Faulty windshields are a life-and-death hazard. A faulty one obstructs your vision while driving and shatters, causing serious injury during an accident. Remember, windshields are supposed to bolster your car’s structural integrity. So, you need to replace a faulty windshield immediately before getting back on the road.
Naturally, emergencies demand money that you didn’t plan for. So, folks seek the cheapest way to replace their windshield to mitigate the unexpected expense. But Should you go for a cheap windshield replacement?
In this post, we’ll share the most cost-effective way to pay for windshield replacement: comprehensive auto insurance. Without comprehensive insurance, you can still take a few actions to pay less for the service without compromising too much on quality.
What Affects Windshield Replacement Costs?
1. Type of Vehicle and Glass (OEM vs. Aftermarket)
The wide variance in vehicles and auto glass can lead to varying costs for windshield replacement. High-end cars or luxury vehicles boast eccentric auto glass types, making their replacement more expensive than regular vehicles.
Additionally, the type of glass used for replacement also affects the cost. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) comes from the original car producers, so it’s the perfect fit but usually costly.
The other option is getting third-party aftermarket glass. It’s usually cheaper but seldom matches the superior quality of OEM glass.
2. Labor and Installation Charges
The labor and installation charges for windshield replacement always vary depending on the location as well as vehicle type and size. Generally, it will cost you more in towns and cities than in rural areas.
Luxury or exotic vehicles may also require specialized equipment and skills, resulting in higher labor charges.
For instance, the windshield features advanced technology, such as rain sensors or heads-up displays. So, the installation process may be more complex and time-consuming.
There’s also ADAS calibration, which is necessary for newer vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems. It involves recalibrating the cameras and sensors attached to the windshield after installation.
3. Types of Windshield Materials
There are three main types of windshield materials used in modern vehicles. These include:
A. Laminated Glass
This glass is the most commonly used type of windshield material. It’s made of two glass layers with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between them.
This PVB layer is what makes the glass strong and shatter-resistant. The PVB between the two glass layers holds the glass together when there’s impact, preventing it from shattering into sharp pieces.
B. Tempered Glass
This safety glass is heat-treated to increase its strength and durability. Car makers like using tempered glass for the side and rear windows because it’s 4-5 times stronger than regular glass.
During accidents, tempered glass breaks into small granular pieces instead of sharp shards, reducing the risk of injury.
C. Acoustic Glass
Acoustic glass is designed to reduce cabin noise by using a special interlayer that dampens sound vibrations, making for a quieter ride.
4. Insurance Deductibles
Does auto insurance cover glass repair and replacement? Yes, it’s free in Kentucky as long as you have comprehensive auto insurance.
If you don’t have comprehensive auto insurance, your windshield replacement will likely be subject to a deductible.
A deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying before your insurer takes over the rest of your claim. However, the higher your deductible is, the lower your premium will be.
How to Make the Windshield Replacement Price Lower
The most affordable way to replace your windshield in Kentucky is to have comprehensive auto insurance. You should opt for an auto insurance that covers all windshield replacement claims without deductibles.
In Kentucky, some comprehensive insurance policies may include full windshield replacement without a deductible, but this coverage is optional and not required by law. Check your specific policy or ask your provider if you have full glass coverage. So, yes, you should use insurance to replace windshields.
It’s the most cost-effective option because comprehensive insurance also covers other damages to your vehicle, such as theft, vandalism, and hail damage.
If you don’t have comprehensive insurance, here’s how to score the lowest prices on windshield replacement.
1. Schedule During Off-Peak Times
Scheduling your windshield replacement during off-peak times can save you money. Many repair shops offer lower rates during the slower parts of the day or week.
It may be inconvenient to fit into your schedule, but it’ll save you some money.
2 Use Coupons or Local Promotions
Check for any coupons or local promotions that repair shops may be offering. These can often be found online or in local newspapers.
Even if the discount is small, it can still add up to savings on your windshield replacement.
3. Compare Prices at Different Shops
Don’t settle for the first quote you receive from a repair shop. Take the time to compare prices at different shops in your area.
Get an idea of the average cost to help you negotiate a better price with the service you choose.
4. Consider Repair vs. Replacement
Repairing is always cheaper than replacing fixable assets. Windshields with tiny chips or shallow cracks are repairable, so there’s no need for total replacement.
