While the average windshield replacement costs around $282 for most midsize cars in Pennsylvania, a wide range of factors influence the price.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)–now standard on most modern cars–can complicate the process by requiring calibration, increasing the costs of your windshield replacement.
Other factors, such as your insurance coverage and the extent of your windshield damage, will determine how much you pay out of pocket.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about replacing your windshield so you can be prepared for how much you’ll have to spend.
How Much Does Windshield Replacement Cost in Pennsylvania?
According to Glass.net, Pennsylvania drivers can expect to pay anywhere from $170.10 to $1206.57 for a new windshield. Differences between large and mid-sized vehicles are fairly negligible, with most estimates averaging around $285.
Repairing a chipped windshield is also much cheaper, typically between $50 to $150.
However, several factors impact the bottom line of auto glass repair costs, many of which are inflating costs in a world of growing automation.
3 Factors that Influence Windshield Replacement Costs
Long gone are the days when universal windshields could effortlessly replace cracked or shattered windshields. Now, automation demands that OEM parts properly calibrated to a vehicle’s HUD and ADAS be used for replacement.
Overall, some factors that may influence pricing for a windshield replacement include:
- Make and Model: Obviously, larger cars with larger windshields will be more expensive. However, the model and year of the vehicle are the two biggest factors that determine pricing, as OEM parts to replace these windshields could be more expensive.
- ADAS Systems: All cars with Advanced Driver-Assistance Software will be required to be calibrated to work with the vehicle’s internal sensors. Otherwise, improper windshield installation could interfere with essential components, such as lane assist, emergency braking, and other modern features.
- HUD Displays: Vehicles equipped with heads-up displays on their windshield will also require additional steps for calibration to ensure a uniform and clear image for drivers. This could require additional labor during calibration, as well as newer technology that inflates the cost of replacement for drivers.
Other factors, such as labor, will differ between auto glass shops, so it’s always a good idea to shop around for different quotes. And remember, the main brands with huge advertising budgets will always cost more out of pocket, although materials used can actually be much cheaper.
When totaled, you can expect to pay more to replace a windshield on a newer or luxury car because of the additional labor required to calibrate windshields.
Does Insurance Cover Windshield Repair Services?
Another factor that will impact how much you can expect to pay out of pocket is whether or not your insurance coverage covers the cost of replacement.
There are generally two levels of protection, which may offset some of the cost of replacing your windshield through your insurance.
- Collision: Replacing your windshield may be covered if damage is the result of a collision with another vehicle.
- Comprehensive: Most comprehensive insurance policies will cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged auto glass that did not result from a collision. Examples include damage from rocks, debris, or improper installation.
Keep in mind that you may have to pay a deductible to pay a portion of the replacement costs.
What Are My Options for Windshield Replacement?
When replacing your windshield, there are generally two options available: in-shop or mobile repair. Surprisingly, the cost of either service does not differ too drastically.
In-Shop Windshield Replacement
Replacement at an auto glass shop will be the cheapest and most trustworthy option. Auto glass shops have technicians with access to advanced technology that can handle virtually any vehicle make or model and any type of damage. However, one should factor in the safety of driving to an auto glass shop, especially if the damage to their windshield is so severe that it’s an active road hazard.
Mobile Windshield Replacement
Mobile windshield vans offer drivers a safe and convenient alternative for auto glass repair. With OEM parts and technology that can travel to you, a mobile repair shop may be the best option to safely repair your auto glass without the risk of traveling to a shop.
Factor in that additional labor and gas will be priced into a mobile repair service. However, some shops, including Northeast Auto Glass, charge virtually the same for services at their in-house shop as they do for their mobile repair service.
For more information about our windshield replacement services and how much you can expect to pay, reach out to us for a free quote!
FAQs
What is OEM glass, and why is it more expensive?
OEM glass is made by the original manufacturer and matches the specifications of the windshield initially installed on your vehicle. It’s generally more expensive because it is designed to fit perfectly and maintain the vehicle’s original integrity and safety features.
How long does it take to replace a windshield?
Windshield replacement typically takes 1 to 2 hours. However, if your vehicle is equipped with ADAS systems, additional time may be required for recalibration.
Is windshield recalibration necessary for ADAS-equipped vehicles?
Yes, recalibration is essential for vehicles with ADAS features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic braking. The cameras and sensors need to be properly aligned to ensure these systems function correctly.
