Windshields get damaged for all sorts of reasons. It’s one of the most commonplace occurrences on the road, and there’s no real way of avoiding it happening to you and your car.
No matter how cautious a driver or how trustworthy your vehicle, none of us are ever more than a bump in the road away from a potential crack in the glass that spreads out and becomes a much bigger problem. Minor (or major) automotive accidents can also threaten to damage your car, leaving you out of pocket when paying for a replacement windshield.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the cost of windshield replacement for uninsured drivers and explain why getting insured could be in your best interests for smarter financial planning.
What impacts the cost of windshield repair or windshield replacement without insurance?
There are many different factors at play when determining how much your windshield repair will cost (for an uninsured vehicle). Some of these are straightforward and simple, others slightly more complicated. As a quick overview of what you should be prepared to have assessed, any company carrying our repairs will look at:
- Make and model
The make and model of your car is an important part of assessing what materials will be needed, how much glass or windshield material they will need, and even how intricate and detailed the repair job will be. All of this can make the costs steadily rise.
- Year
The year your car was made will also influence the cost of replacement materials and cause the repair job’s cost to rise even more! It is also worth noting that the cost of your windshield repair is likely to get higher year on year regardless of the type of car you drive and the year it was made, as the cost of labor continues to escalate.
- Luxury
A luxury car with many features might be fun to drive, but you should be aware of the hidden costs of keeping it on the road. Vehicles in the luxury market almost always use more expensive materials to complete that high-end finish. Still, if they need replacing and you’re uninsured, then it’ll be you footing the bill.
This shouldn’t put you off getting a more luxurious car if it’s within your budget, but it does help explain why insurance can be your best friend in the event of an accident or other damage to your windshield.
Should I get insurance to cover the cost of windshield repair or windshield replacement?
Insurance should be considered no matter what kind of car you drive, as accidents can happen which cause damage to your windshield (and could even lead to a full replacement). For drivers who have pricier cars that will cost more to repair or replace, we suggest prioritizing the cost of yearly insurance as part of your car’s general upkeep and maintenance. For drivers who don’t have the budget for luxury, getting insured is also a wise decision as it could help you avoid unexpected expenses in the future.
How much does it cost to replace my windshield without insurance?
As of 2021, it generally costs between $200-300 to replace your windshield if you have no insurance. This is an average sum, and it will vary (sometimes dramatically) from state to state. Other factors to consider when pricing up your windshield replacement include the type of car being fixed.
The make and model of your vehicle will prove instrumental in determining the total cost. It’s always worth remembering that a luxury car windshield will almost certainly cost more to replace than a more inexpensive vehicle – sometimes twice as much (or more) because of the special glass needed for an effective fix.
However, just like all car problems, it’s best to get your windshield fixed as soon as possible to avoid driving illegally or damage to the windshield becoming even worse. If you can afford to, we would always recommend getting insurance covering this commonplace vehicular problem, helping you stay on the road for longer, and handling any unexpected costs when they do arise.
Apex Auto Glass is a glass repair and replacement service for automotive windshields and glass. Serving New Orleans and the surrounding area, we’ll go to wherever you are with our fast, affordable, and flexible service for both repairing and replacing windshields of all kinds. To discuss your unique requirements, call us on (504) 421-1105.