How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Window?

Last Updated on January 9, 2026

Replacing a car window usually costs a few hundred dollars, but the exact price depends on the type of glass, your vehicle, and whether the window has electronics or calibration needs. Most drivers pay more for windshields and for newer vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) than for basic side glass.

If the damage was caused by a covered event (like vandalism, theft, hail, or falling objects), comprehensive insurance may pay for repairs—minus your deductible. In some cases, insurers also offer optional glass coverage that reduces or removes the deductible for certain glass claims.

Key Takeaways

Window Type Drives Cost: Standard door glass is often cheaper than quarter glass or rear glass due to part design and labor complexity.
Windshields Often Cost More: Windshields can require special glass, adhesives, and ADAS recalibration on newer vehicles.
Comprehensive Coverage May Apply: Glass damage from vandalism, theft, hail, or falling objects is commonly covered under comprehensive insurance after your deductible.
Compare Deductible vs. Quote: If the repair total is close to your deductible, paying out of pocket may be simpler than filing a claim.

Table Of Contents

Average Car Window Replacement Costs
Average Car Windshield Replacement Costs
What’s Included with Car Window Replacement Costs?
Does Insurance Cover Glass Replacement?
How to Replace a Car Window Yourself
Should I Repair or Replace My Window?
Final Word on Car Window Replacement Cost
FAQs on Car Window Replacement Cost

Average Car Window Replacement Costs

Side window pricing varies, but these ranges are typical for many vehicles when you include parts and labor:

Window Type	Typical Cost Range (Parts + Labor)	Why Prices Vary
Standard door glass (driver/passenger)	$150–$400+	Vehicle make/model, availability of glass, and whether regulators or seals were damaged.
Quarter glass / vent glass (fixed triangular or small side window)	$200–$500+	Unique shapes, extra trim work, and higher part prices despite smaller size.
Rear window (back glass)	$250–$700+	Defroster lines, antenna components, and additional labor can raise costs.

When a window shatters, costs can increase if the window regulator, track, seals, or door frame components are damaged—especially with power windows.

Average Car Windshield Replacement Costs

Windshields are handled differently than side windows because they’re structural and often tied to safety systems. You may be able to repair minor damage, but larger cracks usually require full replacement. Learn how insurance typically handles this here: will my car insurance replace a windshield?

Here are common pricing ranges:

Windshield Service	Typical Cost Range	Notes
Chip or small crack repair	$50–$200	Often possible when damage is small and not in the driver’s primary line of sight.
Standard windshield replacement	$200–$450+	Price rises for larger vehicles, OEM glass, and limited-availability parts.
Windshields on luxury/rare vehicles or high-tech glass	$500–$1,500+	ADAS features, acoustic glass, heating elements, and sensor housings can raise costs.

For newer vehicles, windshield replacement can include ADAS recalibration (for cameras and sensors used by lane-keeping, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control). Some shops bundle this into the quote; others bill it separately.

What’s Included with Car Window Replacement Costs?

A professional replacement quote typically includes the glass, installation labor, and cleanup. If your window shattered, cleanup matters because glass can collect inside doors, vents, and carpet.

When Comparing Quotes, Make Sure These Items Are Included

Removal of broken glass and safe disposal
Vacuuming/cleaning interior and door cavities to remove shards
New seals, clips, or molding when required for a proper fit
Testing of power window operation and lock/handle components after reassembly

If the window mechanism was damaged (regulator, motor, track, or switches), that repair is often separate from the glass price and can push the total higher.

Does Insurance Cover Glass Replacement?

Often, yes—depending on the cause of the damage and your coverage. In many cases, comprehensive auto insurance covers glass damage from non-collision events like vandalism, theft, hail, falling objects, and certain weather losses. Many major insurers offer glass claims through comprehensive coverage, including GEICO, Allstate, USAA, Farmers, Nationwide, Erie Insurance, AAA, Travelers, American Family, and State Farm.

Comprehensive coverage applies to many common causes of glass damage, including collisions with animals, hail damage, theft, vandalism, and certain break-ins.

