Windshield cracked - is it any easy fix

[Mr03SC/T]

Hi,

How hard is it to replace a windshield. GM is charging me $658 Canadian. Other places range from $375-$453. I do not want to go through my insurance company. Is this an easy job to do myself? The windshield is cracked. I also have a $500 'gift certificate' from GM that will cover the cost of vandalism to the car (including windsheild and windows). Should I crack my windsheild somewhere else with a metal bar and then take it in claiming vandalism?

Thanks

[Gimli]

In most provinces claims like windows won't affect your premiums at all (only collision claims will affect your insurance premiums) so I personally would go the insurance way (as a matter of fact I did a couple of months ago).

658$ seems a little high. When I had mine done I saw the invoice the glass place gave to the dealer for changing my windshield and it was for 500$. Of course the insurance co. picked it up for me.

Never heard of a "vandalism-only gift certificate" but if you feel comfortable smashing up your windshield... They'd probably want a copy of the police report though.

[BBT]

And if somebody witnesses you doing your windshield you could have a whole load of problems too. Legal and with insurance. Fraud is one. There would be others. Not worth it.

[gagt98driver]

Windshields are not difficult to replace, however making sure they are installed correctly is the key. Things such as the right type and amount of adhesive, no oil (including fingerprints) on the edges that the adhesive is applied to.

Many uni-body cars are also designed so that the windshield is a stress bearing member of the frame in an accident, so an improperly installed windshield can either eject during an accident or cause a compromise in the frame leading to greater damage and injuries.

Screw the dealer. Go with an independent shop that's been in business for a good while and don't take the lowball figure, go with the one that's $450.

[graden]

$400:???: $500:mad: $600:( $700:tears: ... the last time I got a winsheild done in my G.A it cost me $175 Cdn

[blk95ga]

^^ i second that one......last time i got an estimate from a local glass dealer said it would be around $150 maybe, nowhere near over $200. Also check junkyards if they have one and know how to install them they'll usually do it cheaper that an auto glass specialist. My brother's gf got her saturn back glass replaced for around $120 and is guaranteed.