Auto Glass Repair & Replacement

Auto glass repair and replacement services fix or replace damaged windshields, windows, and mirrors on vehicles.

Services include repairing small chips and cracks before they spread, and replacing severely damaged glass.

Insurance often covers windshield damage, creating consistent demand and payment.

Mobile service brings convenience while shop-based allows higher volume.

Successful auto glass businesses develop insurance relationships for claims work, invest in quality materials and tools, provide mobile service, and offer warranty protection.

The business model charges per-repair fees for chip repair ($50-100, often free with insurance), windshield replacement ($200-500+ depending on vehicle), side window replacement ($150-350+), and calibration for vehicles with advanced safety systems adds $150-300+.

Insurance billing provides steady volume.

Services include windshield chip and crack repair, windshield replacement, side and rear window replacement, mirror replacement, mobile on-site service, insurance claims processing, and ADAS camera recalibration after replacement.

Success requires auto glass installation and repair training, quality glass and resin materials, proper tools and equipment, mobile service capability, insurance industry relationships and billing knowledge, and understanding of ADAS systems requiring recalibration.

Initial investment includes glass inventory or supplier relationships for quick delivery, installation tools and equipment, resin and repair materials, mobile service vehicle, and insurance billing software.

Both mobile and shop models work, with mobile providing convenience.

Marketing targets insurance companies and claims adjusters building relationships for referrals, direct to consumers through local SEO and advertising, and fleet operators.

Insurance claims drive significant volume.

The business offers recurring demand from inevitable glass damage, insurance payment reliability, mobile service premium pricing, relatively quick service time, and growing recalibration services with ADAS.

Challenges include insurance pricing pressure reducing margins, glass inventory investment or supplier dependency, liability for installation and calibration, physical installation demands, and competition from national glass chains.

Many auto glass businesses specialize in mobile service, focus on recalibration expertise commanding higher rates, or expand to window tinting and other services.