A windshield is a structural safety component of your vehicle. It provides up to 45% of the structural integrity in a front-end collision and up to 60% in a rollover. The quality of the glass and installation matters. Before you accept any windshield quote, ask these 15 questions. A reputable company will answer every one of them without hesitation.
About the Price
1. Is this the total out-the-door price?
Confirm there are no additional fees for mobile service, disposal, molding, environmental fees, or anything else. The number on the quote should be the number you pay. If they say "plus fees," ask for the complete total. Our hidden fees guide lists every possible add-on.
2. Does this price include ADAS calibration?
If your vehicle has a front-facing camera, calibration is required after windshield replacement. It adds $150 to $400. Make sure you know whether it is included in the quoted price or billed separately. Learn more in our ADAS calibration article.
3. How long is this quote valid?
A fair quote should be good for at least a week, if not longer. Glass pricing is stable for weeks or months. If a company tells you the price expires today, that is a pressure tactic, not a business reality.
About the Glass
4. Is this OEM or aftermarket glass?
Know what you are getting. OEM glass is made by the original manufacturer. Aftermarket is made by a third party. Both can be quality products, but you deserve to know which one is in your quote. See our OEM vs. aftermarket comparison.
5. What brand of glass will be installed?
Even within aftermarket glass, brands matter. Pilkington, AGC, Fuyao, and Saint-Gobain are well-known manufacturers. If the company cannot name the brand, ask why.
6. Does the glass meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards?
All windshield glass sold in the United States must meet DOT safety standards and carry a DOT marking. This should be a given, but it is worth confirming, especially with very low-priced quotes.
About the Installation
7. Are your technicians certified?
Look for technicians with Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) certification or equivalent training. Certification means the technician has been trained in proper installation techniques, adhesive application, and safety standards.
8. What adhesive do you use?
The urethane adhesive is what bonds the windshield to the vehicle frame. There are different grades, and the quality affects both the safety of the bond and how long it lasts. Ask for the brand and whether it meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 212 for windshield retention.
9. How long is the safe drive-away time?
After installation, the adhesive needs time to cure before you can safely drive the vehicle. This is called the Safe Drive-Away Time (SDAT). It is typically one hour with modern adhesives, but it can vary based on temperature and humidity. A company that says you can drive immediately is cutting corners on safety.
10. Do you carry insurance and liability coverage?
If something goes wrong during installation -- paint damage, interior damage, or a glass defect that causes a leak -- the company should have insurance to cover it. Ask for proof of insurance if you want to be thorough.
About the Warranty
11. What does your warranty cover?
A good warranty covers both the glass (manufacturing defects) and the installation (leaks, wind noise, bonding failure). Some warranties cover only one or the other. Get specifics. Our warranty guide explains what to look for.
12. How long does the warranty last?
Lifetime warranties are the industry gold standard. If a company offers 90 days or one year, that is significantly less protection. Know what you are getting before you commit.
13. Is the warranty in writing?
A verbal warranty is worth nothing if you have a problem six months later. Ask for written warranty documentation that you receive at the time of service.
About the Process
14. Do you handle insurance claims?
If you are going through insurance, the best companies handle the entire process: verification, claim filing, and direct billing. You should not have to call your insurance company separately. Visit our insurance quote page to see how we handle the process.
15. How soon can you schedule the replacement?
Most companies can schedule within one to two days. Same-day service is often available. If a company tells you it will be a week or more, that may indicate supply issues with your specific glass -- ask why. Read our turnaround time guide for what to expect.
How a Great Company Responds
A trustworthy auto glass company will answer all 15 of these questions clearly and without frustration. They will appreciate that you are doing your homework. If a company gets defensive, dismissive, or refuses to answer, that tells you everything you need to know about how they will handle problems after the glass is installed.
Want to work with a company that answers all 15 with confidence? Get your free quote here or call us at (720) 918-7465.