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How To Evaluate Windshield Repair Cost For Your Car?

If you have a cracked or broken windshield, you will have to get it repaired or replaced. When it comes to windshield repair cost, it can be a floating amount and can depend on many factors. The cost is going to depend on the kind of damage, how severe it is, and the type of repair required to fix it. The cost can range from anything as small as double digit figures to as high as several hundreds of dollars.

Repairing A Cracked Windshield

There are many more factors beyond the above-mentioned ones that affect the windshield repair cost. These can include:

• Where the crack has occurred

• What is the size of the crack/chip

• The type of vehicle you have

The estimates for repair can also vary from one company to another. It is likely that your vehicle’s insurance may also cover the cost. But it is recommended to check the policy’s fine print or contact the insurance company’s representative before you try to make a claim. But if the insurance deductible is higher than what the repairs will cost, you could be required to pay in full. And most of the time the deductible is higher. 

Front or Back Windshield

The windshield repair cost is also going to vary depending on which windshield needs repair or replacement. The front windshield will usually cost more. But most of the time all that’s required is to fix the crack or chips. As a usual standard, cracks of 24 inches or more are considered too large. The repairs company will suggest you to replace the entire glass in this case because it cannot be repaired safely.

Many times car owners think that they can fix small cracks themselves. But it is safer and more reasonable to spend a few extra dollars and get it professionally repaired. Chances are that without the expertise and the right tools, you may cause more damage to the windshield.

Type of Vehicle

The type of vehicle is going to affect the windshield repair cost in a big way. Some cars can have moldings that work as part of the engineering design. This will require that using special molding for matching the glass’s structural design. This can increase the costs by up to 20 percent, and if you need to add wipers, the costs can increase further.

Windshield Replacement

If the glass cannot be repaired and if the windshield repair cost is too much, the repairs company may suggest replacement. In this case, the cost will include factors like:

• Labor costs

• The glass

• Cleaning

• Adhesives

A replacement job takes around an hour and you can have your vehicle back in use within a few hours. So if your vehicle has a damaged windshield, you should get it checked whether a repair can fix it. Then you can get windshield repair cost estimates from a number of companies before choosing the right service provider.