ADAS Calibration Cost Explained: What You Need to Know
Why that extra $150 to $500 charge on your windshield replacement quote exists, and why you should never skip it.
ADAS calibration costs $150 to $500 after windshield replacement, depending on whether your vehicle requires static calibration ($150 to $300), dynamic calibration ($200 to $400), or both ($300 to $500). As of 2026, roughly 80 percent of new vehicles sold in the United States have at least one windshield-mounted camera that powers features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. After the windshield is replaced, even a fraction-of-a-degree shift in the camera angle can cause these safety systems to malfunction. Calibration is not optional on equipped vehicles -- it is a safety requirement. Insurance typically covers ADAS calibration as part of the windshield replacement claim, and Colorado zero-deductible glass coverage includes it at no additional cost.
If you have gotten a windshield replacement quote recently and noticed a line item for “ADAS calibration” or “camera recalibration,” you are not alone in wondering what it is and why it costs so much. ADAS calibration is the process of realigning your vehicle's forward-facing camera system after the windshield is replaced. It adds $150 to $500 to the total cost, and for vehicles equipped with these systems, it is not optional -- it is a safety requirement.
What Is ADAS?
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems. These are the safety features built into modern vehicles that help prevent accidents. The most common ADAS features that rely on a windshield-mounted camera include:
- Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automatic high-beam headlights
The camera that powers these features is mounted to the inside of the windshield, typically behind the rearview mirror. When the windshield is replaced, this camera must be removed and reinstalled. Even if the new windshield is identical to the old one, the camera's viewing angle may shift by fractions of a degree -- enough to affect its accuracy. Calibration brings it back to factory specifications.
Static vs Dynamic Calibration
There are two types of ADAS calibration, and your vehicle may require one or both.
Static Calibration
Static calibration is performed in a shop using a large target board placed at a precise distance and height in front of the vehicle. The camera scans the target pattern and adjusts its alignment. This process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and costs $150 to $300.
The shop must have a level floor, controlled lighting, and enough space (typically 15 to 25 feet in front of the vehicle). The specific target and distance requirements vary by vehicle manufacturer.
Dynamic Calibration
Dynamic calibration requires driving the vehicle at specific speeds (usually 30 to 60 mph) on well-marked roads while the system recalibrates itself by reading lane markings and environmental features. A diagnostic tool is connected to the vehicle during the drive to monitor the calibration process. This costs $200 to $400 and takes 20 to 45 minutes of driving.
Dual Calibration
Some vehicles -- notably many Toyota, Lexus, and Honda models -- require both static and dynamic calibration performed in sequence. This pushes the total calibration cost to $300 to $500.
Which Vehicles Require ADAS Calibration?
As of 2026, roughly 80 percent of new vehicles sold in the United States have at least one windshield-mounted ADAS camera. If your vehicle was manufactured after 2017, there is a strong likelihood it needs calibration after windshield replacement. Some brands introduced ADAS earlier than others:
- Subaru EyeSight: Standard since 2013 on most models. See Subaru-specific costs
- Honda Sensing: Standard since 2016 on most Honda and Acura models
- Toyota Safety Sense: Standard since 2017 across the Toyota and Lexus lineup
- Tesla Autopilot: All Tesla vehicles have multiple cameras requiring calibration. See Tesla-specific costs
- Ford Co-Pilot360: Available since 2019, standard on most 2021+ models
What Happens If You Skip Calibration?
Skipping ADAS calibration after a windshield replacement is dangerous. A miscalibrated camera can:
- Fail to detect an obstacle, causing automatic emergency braking to not activate when needed
- Trigger false alerts, braking the vehicle when no hazard exists
- Cause lane-keeping assist to steer toward the wrong position in the lane
- Render adaptive cruise control inaccurate, maintaining incorrect distances from other vehicles
Your vehicle's dashboard may display a warning indicator if the system detects a calibration issue, but not all calibration errors trigger a warning. The system may appear to work normally while operating with degraded accuracy.
Does Insurance Cover ADAS Calibration?
Yes. If your insurance covers the windshield replacement, the ADAS calibration is included as part of the claim. In Colorado, where zero-deductible glass coverage is widely available, this means calibration is covered at no additional cost to you.
Some insurance companies initially push back on calibration charges, but industry standards (including positions from the Auto Glass Safety Council) clearly state that calibration is a necessary part of windshield replacement on equipped vehicles. A reputable installer will handle this with your insurance company directly.
How to Know If Your Vehicle Needs Calibration
The simplest way to check is to look at your windshield from inside the vehicle. If you see a camera housing mounted behind the rearview mirror (it typically looks like a small black box or rectangular module), your vehicle almost certainly requires ADAS calibration after windshield replacement. You can also check your vehicle's features list for any of the ADAS features mentioned above, or use our ADAS calibration cost lookup tool to check by vehicle make and model.
Bottom Line
ADAS calibration is a real, necessary cost -- not an upsell. It ensures the safety systems you rely on every day continue to function correctly after your windshield is replaced. Budget $150 to $500 depending on your vehicle, or check whether your insurance covers it. And always choose an installer who has the proper calibration equipment and training for your specific vehicle.
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