Hidden Costs of Windshield Replacement You Should Know

The hidden costs of windshield replacement can add $100 to $500 or more to your initial quote. The biggest surprise for most drivers is ADAS camera calibration, which costs $150 to $500 and is required on most vehicles built after 2016. Other commonly overlooked charges include molding and trim kits ($25 to $100), urethane adhesive kits ($15 to $40), old glass disposal fees ($10 to $25), and rain sensor or heated element recalibration. Some shops quote only the glass and labor upfront, then add these items to the final bill. To avoid surprises, always ask for an all-inclusive quote that covers glass, labor, adhesive, moldings, calibration, and any disposal fees before you schedule your appointment.

You get a windshield replacement quote for $350 and think you know what to expect. Then the final bill comes in at $550 or $700. What happened? Windshield replacement involves several potential costs beyond the basic glass and installation that are not always included in the initial quote. Here is a complete look at the charges that can surprise you.

ADAS Calibration: $150 - $500

This is the largest and most common “hidden” cost. If your vehicle has a forward-facing camera (most vehicles made after 2017 do), it needs ADAS calibration after the windshield is replaced. Some shops include this in their quote; others list it as a separate line item or do not mention it until after the glass is installed.

How to avoid the surprise: When getting a quote, explicitly ask: “Does this include ADAS calibration?” If the shop says your vehicle does not need calibration, verify this independently -- some shops skip calibration to offer a lower price.

Molding and Trim Kits: $25 - $150

The rubber or plastic molding that seals the windshield to the vehicle body often needs to be replaced during installation. On some vehicles, the molding is designed to be reused, but on many others (especially newer vehicles), the molding is one-time-use and must be replaced with new parts. Molding kits typically cost $25 to $75 for mainstream vehicles and $75 to $150 for luxury brands.

How to avoid the surprise: Ask whether new molding is included in the quote. A reputable shop will tell you upfront if your vehicle requires new molding.

Disposal Fee: $10 - $30

Some shops charge a fee to dispose of the old windshield. Broken auto glass cannot go in regular recycling and must be processed separately. While this fee is small, it can appear on the invoice as an unexpected line item.

Rain Sensor Transfer or Replacement: $30 - $100

If your vehicle has automatic rain-sensing wipers, the rain sensor must be transferred from the old windshield to the new one, or replaced if damaged. Some aftermarket windshields do not include the sensor mounting bracket, requiring an adapter or a new sensor.

Mirror Bracket Reattachment: $15 - $50

The rearview mirror is attached to the windshield with a metal bracket bonded to the glass. On most modern vehicles, the new windshield comes with a pre-installed bracket. On older vehicles, the bracket may need to be reglued, which adds a small charge. If the old bracket is damaged during removal, a new one costs $15 to $50.

Mobile Service Fee: $0 - $75

Most auto glass companies offer mobile service at no extra charge. However, some shops charge a mobile service fee, particularly if you are outside their normal service area. Ask upfront if there is any charge for having the work done at your location.

After-Hours or Rush Service: $50 - $150

If you need same-day service or a weekend appointment, some shops charge a rush fee or after-hours premium. Standard turnaround is usually next-day or same-day if the glass is in stock. If your vehicle requires a specialty windshield that is not in local inventory, there may be a shipping charge for expedited glass delivery.

Windshield Tint Reapplication: $50 - $200

If you had aftermarket tint applied to the top portion of your old windshield (a tint strip or full windshield tint), it will not transfer to the new glass. You will need to have the tint reapplied by a tint shop, which is a separate expense.

Toll Pass or Dashcam Reinstallation: $0 - $25

Any devices mounted to your windshield (toll transponders, dash cameras, phone mounts with suction cups) will need to be removed and reinstalled. Most installers will handle this, but some charge a small fee for reinstalling multiple accessories.

Total Potential Hidden Costs

How to Get an All-Inclusive Quote

The best way to avoid surprises is to ask for an all-inclusive quote upfront. Tell the glass company your exact vehicle (year, make, model, and trim) and ask them to include everything: glass, labor, molding, calibration, disposal, and any other fees. A reputable company will provide a transparent total. Use our windshield cost calculator to get a baseline estimate before you start calling shops.

Insurance Covers Everything

If you are filing an insurance claim, all of these costs are covered as part of the claim. In Colorado with zero-deductible glass coverage, you pay $0 for everything -- glass, labor, calibration, molding, and all the rest.