficult.
If you need to get a crack repaired, there are a couple of places you can do so.
Where to Get Your Cracked Windshield Repaired
There are many places you could get your windshield repaired or replaced. Some will be more affordable than others and some may even come to a location of your choosing. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Dealership
This is the first place many people choose to get their cracked windshield repaired or replaced. This is because if your car is under warranty, they’ll do it for free. However, if you don’t have a warranty or lack insurance, the dealership can cost you $150 to $300 or even more depending on your vehicle.
The dealership will use original equipment manufactured (OEM) from the manufacturer. This is one of the biggest advantages of getting your windshield repaired at the dealership. Additionally, some insurance companies require you to get your cracked windshield repaired at a dealership.
Safelite
The great thing about Safelite is that they will repair your cracked windshield at one of their locations or they’ll come to you. You can pay with insurance or you can pay out of pocket if you don’t have insurance. If you’re paying out of pocket, you’ll most likely end up paying up to $130 or more for chipped glass or $300-$500 for a windshield replacement.
If you’re a Costco member, you can get $25 off windshield or glass replacements with Safelite. Costco members have been known to receive preferred pricing and treatment through Safelite.
If you choose to have Safelite come to your location, they will charge you a mobile service fee that starts at $19.99 for repairs and $29.95 for replacements. These prices can increase depending on your location.
AAA
AAA charges around $50 to repair a cracked windshield. If you need an entire replacement, it could cost upwards of $450. AAA will cover the repair costs if you have comprehensive coverage, but you may still need to pay a deductible unless you live in an area that waives them.
Coverage with AAA may also vary depending on how your windshield was cracked. If it was damaged in an accident and you were at fault, then you may be charged a collision cost. If you weren’t at fault, then the other driver’s insurance may cover the cost. AAA comprehensive coverage will cover damage from weather, vandalism, and theft.
Does Walmart Repair Cracked Windshields?
Walmart doesn’t fix cracked windshields, but they do offer do-it-yourself windshield repair kits. If you have a small crack, it could be your cheapest option. Walmart also provides detailed instructions on how to do it.
With that being said, is it safe to fix your own windshield?
Can You Fix Your Own Cracked Windshield?
Yes, but you need to be confident enough with yourself to ensure you do it correctly. There are tons of kits available online and even at retail stores such as Walmart. Kits start at around $10, but you should be careful using them. You should also only repair small cracks, not large ones.
The unfortunate thing about these repair kits is that they really only serve the purpose of stopping the crack from spreading as opposed to completely fixing it.
If you want to completely fix the damage, you’ll have to work with a professional. Windshield repair kits are best if only used in an emergency until you can get to a repair technician.
If you have to call a technician, here’s how they’ll repair it.
How Are Cracked Windshields Repaired?
There are a couple of methods that can be used to repair a cracked windshield including patches and resin.
The method most used by technicians is fixing the crack with resin. The professional will inject resin into the chip or crack. They will then apply a heat source to the area, which will cause the resin to harden. As it hardens, the resin expands and fills the cracks or chips. It also helps prevent the crack or chip from spreading and strengthens the affected area.
The other method is to use a patch. This is generally sold in do-it-yourself repair kits and is rarely used by professionals. It’s not the most effective repair method, but it works in a pinch. If you have a small chip or crack on your windshield, all you have to do is simply put the film or patch over the area once you cut it down to size.
You will then have to smooth the patch and allow it to cure. This will cause it to harden, which will then strengthen the affected area. Unlike the resin method, this method doesn’t strengthen the glass. It just helps hold the area together to prevent the crack from spreading.
Lastly, your technician may need to replace the windshield. Not all chips and cracks can be repaired. If the chip is larger than a quarter, it may not be able to be filled. If the crack is larger than a dollar bill, the windshield should be replaced.
If the chips and cracks aren’t clean and have other chips or cracks branching off the original ones, they shouldn’t be repaired. The technician will remove your old windshield and insert a new one. This shouldn’t be done by you. It should always be done by a certified technician.
If your window is more than just a “chip” then here is an article on how much it would cost to replace a broken car window.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve said, cracked windshields can be dangerous and annoying. There’s nothing worse than looking through a clean windshield with a crack smack dab in the center of your viewing area. It’s not a good idea to drive it around like that because, with each bump you hit, you could further the spread of the crack.
It’s best to get in touch with a certified repair technician to assess your cracked windshield. The price to fix your cracked windshield can vary depending on location and vehicle, so make sure you look at all of your options.