5. Bundle Services
If you need multiple repairs or replacements, consider bundling them at one shop. Some repair shops offer discounts for bundling services, saving you money in the long run.
For example, you’ll save money when you go to the same shop for power window repair, wiper blade replacement, and windshield chip repair.
Cheapest Places to Get Your Windshield Replaced
1. Local Auto Glass Shops vs. Dealerships
If you’re wondering, car dealerships do replace windshields in Kentucky.
However, they often generalize the cost of windshield replacements, including overhead charges and marketing expenses. They also don’t specialize in auto glass repair and replacement, so they aren’t as cost-effective.
Local auto glass shops like us, Rite-Way, focus solely on cost-effective auto glass solutions. We also have access to a broader range of suppliers, enabling us to offer you more options and competitive pricing.
2. Mobile Replacement Services
Remember, it’s unsafe and illegal to drive with a faulty windshield, so how do you get your car to the local auto glass repair service? You’ll need to foot some towing bills.
Wouldn’t it be much easier if the auto glass service could come to you instead? Mobile replacement services offer the convenience of coming to your location, whether it be your home, workplace, or even on the side of the road.
Guess what? Rite-Way offers mobile auto glass replacement, and we do it the right way!
3. Offers from National Auto Glass Chains
A national auto glass chain is a company with multiple locations throughout Kentucky that is known for its reliable services. These chains are often costlier than local or independent auto glass repair shops, but they offer nationwide warranties and are likely to use high-quality materials.
That sounds like us, right? We never skimp on quality because we’re committed to road safety for everyone. But we’re not that costly.
We bet we’re the most cost-effective option you have.
Should You Go for a Cheap Windshield Replacement?
You didn’t invest in premium insurance, a comprehensive package, so now you can’t replace your windshield for free at the best services. You have to pay for a replacement out of pocket or take out a loan if you drive automobiles with advanced features.
Should you go for the cheapest windshield replacement options? Will you cut costs with aftermarket parts instead of OEM parts? Will you accept uninsured or unlicensed artisans?
Pros: Save Money, Quick Fix
The most obvious reason for cheap windshield replacement is to save money. After all, if you can get a replacement for a fraction of the cost of OEM parts, why not go for it?
Another big driving factor is time. It takes time to accumulate money, and windshield replacement is always an emergency. Remember, you can’t get back on the road with a faulty windshield.
Cons: Potential Quality Issues, Limited Warranties
Aftermarket options offer the cheapest windshield replacement, but how cost-effective are they? OEM gets the exact vehicle specifications right, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
While high-quality aftermarket windshields are available and must meet federal safety standards, they may differ slightly in fit, tint, or clarity compared to OEM parts. Always confirm quality certifications before choosing
Cheap options also don’t offer reassuring warranties as OEM parts do.
When Cheap Labor Costs You More
Aside from potential legal implications, cheap labor can end up costing you more in the long run. What’s likely to happen when your select choice isn’t licensed or certified?
- Poor seals in your windshields lead to leaks and rust.
- Safety risks due to inexperienced technicians.
- Subpar materials lead to frequent repairs and replacements.
- ADAS miscalibration.
Why Rite-Way Auto Glass Is a Cost-Effective Option
Do it the Rite-Way when it’s time to replace your windshield. Why us?
1. Local Expertise with Competitive Pricing
Rite-Way Auto Glass has been in the business for over 77 years, so we know our way around windshields. We have a team of certified and experienced technicians who have seen it all.
2. Quality Materials that Last
Nowhere in this post have we suggested working with substandard materials to lower your replacement. That should tell you that we don’t cut corners on quality.
3. Flexible Appointments and Mobile Service
We understand that life can get busy, and sometimes it’s hard to find time to make appointments. We make it easier for you with flexible scheduling options, including mobile service, where we come to you.
4. Hassle-Free Insurance Claims Process
You don’t need to worry about the headache that comes with insurance claims when you choose Rite-Way Auto Glass. We have experience working with all major insurance providers and will handle the claims process for you.
5. Lifetime Warranty
We stand behind our work and offer long term warranties for our handiwork. If there are any issues with the installation or materials, we will fix them at no cost to you.
