Written by: Jen Wagner
Last updated: April 3, 2025
Your car’s windshield is a crucial — but often overlooked — vehicle part. The glass must be clean, debris-free, and in good shape to drive safely and foster visibility. Anything that obstructs your view of the road is a hazard. However, driving with a crack in your windshield can compromise your safety even more.
If your car has tiny rock chips or cracks, repairing the damage is the best way to ensure you and your passengers stay safe. An extended warranty can help cover the cost of many repairs, but will one pay for a windshield replacement? Should windshield damage occur, understanding how the repairs work can help you decide what to do next.
What Causes a Cracked Windshield?
There are several different causes of windshield damage. All present differently and can result in varying types of damage. Yet road debris is one of the most common causes of a cracked windshield. Your car may be exposed to flying debris like rocks and gravel when behind other vehicles. If kicked up, this debris can hit your windshield with enough force to create small divots or crack the glass completely.
To help protect you and your vehicle from debris, maintain enough distance between your car and any trucks carrying things like mulch, gravel, or yard waste. These items can come loose, fly into your windshield, or cause other, much more serious, damage. If you end up behind a vehicle with an uncovered or unsecured load, change lanes when possible to help ensure your safety.
Sometimes, windshields can crack due to sudden temperature changes. While most manufacturers design windshields to expand and contract with temperature changes, extreme changes can still damage the glass. If, for example, your windshield is frozen and you throw boiling water on it, this can cause a crack as the glass shifts. Running a cold air conditioner inside the vehicle can also cause a crack if the temperature outside is scorching. Consequently, environmental conditions can also intensify windshield damage in a very short period.
Do You Have to Repair a Cracked Windshield?
No matter how minimal the damage is, fixing it as soon as possible is critical. Small cracks and divots can expand, impairing or blocking your vision and potentially cause an accident. Depending on where you live, police could also pull you over for having a cracked windshield. The officer may issue a “fix-it ticket,” which mandates you to repair the windshield. You can get the citation dismissed once the violation is corrected; however, you must fix your windshield crack as soon as possible or risk legal troubles and/or be issued a higher fine.
Will Using a Repair Kit Fix the Problem?
Minor windshield damage may not require an immediate trip to the auto repair shop. Instead, a DIY repair could save you time and money while deciding what to do next. An at-home repair kit, like RainX or Permatex, can help patch a small rock chip in your windshield and prevent the damage from spreading further.
Be aware that using a repair kit will not completely cover up the spot. Also, navigating the process/directions can be tricky. So before you decide to take on the task yourself, connect with a reputable auto glass repair shop first. They can assess the damage and help direct you to the best options for your situation.
What Does a Windshield Repair Cost?
According to AAA, drivers can expect to pay $350-$500 for a complete glass replacement. However, the cost of a windshield repair or replacement can vary and depends on several factors, including:
- Vehicle Make & Model: Your vehicle’s type is one factor that influences how much a windshield repair will cost. For example, not all automobiles have the same windshield sizes/shapes. Therefore, glass replacement costs will differ. Also, repairing a luxury vehicle will ultimately cost more.
- Glass Type: Are you replacing your windshield with OEM glass (the same glass that came with the vehicle) or aftermarket glass? OEM glass typically costs more. But it can provide a better fit and higher quality. Third-party manufacturers produce aftermarket glass for lower prices.
- Auto Insurance Coverage: Your insurance company may cover some or all of a windshield repair. Before scheduling a glass repair, contact your provider to determine how comprehensive your policy is and whether you will have to pay out of pocket for some or all expenses.
- The Business You Select: Where you go for an auto glass replacement can affect cost, too. For instance, a larger windshield repair company like Safelite may charge more than smaller, local businesses. Always shop around and request quotes before deciding where to go.
Who Replaces Windshields?
Where you live, which car make and model you drive, and your budget will ultimately dictate where you go for repair work. Your options may include:
- Your vehicle’s authorized dealership,
- An auto repair shop that specializes in glass replacement, or
- The business your car insurance provider recommends.
Before deciding where to go, ensure the technician is certified, the shop is reputable, and the quote you receive aligns with your budget.
Are Windshield Cracks Covered in an Auto Warranty?
An auto warranty will typically not cover a cracked or damaged windshield. However, there are exceptions. For example, a new car warranty will cover defects due to a manufacturer error that causes the glass to crack with normal use.
On the other hand, most contracts will not cover repairs when road debris causes a cracked windshield. (This is the most common way windshield damages occur.) Lifewise, warranties generally categorize windshields as “wear items.” Even comprehensive warranties do not usually cover wear and tear items, such as brake pads, tires, and seatbelts.
The good news, however, is insurance companies often categorize chipped or cracked windshields as accidental damage. Therefore, your vehicle’s auto insurance policy may cover the repair if you file an insurance claim. Depending on your deductible, you may get a new windshield for free if road debris is the cause. But this will depend on the terms of your specific insurance policy and how comprehensive the coverage is for your vehicle.
Protect Your Vehicle With an Extended Warranty
You can still benefit from an extended coverage investment even if your factory warranty or vehicle protection plan does not cover a cracked windshield repair. Many contracts offer 24/7 roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverage. Therefore, a roadside plan can help cover the cost of safely transporting you and your vehicle to the closest auto repair shop should your vehicle break down or sustain damage.
In addition, a transferable comprehensive warranty can make a big difference in your vehicle’s value when you decide to sell. While not every service provider allows the transfer of a contract from one party to another, other ones do. Start by reviewing our buying guide and requesting your free quote today to find the most beneficial extended car warranty for your needs and budget.
