Windshield Replacement Cost: Cash vs Insurance
Should you pay cash or use insurance for windshield replacement? Here is a side-by-side comparison for the most popular vehicles in Colorado.
The Short Version
With Insurance (Colorado)
Most Colorado drivers with comprehensive insurance pay $0. Glass-only claims do not raise your rates. Insurance also covers ADAS calibration.
Cash Price
Without insurance, expect to pay $250-$1,600+ depending on your vehicle. Add $150-$500 for ADAS calibration if your vehicle requires it.
Cash vs Insurance: Vehicle-by-Vehicle Comparison
Insurance column assumes zero-deductible glass coverage in Colorado (CRS 10-4-613). Cash prices reflect OEM-equivalent glass with ADAS calibration where applicable.
Honda Civic
Honda Accord
Toyota Camry
Toyota RAV4
Honda CR-V
Subaru Outback
Ford F-150
Chevy Silverado
Ram 1500
Jeep Grand Cherokee
BMW 3 Series
Mercedes C-Class
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model Y
| Vehicle | Cash (Glass Only) | Cash (With ADAS) | With Insurance | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic | $290-$380 | $440-$880 | $0 | $290-$880 |
| Honda Accord | $320-$420 | $470-$920 | $0 | $320-$920 |
| Toyota Camry | $310-$410 | $460-$910 | $0 | $310-$910 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $350-$460 | $500-$960 | $0 | $350-$960 |
| Honda CR-V | $340-$450 | $490-$950 | $0 | $340-$950 |
| Subaru Outback | $380-$490 | $530-$990 | $0 | $380-$990 |
| Ford F-150 | $380-$520 | $530-$1,020 | $0 | $380-$1,020 |
| Chevy Silverado | $390-$530 | $540-$1,030 | $0 | $390-$1,030 |
| Ram 1500 | $400-$540 | $550-$1,040 | $0 | $400-$1,040 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $380-$520 | $530-$1,020 | $0 | $380-$1,020 |
| BMW 3 Series | $450-$700 | $600-$1,200 | $0 | $450-$1,200 |
| Mercedes C-Class | $480-$750 | $630-$1,250 | $0 | $480-$1,250 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $800-$1,100 | $950-$1,600 | $0 | $800-$1,600 |
| Tesla Model Y | $900-$1,250 | $1,050-$1,750 | $0 | $900-$1,750 |
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When Does Paying Cash Make Sense?
In Colorado, using insurance almost always saves money. But there are a few scenarios where paying cash might make sense:
Cash may make sense when:
- •You have liability-only insurance (no comprehensive coverage)
- •Your deductible is higher than the replacement cost (e.g., $500 deductible on a $350 windshield)
- •You’ve filed multiple claims recently and are concerned about insurer review
- •You want an older vehicle’s windshield replaced with affordable aftermarket glass
Insurance is better when:
- •You have zero-deductible glass coverage (most CO comprehensive policies)
- •Your vehicle requires ADAS calibration ($150-$500 extra that insurance covers)
- •You drive a luxury or electric vehicle (windshields cost $500-$1,600+)
- •You want OEM glass (significantly more expensive than aftermarket)
Hidden Costs of Paying Cash
When comparing cash vs insurance, many people only look at the glass price. But there are additional costs that insurance covers automatically:
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my insurance go up if I file a windshield claim?
In Colorado, glass-only claims are classified as comprehensive claims, not at-fault incidents. Most insurers do not increase rates for glass claims. This is standard industry practice, though individual policies may vary.
Is aftermarket glass safe for cash buyers?
Aftermarket glass meets federal safety standards (FMVSS 205), so it's legally safe. However, it may not be compatible with ADAS camera systems on newer vehicles. For vehicles without ADAS, aftermarket glass is a perfectly reasonable way to save money.
How much does comprehensive insurance cost in Colorado?
Comprehensive coverage in Colorado typically adds $15-$50/month to your auto insurance premium, depending on the vehicle. Given that a single windshield replacement can cost $300-$1,600, the coverage often pays for itself with one claim.
Can I negotiate the cash price?
Yes. Cash customers can often negotiate 5-10% off the quoted price, especially during slower months (October-February). However, the savings are typically small compared to what insurance covers.
Get a quote -- cash or insurance
Whether you’re paying cash or using insurance, get a free all-inclusive quote. We handle insurance billing directly if you have coverage.
Get Your Free QuoteOr call (720) 918-7465