How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Jeep Wrangler Windshield?

The Jeep Wrangler is most well known for its superb off-roading capabilities. However, one of the most common downsides to taking your Wrangler off-road is that rocks and other debris can cause chips and cracks on your windshield. So, how much does it cost to replace the windshield?

The cost of replacing the windshield on a Jeep Wrangler depends on two factors: what year your Wrangler is, and where you’re getting it repaired. Typically, you can expect a windshield replacement to cost somewhere between $150 and $600.

Other common questions that arise from drivers with cracked windshields are whether their warranty will cover the damage and how long they can expect the replacement to take.  Let’s take a look at look at everything you need to know, so that you can get your Jeep Wrangler back on the road (or off the road) as soon as possible.

How Much Is a Replacement Jeep Wrangler Windshield?

How much it costs to replace the windshield to a Jeep Wrangler is going to depend on several factors. The two most important ones are what year your Jeep Wrangler is and where your auto shop is located.

When it comes to year, the basic idea is that the newer your Jeep Wrangler is, the more it’ll cost you to replace the windshield. For example, according to reports, replacing the windshield for a 1995 Jeep Wrangler in Glen Oaks, New York costs about $188, while replacing the windshield for a 2020 Jeep Wrangler in Long Beach, New York costs about $556.

When it comes to location, prices can be a bit more random. According to reports, replacing the windshield of a 2021 Jeep Wrangler cost about $337 in Draper, Utah, while it cost about $459 in Orange, California for the exact same model.

The best thing to do is to go to your local repair shop and ask for a rough estimate for the cost of repairs for your Jeep Wrangler. Although some places may charge for this estimate, most will be happy to give you one free of charge.

Sometimes the damage is minimal enough that they won’t even have to replace the windshield but can instead repair it. This is typically a much cheaper process than a full replacement, and it typically takes much less time.

Does the Jeep Warranty Cover a Cracked Windshield?

Many Jeep users who notice cracks on their windshield assume that this damage will be covered by the Jeep’s warranty.

Unfortunately, however, a cracked or even a broken windshield likely won’t be covered by a standard Jeep warranty. This is due to the fact that damage to the windshield usually falls under the category of general wear and tear. This general wear and tear category isn’t covered.

The standard Jeep warranty only covers damage caused by either poor workmanship or a manufacturer’s defect. A crack in your windshield unfortunately won’t fall under either of these categories.

If you want to avoid paying for a new windshield at any point, you should include a glass coverage plan on your insurance plan. You can also sign up for comprehensive coverage, which may include a glass coverage plan.

Of course, this advice is only useful in hindsight as you likely won’t be able to use it if your windshield is already cracked. However, if it isn’t already cracked, signing up now may be a good move.

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Jeep Windshield?

A common myth that many Jeep owners believe is that a windshield replacement for a Jeep takes a long amount of time. This can push many Jeep owners to put off getting their windshield repaired and to continue to drive with the cracked windshield.

Driving with a cracked windshield is extremely dangerous. If the crack were to spread and the windshield were to shatter while you were driving, it could cause you serious injury. It’s also worth noting that the bigger the crack (or cracks) on your windshield gets, the longer it will take to repair.

If done by an experienced technician, replacing your windshield will likely take somewhere between 1.5 and 2 hours.

However, before the replacement even begins, a well-trained technician should give you an estimate for how long they expect the replacement to take.

If the size of the crack (or cracks) on your windshield isn’t that large, some technicians may recommend that you simply get your windshield repaired rather than replaced. This is a much cheaper option to getting your windshield replaced, and it’ll likely take less time.

Cracks and chips that are around one inch in diameter or up to three inches long can likely be repaired rather than replaced. However, this can change depending on the amount of cracks and the location of the cracks.

If you’re simply getting your Jeep Wrangler windshield repaired rather than replaced, you can expect this to only take around 15 to 30 minutes in the hands of an experienced crew. Although, once again, your technician should give you a time estimate for how long they think the repairs will take.

How Do You Keep Your Jeep Windshield From Cracking?

The Jeep Wrangler is a mainstay of pretty much any top 10 off-road vehicle list that you can find on the internet.

However, one downside of taking the Wrangler off-road is that many off-road obstacles, like rocks, can constantly cause your windshield to develop chips and cracks. Is there a way to slow down this damage or even stop it altogether?

There actually exists a product made for this exact purpose. Invisible Glass Professional Grade Ceramic Glass Coating (on Amazon) is a clear hardening liquid that you can spread on your windshield to double your glass’ hardness. This should make it more durable and less likely to develop any chips or cracks.

To apply this product, first clean off your windshield to make sure you don’t trap any dirt or stains underneath the ceramic glass coating. Then, while wearing gloves, apply the liquid to the special sponge that comes with your ceramic glass coating and apply it evenly onto your windshield.

Finally, let the liquid harden and you should have successfully developed a shield for your windshield.