How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Window?

Last Updated on April 5, 2022

A broken car window can be expensive to replace or repair.

It typically costs $150 to $400 to replace a standard passenger or driver-side car window. Replacing smaller windows (like triangular side windows and quarter glass windows) can be even more expensive, despite the smaller size.

However, the cost of replacing a car window varies widely based on the make and model of your vehicle, the difficulty of installation, and the rarity of parts, among other factors. Keep reading to discover how much it costs to replace a car window.How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car WIndow

Table of Contents:

Average Car Window Replacement Costs

The average cost of repairing a car window varies based on the type of window being replaced:

Standard Passenger or Driver Side Window ($150 to $400): It typically costs $150 to $400 to replace a standard passenger or driver side window. If you have a more expensive vehicle, then you might pay closer to the upper end of the spectrum. IF you have a more common vehicle, then you might pay cheaper window replacement rates. The average car window replacement cost is around $200.

Triangular Side Windows ($200 to $500): Triangular side windows, also known as quarter glass windows or vent glass windows, can be more expensive to replace due to their unique design. The size of these windows varies between car models. Depending on the uniqueness of your vehicle, you could pay up to $500 to replace triangular side windows. Even though these windows are much smaller than other windows in your vehicle, they can be costly to replace.

Average Car Windshield Replacement Costs

Repairing or replacing a car windshield is different. You may need to repair a crack in your windshield. Or, for more serious damage, you may need to completely replace your car windshield.

The cost of replacing a car windshield varies based on the make, model, and value of your vehicle, among other factors. However, here are typical costs for car windshield replacement:

Chip or Crack Repair ($50 to $200): It costs $50 to $200 to repair a chip or crack in your windshield. IF you have multiple chips, more serious cracks, or other damage, then the cost of repairing this damage rises.

Windshield Replacement ($200 to $450): For more serious damage, it may be worth it to completely replace your car windshield. Car windshield replacement costs $200 to $450 for most makes and models of vehicles.

Rare Vehicle Windshield Replacement ($500 to $1,500): If you’re replacing the vehicle on a rare or unique vehicle, then you could pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500. You may even pay these costs if you’re buying a factory windshield instead of a basic replacement windshield.

What’s Included with Car Window Replacement Costs?

The cost of replacing a car window includes all of the labor and material charges. It also includes things you may not expect, like the cost of cleaning shards of glass from your vehicle.

When shopping around for car window replacement, be sure the quoted price includes the following costs:

  • The complete cost of removing the old window and installing the new window
  • The cost of vacuuming and cleaning any glass shards that may have entered your vehicle

If your old window was shattered, then there may be damage to your entire window system. You may need to pay for powder window repair. This could raise your costs beyond ordinary window replacement coverage.

Does Insurance Cover Glass Replacement?

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, then your insurance should cover glass replacement. Most major insurance companies, including GEICO, Allstate, USAA, Farmers, Nationwide, Erie Insurance, AAA, Travelers, American Family, and State Farm, will cover glass repair under their comprehensive policies.

Comprehensive coverage covers certain damages outside of accidents, including collisions with animals, hail damage, theft, vandalism, and break-ins.

You pay a deductible, and your insurance covers the rest. Most comprehensive coverage policies have a $100 to $300 deductible.

Many insurers waive the deductible for glass replacement claims. The cost of replacing windshields or glass is roughly equal to the cost of your deductible, which means it’s not worth it to file a claim. That’s why some insurers cover glass replacement with no deductible (or offer this perk for an added fee).

How to Replace a Car Window Yourself

It’s possible to replace a car window yourself. In fact, depending on the make and model, it may be relatively easy to replace your own car window.

If you don’t have comprehensive insurance, or if money’s tight, then it may be in your best interest to perform your own car window replacement.

Car window replacement requires the following steps:

  • Obtain a new window from a junkyard, auto repair shop, or online supply store.
  • Remove any armrests, handles, or window cracks screwed into the door. You can typically remove these with the help of a screwdriver.
  • Remove the door panel, then lift it up and away from the door.
  • If you have a power window system, then you need to disconnect the wires before you install a new window. After removing the door panel, you should see the power window motor connected to the window track. Disconnect the wires from the old window.
  • Lift out the window to remove it. If the window has been shattered, then remove any broken pieces of glass from around the window frame.
  • Insert the plastic guide from your new window into the gap, and make sure it snaps into place. Keep the window in the correct position within the track, then slide the window into the track.
  • For power windows, connect the mechanism back into place, then test it to ensure it goes up and down smoothly.
  • Reattach the door panel, then reconnect any items that were attached to the door before you removed the window.

You should be able to find plenty of tutorials online explaining exactly how to replace a window on your own.

For most drivers, however, it’s in your best interest to pay someone else to replace your window.

Should I Repair or Replace My Window?

If your windows are damaged but not shattered, then you need to decide whether to repair or replace your window.

Deciding whether to repair or replace your window depends on factors like:

  • The size of the damage
  • The depth of the damage
  • The location of the damage

You can evaluate the damage on your own. However, your best option is to take it to an auto glass professional who can recommend the best steps.

If your chip or crack is smaller than three inches, then you should be able to repair it. For multiple chips or cracks, or for larger chips or cracks, you should replace your window.

Generally, it’s best to replace your window after moderate or serious damage. Otherwise, you may need to repair the window multiple times over the next few years. If insurance is covering the cost of window replacement, then it’s also in your best interest to replace your window instead of repairing it.

Final Word on Car Window Replacement Cost

Replacing a car window is expensive. Fortunately, insurance may cover the cost of window replacement (assuming you have full coverage auto insurance).

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, and the type of window being replaced, it could cost anywhere from $150 to $500 to replace each window of your vehicle. If you have a rare vehicle, or if you’re repairing a uniquely shaped window, then the cost of replacing a window rises.

James Shaffer
James Shaffer James Shaffer is a writer for InsurancePanda.com and a well-seasoned auto insurance industry veteran. He has a deep knowledge of insurance rules and regulations and is passionate about helping drivers save money on auto insurance. He is responsible for researching and writing about anything auto insurance-related. He holds a bachelor's degree from Bentley University and his work has been quoted by NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post.
Back to Top