Common questions about windshield replacement, insurance coverage, ADAS calibration, and our mobile service. Can't find your answer? Contact us — we're happy to help.
Most replacements fall in the $300-$600+ range, but the final number depends on a few things: your vehicle's size, glass features (acoustic, heated, heads-up display), whether ADAS calibration is needed, and your insurance situation. About 68% of our customers end up paying $0 out of pocket once we verify their SC comprehensive coverage.
In most cases, yes. SC Code § 38-77-280 provides that insurers should waive your deductible for safety glass claims on SC-registered vehicles with comprehensive coverage. We verify your eligibility for free before we schedule anything — no surprises.
Windshield claims go through your comprehensive coverage, not collision. Comprehensive claims generally don't affect your rates the way an at-fault accident would. Every insurer handles things a bit differently, so we can't make guarantees — but in our experience, rate increases from glass-only claims are very uncommon.
South Carolina law (SC Code § 38-77-280) provides that if your vehicle is registered in SC and you carry comprehensive coverage, your insurer should waive the deductible on safety glass repair or replacement. In practical terms, that means many SC drivers pay nothing out of pocket for windshield work. We handle the insurance verification and paperwork — you can learn more on our SC zero-deductible law page.
As a general rule: chips smaller than a quarter and cracks shorter than about six inches can often be repaired. Damage in the driver's direct line of sight, cracks that reach the edge of the glass, or multiple fracture points usually call for a full replacement. The fastest way to find out is to text us a photo — we'll give you an honest recommendation.
The glass installation itself takes about 45-60 minutes. After that, we recommend waiting roughly 60 minutes for the adhesive to set before driving. If your vehicle needs ADAS calibration, add another 30-45 minutes. For newer vehicles with safety systems, plan on about 2-3 hours total.
The urethane adhesive that bonds your windshield to the frame needs time to cure. This matters more than you might think — your passenger airbag actually deploys off the windshield during a crash. If the adhesive hasn't set properly, the glass could shift at exactly the wrong moment. We'll give you a specific safe drive-away time based on the temperature and adhesive used that day.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass is made by the same company that supplied the glass when your vehicle was built. It matches the original specs exactly. Aftermarket glass is made by third-party manufacturers and meets federal safety standards but may have minor differences in tint, thickness, or fit. We use high-quality glass for every installation and can walk you through your options based on your vehicle and budget.
Once the adhesive cures (about 60 minutes), rain is perfectly fine. We don't install during heavy rain, though — moisture trapped in the bond can cause seal failures down the road that might not show up for months. Light drizzle is usually workable if we can keep the frame dry during installation.
Our windshield repairs are $125. If you have comprehensive insurance, the repair is typically covered at no cost to you under SC's zero-deductible law. Either way, a repair now is a lot cheaper than a full replacement later if the damage spreads.
The repair will dramatically improve the appearance and — more importantly — stop the damage from spreading. That said, a faint mark usually remains visible if you look closely. The goal of repair is structural integrity, not cosmetic perfection. If the damage is directly in your line of sight and appearance matters to you, replacement may be a better fit.
A properly done chip repair is permanent — the injected resin bonds with the glass and lasts the life of the windshield. We back our repairs with a lifetime warranty: if the repair fails or the crack spreads from that point, we'll credit the repair cost toward a replacement.
Sooner is better. Temperature changes, road vibration, and even your car's defroster can cause a small chip to spread into a crack — sometimes overnight. Once a crack grows past about six inches, repair is usually off the table and you're looking at a full replacement. Getting it fixed early saves money and hassle.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems — things like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Many of these features rely on a camera mounted to the windshield. When that glass gets replaced, the camera position shifts slightly, and it needs to be recalibrated to read the road accurately. Most vehicles from roughly 2015 and newer with a front-facing camera will need calibration after a windshield replacement.
Calibration typically adds $150-$350 to a windshield replacement, depending on your vehicle's make and the type of calibration needed (static, dynamic, or both). The good news: most insurance policies that cover windshield replacement also cover calibration, since it's necessary to restore the vehicle to working condition. We verify calibration coverage as part of our claims process.
We strongly recommend against it. Your safety systems are designed to prevent accidents — if they're not calibrated after a windshield swap, they may not work at all, or they could activate at the wrong time. The cost of calibration is small compared to the risk of a system failure when you actually need it. That said, it's your vehicle and your decision.
Static calibration is done in a controlled environment using specialized targets positioned in front of your vehicle. It takes about 30-45 minutes. Dynamic calibration requires driving the vehicle at specific speeds so the system can re-learn road markings and surroundings — usually 15-30 minutes of driving. Some vehicles need one type, some need both. We check your vehicle's requirements before we start so there are no surprises.
We handle most of the heavy lifting. Once you give us your insurance info, we contact your insurer, verify coverage, and file the claim on your behalf. You don't need to call your insurance company first — we can do that together or for you. Most claims are approved the same day, and we can usually schedule your appointment within a day or two of approval.
No. South Carolina law gives you the right to choose your own auto glass provider. Your insurer might suggest a preferred vendor, but you're not required to use them. We work with all major insurance carriers and file claims regardless of who covers you.
Yes. The law covers "repair or replacement of safety glass," so chip and crack repairs qualify for zero-deductible coverage the same way a full replacement does. Since repairs cost less, insurers are usually happy to approve them quickly.
Without comprehensive coverage, windshield work is an out-of-pocket expense. We offer competitive cash pricing and can give you an exact quote before scheduling. If you're not sure what your policy covers, we're happy to check for you — just give us a call or request a quote and include your insurance details.
Yes — mobile service is actually how we handle most of our work. We come to your home, office, or wherever your vehicle is parked across the Charleston Lowcountry area. Same quality installation, same warranty, just more convenient. All we need is a relatively flat, sheltered spot to work.
We serve the entire Charleston Lowcountry, including Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston, Goose Creek, James Island, West Ashley, Daniel Island, Johns Island, Hanahan, Ladson, and surrounding communities. Check our full service area list to confirm your location.
In most cases, we can schedule you within 1-2 business days. Availability depends on glass sourcing for your specific vehicle — common makes are usually in stock; less common vehicles may take an extra day. Once insurance is verified and glass is confirmed, we'll get you on the calendar fast.
Lifetime warranty on workmanship. If you ever experience leaks, wind noise, or seal failure from our installation, we fix it at no cost for as long as you own the vehicle. Glass manufacturer defects are covered under a separate warranty, which we help you navigate if needed. Chip repairs carry a lifetime warranty too — if the repair fails, we credit the cost toward replacement.
Call us at (843) 810-8913 or request a quote. We're happy to answer any questions about your specific situation.