If you file a comprehensive claim, you’ll usually pay your deductible first and the insurer pays the rest up to the vehicle’s value. Some policies also offer optional full glass coverage that can reduce or eliminate the deductible for certain glass repairs or replacements.

Quick tip: Before filing a glass claim, ask the shop for an all-in estimate (including calibration, if needed) and compare it to your deductible. If the total is close to your deductible, paying out of pocket may be simpler.

How to Replace a Car Window Yourself

Some side windows can be replaced at home, but DIY replacement is usually best for experienced DIYers with the right tools. Many door panels have hidden fasteners, delicate clips, and wiring for locks, airbags, speakers, and window controls.

If cost is the main concern, it’s often safer to compare multiple auto glass quotes first. Improper installation can lead to leaks, wind noise, window binding, or damage to the regulator and seals.

If You DIY, These Are the Typical Steps

Source the correct glass (verify year/make/model/trim and whether it’s tinted or laminated).
Remove the door panel carefully (armrests, handles, fasteners, and clips).
Disconnect wiring for power windows/locks as needed.
Remove remaining broken glass and clean the window channel.
Set the new glass into the track and attach it to the regulator hardware.
Test window movement before reassembling the door panel.
Reinstall the panel and verify proper sealing and smooth operation.

Windshield replacement is usually not a good DIY project because it requires specialized adhesives, correct curing times, and (on many vehicles) sensor calibration.

Should I Repair or Replace My Window?

Repair is only an option for some windshield chips and small cracks. Side windows and rear windows are typically replaced (not repaired) if they’re cracked or shattered.

For windshields, repair vs. replacement depends on:

Size: Smaller chips are more likely to be repairable than long cracks.
Depth: Deeper damage that penetrates multiple layers is less likely to be repairable.
Location: Damage in the driver’s primary line of sight or near the edge of the glass often requires replacement.

An auto glass professional can confirm whether a repair will hold or if replacement is safer. If insurance is covering the cost of window replacement, replacement may be the more practical option for moderate damage—especially if a repair is likely to spread.

Final Word on Car Window Replacement Cost

Most side window replacements fall in the low-to-mid hundreds, while windshields can be more expensive—especially on newer vehicles that require calibration. Your best estimate comes from comparing quotes from reputable auto glass shops and confirming what’s included.

If you carry comprehensive coverage, insurance may help pay for glass replacement after a covered event. Always compare the quote to your deductible and ask whether optional glass coverage applies.

FAQs on Car Window Replacement Cost

How much does it cost to replace a standard side window?

Many standard driver or passenger door windows cost roughly $150–$400+ for parts and labor. The final price depends on your vehicle, availability of the glass, and whether the window mechanism or seals were damaged.

Why is quarter glass sometimes more expensive than a larger window?

Quarter glass (vent glass) often has a unique shape and mounting hardware, which can increase part cost and labor time. It may also be less common than standard door glass, making it harder to source.

Can a cracked side window be repaired instead of replaced?

Usually not. Side windows and rear windows are typically tempered glass, which doesn’t repair well once cracked. In most cases, replacement is the standard fix.

How much does windshield repair or replacement cost?

Windshield chip repairs often run about $50–$200. Full windshield replacement commonly starts around $200–$450+ and can be higher for luxury vehicles or vehicles that require camera/sensor recalibration.

Does comprehensive insurance cover a broken window from a break-in?

Often, yes. If a window breaks due to a covered event like vandalism or theft, comprehensive coverage typically pays for the glass replacement after your deductible. Coverage details vary by insurer and policy.

Will insurance cover my deductible for a glass claim?

Your deductible generally still applies to comprehensive claims unless your policy has separate glass coverage or a specific glass deductible. Some insurers offer optional glass coverage that reduces or removes the deductible for certain glass repairs or replacements.

What should I ask an auto glass shop before booking the repair?

Ask whether the quote includes cleanup, new seals or molding, and any required recalibration. Also confirm whether the shop uses OEM or aftermarket glass and whether there’s a warranty on workmanship and leaks.