What happens when you get a windshield replaced
A windshield replacement means removing the old glass and installing a new one in its place. The glass is held in by a rubber seal called a urethane bond that runs around the edges. A technician cuts through this seal, removes the old glass, cleans the frame, applies new urethane, and sets the new windshield in. The whole job takes one to two hours, and the urethane needs to cure for a few hours before you drive.
You have two main routes: go through your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage, or pay out of pocket and choose your own shop. Insurance usually covers the full cost with a deductible (often $0 to $500), while out-of-pocket costs run $200 to $600 depending on your vehicle and glass type. The decision often comes down to your deductible and whether you want to use your insurer's preferred shop or pick your own.
Key Takeaways
- Check your insurance policy first — comprehensive coverage usually covers windshield replacement, often with little or no deductible.
- If you go through insurance, your insurer will direct you to a shop or let you choose from their network; if you pay out of pocket, you pick the shop yourself.
- The replacement takes one to two hours, but you cannot drive the car for at least three to four hours while the urethane seal cures.
- Aftermarket glass costs less than OEM (original equipment manufacturer) glass, but OEM is more likely to fit perfectly and match your original specifications.
- Some states allow you to waive the deductible if you use your insurer's preferred shop, which can save you $200 to $500.
Check your insurance coverage first
Call your insurance company or log into your online account and look for comprehensive coverage. This is the part of your policy that covers weather, theft, and glass damage — not collision. If you have it, your insurer will tell you the deductible and whether they have a preferred glass shop in your area.
Some insurers offer zero-deductible glass coverage as an add-on, which means you pay nothing out of pocket. Others waive the deductible if you use their preferred shop. Ask your agent directly: "If I use your preferred shop, do I pay a deductible?" The answer can save you hundreds of dollars.
If you do not have comprehensive coverage, you will pay the full cost yourself. You can still get the windshield replaced — you just choose the shop and pay them directly.
Decide between your insurer's shop and an independent shop
If you use your insurance company's preferred shop, the insurer handles the paperwork and often waives or reduces your deductible. You call the shop, they coordinate with your insurer, and you show up for the appointment. This route is simpler if you do not mind using whoever your insurer recommends.
If you want to choose your own shop, you can. You will pay your deductible to the shop, then submit a claim to your insurer for reimbursement, or you can pay out of pocket entirely and skip the claim. Independent shops often charge the same price as insurer-preferred shops, but you have control over which one you use. Look for shops certified by the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) or that hold I-CAR certification, which means they meet industry standards.
Ask any shop whether they use OEM glass (made by your vehicle's manufacturer) or aftermarket glass (made by a third party). OEM is more expensive but guarantees fit and function. Aftermarket is cheaper and works fine for most vehicles, but occasionally has fitment issues. Your insurance company may have a preference — ask before you book.
Schedule the appointment and prepare your vehicle
Call the shop or your insurer's glass line and give them your vehicle's year, make, model, and license plate number. They will look up the correct glass size and type. Book an appointment at a time when you can leave the car there for at least three to four hours — you cannot drive it while the urethane cures.
Before the appointment, remove any items from your dashboard or sun visor that might fall during the replacement. Let the technician know if you have a camera, sensors, or heating elements in the windshield — some newer vehicles have these, and the shop needs to know to reinstall them correctly or transfer them to the new glass.
If you are paying out of pocket, confirm the total cost before the work starts. If you are using insurance, bring your insurance card and be ready to pay your deductible at the shop.
What to expect during the replacement
The technician will remove trim pieces around the windshield, then use a special tool to cut through the urethane seal holding the old glass. Once the old glass is out, they scrape away old urethane and clean the frame. They then explore new urethane around the frame, set the new windshield in place, and let it sit while the seal cures.
The whole process takes one to two hours. You will hear noise from the tools, and you may smell the urethane — this is normal. The technician will tell you when the work is done and when you can pick up the car.
Wait for the urethane to cure before driving
Do not drive the car for at least three to four hours after the replacement. The urethane bond needs time to set and reach full strength. Some shops will tell you to wait longer, especially if the weather is cold or humid — urethane cures slower in cold temperatures.
During the cure time, do not slam doors, roll down windows, or put pressure on the windshield. Avoid car washes for at least 24 hours. If the weather is very hot, park in the shade to keep the interior cool and let the urethane cure evenly.
Once the urethane is fully cured, the windshield is as strong as the original. You can drive normally, and the seal will last as long as the vehicle.
File an insurance claim if you paid out of pocket
If you chose an independent shop and paid the full cost yourself, you can submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. Contact your insurer, give them the shop's invoice, and ask for the reimbursement process. They will typically reimburse you for the cost minus your deductible.
Keep the receipt from the shop. Your insurer may ask for photos of the damage or the receipt as proof. Reimbursement usually takes one to two weeks after you submit the claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the car right after the windshield is replaced?
No. The urethane seal needs three to four hours to cure before the windshield is structurally sound. Driving too soon can weaken the bond or cause the glass to shift. Wait the full time the shop recommends, even if the work is done sooner.
What if my windshield has a small crack — do I have to replace the whole thing?
Small cracks and chips can sometimes be repaired instead of replaced. A repair costs $50 to $150 and takes 30 minutes. If the crack is longer than 12 inches, in the driver's line of sight, or near the edge, replacement is usually the only option. Ask your shop whether repair is possible before you commit to replacement.
Does my insurance cover windshield replacement if I caused the damage?
Yes. Comprehensive coverage pays for windshield damage regardless of fault — whether a rock hit it, you hit something, or weather caused it. You still pay your deductible, but the damage does not count against you as a claim for rate increases the way a collision claim would.
What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket glass?
OEM glass is made by your vehicle's original manufacturer and is may provide to fit perfectly. Aftermarket glass is made by a third party and costs less, but occasionally has minor fitment issues. For most vehicles, aftermarket works fine. If your vehicle has a curved windshield or special sensors, OEM is safer.
Can I use my phone while the urethane is curing?
Yes. The urethane cures from the outside in, so the interior is safe to use. You just cannot drive the car or put physical pressure on the windshield itself. Sitting inside with the windows closed is fine.