Windshield Repair & Auto Glass Replacement in Texas| Safelite (2024)

FAQs

Does Texas have free windshield replacement? ›

Texas state laws do not offer free windshield replacements, but you can speak with your insurance provider to discuss a comprehensive policy with free windshield replacements and repairs.

In Texas, the overall average cost of windshield replacements for large vehicles typically range from $302.29, and for small to mid-size vehicles they range from $301.00.

Safelite can usually repair your windshield if the damage meets these conditions: The damage is under 6 inches in length* The point of impact is smaller than a dime. There are no more than 3 chips.

Unlike OEM auto glass, OEE glass is not licensed by automakers, meaning it won't feature your car manufacturer's logo. These windshields also won't be identical to your original windshield in terms of fit, shape, color, or thickness.

"The Texas law with cracked windshields is anything that's cracked more than three inches or obstructs the driver's view, it is your responsibility to get that replaced," Washko told 6 News. If you end up with a crack, it could result in a fine.

Driving with a cracked windshield in Texas is not illegal, but it can still result in a traffic ticket if it obstructs the driver's view. Texas law requires that drivers have a clear view of the road, and any damage to the windshield that obstructs the driver's vision can result in a fine.

The rule of thumb: If you have chips larger than a quarter or cracks longer than 3.5 inches, plan to get a new windshield. Take note that even smaller cracks and chips that are extremely deep may not be fixable!

Even the most experienced of DIYers might want to think twice before attempting to replace their own car windshield. Replacing a windshield is not an easy job and requires specialized tools, materials, and skills that you may not have. If done incorrectly, you risk serious injury or even death.

Windshields aren't an inspected item in Texas, but you can fail your vehicle's inspection if: A crack or chip makes the windshield convex or concave; windshield wipers must be able to maintain full contact with the windshield. The location of chips or cracks falls within the critical vision area.

Repairing a long crack correctly on your windshield requires specific tools and experience with specific long crack resins. Typically, though it is by far much easier than a replacement and it can be easily done on cracks up to 18 inches long with the right tools and resins.

What is the biggest windshield crack that can be repaired? ›

Crack Size and Depth:

Usually, auto glass technicians can repair a chip, which has a diameter of around one inch or less. Likewise, a crack is also repairable, if it is no more than three inches long. If the size of the crack is more than that of a dollar bill, you should rule out the repair option.

Using NOVUS® technology, we can repair cracks from 2 to 10 inches and longer! It's possible you've been told a crack is not repairable. A chip you ignored might have spread, or the damage could have been instant.

Laminated Glass

They're considered one of the safest kinds of glass because they are not easy to break or shatter. Most vehicle windshields are made of laminated glass. They're considered to be effective for preventing break-ins because of the effort required to break them.

Safelite AutoGlass main competitors are Vudu, Quadratec, and Safelite Auto Glass.

Safelite buys its glass from the largest and most sophisticated glass manufacturers in the world; companies that work directly with and supply to the vehicle manufacturers.

Will Filing a Windshield Repair Cause Insurance to Go Up? Filing a glass claim on your insurance company shouldn't affect your rates. Even if it did, it wouldn't be too much trouble under the hood. That said, if you're filing a lot of glass claims over short periods, they might think something fishy is going on.

Shop Around for Quotes:

Don't settle for the first quote you receive. Invest time in shopping around and obtaining quotes from different vehicle auto glass repair shops. Prices and services can vary, and by comparing them, you increase your chances of finding a more affordable option.

Windshield obstruction law. Texas Transportation Code 547.613 bars drivers from operating motor vehicles with any objects or materials attached to the windshield, side window or rear window that reduces or obstructs the driver's clear view. Doing so is a misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $1,000.