You have a cracked windshield and three different quotes in front of you. One is $279, one is $389, and one is $425. The choice seems obvious, right? Pick the cheapest one. But that $279 quote might not include ADAS calibration, use aftermarket glass where the others quote OEM, or have no warranty. Suddenly it is not the cheapest anymore. Here is how to compare windshield quotes on truly equal terms.
Step 1: Normalize the Glass Type
The biggest variable in any windshield quote is the glass itself. OEM glass is manufactured by the same company that made your original windshield. Aftermarket glass is made by a different manufacturer to fit the same specifications. OEM typically costs $100 to $300 more than aftermarket.
When comparing quotes, make sure each one specifies the glass type. If Quote A is OEM and Quote B is aftermarket, you are not comparing the same product. Ask each company what they are quoting so you can compare like for like. Our detailed breakdown of OEM vs. aftermarket glass can help you decide which is right for you.
Step 2: Check for ADAS Calibration
If your vehicle has a front-facing camera (most vehicles from 2018 onward do), the camera must be recalibrated after windshield replacement. Calibration costs between $150 and $400 depending on the vehicle. Some companies include it in the quote. Some list it as a separate line item. Some do not mention it at all, and you discover the charge after installation.
Look at each quote and ask: is calibration included? If it is not mentioned, ask directly. For more on this topic, read our guide on ADAS calibration in your windshield quote.
Step 3: Compare Warranties Side by Side
Warranties vary dramatically in the auto glass industry. Some companies offer a lifetime warranty on both glass and installation. Others offer 90 days. Some offer no warranty at all. When the cheapest quote comes with a 90-day warranty and a more expensive quote includes a lifetime warranty, the value calculation changes significantly.
| Warranty Feature | Good | Concerning |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Lifetime | 90 days or unspecified |
| Glass coverage | Defects and manufacturer flaws | Not mentioned |
| Installation coverage | Leaks, whistling, bonding failure | Labor only |
| Written documentation | Provided at time of service | Verbal only |
For a deeper look at warranty specifics, see our warranty details guide.
Step 4: Account for All Fees
Some companies quote a low base price and then add fees at checkout. Common add-ons include:
- Mobile service fee: $25 to $75 to come to your location
- Disposal fee: $15 to $30 to dispose of the old windshield
- Molding/trim fee: $20 to $50 for new windshield trim pieces
- Environmental fee: $10 to $20
A quote that says $279 but adds $75 in fees is actually $354. A quote that says $389 all-inclusive is actually cheaper. Always ask: "Is this the total out-the-door price with everything included?" We have a full article on hidden fees in windshield quotes.
Step 5: Verify the Company
Price and features are important, but so is the company doing the work. Before you finalize your comparison, check:
- Google reviews: At least 4 stars with a meaningful number of reviews
- Licensing: Licensed and insured in Colorado
- Technician certification: Are their technicians trained and certified?
- Time in business: How long have they been operating?
- Insurance billing: Do they work with your insurance provider directly?
The Comparison Framework
Here is a simple framework you can use to compare any windshield quotes. Write down each quote across these categories:
| Category | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Glass Type (OEM/Aftermarket) | ___ | ___ | ___ |
| ADAS Calibration Included? | ___ | ___ | ___ |
| Mobile Fee | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Other Fees | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Total All-In Price | $___ | $___ | $___ |
| Warranty Duration | ___ | ___ | ___ |
| Google Rating | ___ | ___ | ___ |
When the Cheapest Quote Actually Wins
Sometimes the lowest price really is the best option. If two companies quote the same glass type, both include calibration, both offer similar warranties, and both have strong reviews, then the cheaper quote is the better deal. The point of this comparison is not to always pick the most expensive option -- it is to make sure you are comparing identical products and services.
Get a Quote You Can Trust
At Get A Windshield Quote, our quotes include everything: glass, labor, mobile service, disposal, and ADAS calibration if required. One price, no surprises, lifetime warranty. That makes comparison easy -- you always know exactly what you are getting.