A broken rear windshield puts your safety and security at immediate risk. Unlike front windshields, rear glass is tempered and shatters completely. Arrow Auto Glass replaces rear windshields at your location, often the same day.
Your Back Glass Does More Than You Think
Most drivers focus on the front windshield. But when your rear windshield cracks or shatters, it becomes an urgent problem fast.
Your rear windshield seals your vehicle from weather, noise, and outside air. It also supports the structural frame of your car. On most vehicles, it includes a built-in defrosting grid that keeps your visibility clear in cold or humid weather.
Losing that glass means losing more than a window. It means your car is open to rain, theft, and temperature extremes until it gets replaced.
Why Rear Glass Breaks Differently Than Front Glass
The front windshield on your vehicle is made from laminated glass. It holds together when hit. The rear windshield is made from tempered glass.
Tempered glass is designed to shatter into small, blunt pieces when it breaks. This reduces the risk of serious cuts in an accident. But it also means a rear windshield does not crack in a small area. When it goes, it goes completely.
Common causes of rear windshield damage include:
- Road debris kicked up from behind
- Vandalism or break-ins
- Rear-end collisions
- Sudden temperature changes, especially in extreme heat or cold
- Improper installation of aftermarket accessories near the glass
- Electrical shorts in the heating grid
Poor factory installation or hidden manufacturer defects in the glass
Once the glass breaks, there is no repair option. The entire panel must be replaced.
What Happens During a Rear Windshield Replacement
A rear windshield replacement follows a clear process. Knowing each step helps you plan your day.
Step 1: Assessment and scheduling. When you contact Arrow Auto Glass at 866-975-4527 or schedule online at arrowautoglass.com, a specialist confirms the year, make, and model of your vehicle. This ensures the right glass is ordered before your appointment.
Step 2: Technician arrives at your location. Arrow’s mobile technicians come to your home or workplace. You do not need to drive a vehicle with missing or broken rear glass to a shop.
Step 3: Old glass and adhesive are removed. The technician carefully removes all remaining glass to the best of his or her ability and clears the frame. Any damage to the seal or trim is addressed before new glass is installed.
Step 4: New glass is fitted and sealed. The replacement rear windshield is installed using high-quality adhesive. If your vehicle has a heated rear defrost system, the technician reconnects the electrical connectors.
How Long Does Rear Windshield Replacement Take?
Most rear windshield replacements take 60 to 90 minutes.
Does Insurance Cover Rear Windshield Replacement?
In most cases, yes. If you carry comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, rear windshield replacement is typically covered. Your deductible may or may not apply depending on your policy and your state.
Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York have laws that reduce or eliminate deductibles for rear glass claims. If you live in one of these states, your replacement may cost you nothing out of pocket.
Arrow Auto Glass works directly with your insurance provider. Call 866-975-4527 and have your policy number and VIN ready. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on getting back on the road.
What About the Defroster Grid?
Most rear windshields on vehicles made in the last 20 years include a printed defroster grid. This grid is embedded in the glass, not attached on top of it. When a new rear windshield is installed, the replacement glass includes this grid.
The electrical connectors are reattached during installation. Your defrost system should work normally after service.
If your vehicle has an older defroster repair film applied over the glass, that film cannot be transferred. A new replacement window will restore factory defrost performance.
Can a Rear Windshield Be Repaired?
No. Because rear glass is tempered, it cannot be repaired with resin the way a front windshield chip can. When tempered glass breaks, the damage is complete. Full replacement is the only option.
Do not wait. Schedule a replacement as soon as damage appears.
Act Fast on Broken Rear Glass
A broken rear windshield is not a problem you can defer. It leaves your vehicle exposed, reduces structural integrity, and can make driving unsafe or illegal in your state.
Arrow Auto Glass brings mobile service to your location across the Northeast and Southeast. Our technicians arrive prepared, work efficiently, and leave you with a sealed, tested rear windshield backed by our warranty.
Call 866-975-4527 or schedule online at arrowautoglass.com to get your rear windshield replaced today.
Quick Answers
Q: Can a rear windshield be repaired instead of replaced?
A: No. Rear windshields are made of tempered glass, which shatters completely when damaged. Resin repair is not possible. Full replacement is required.
Q: Does insurance cover rear windshield replacement?
A: Comprehensive coverage typically covers rear windshield replacement. Deductibles vary by policy and state. Arrow Auto Glass assists with the insurance claim process.
Q: How long does rear windshield replacement take?
A: Most replacements take 60 to 90 minutes. You can usually drive right away after installation.
Q: Will my rear defroster still work after replacement?
A: Yes. Replacement rear windshields include the defrost grid. Technicians reconnect the electrical system during installation.
Q: Does Arrow Auto Glass come to my location for rear windshield replacement?
A: Yes. Arrow offers mobile rear windshield replacement at your home or workplace.
Q: Does the technician clean up the old broken glass?
A: The technician will do his or her best to vacuum and clean up the broken glass, however Arrow Auto Glass recommends detailing the car by a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Rear windshields are tempered glass and cannot be repaired. They must be replaced.
- Common causes include debris, accidents, vandalism, temperature changes, defects in the heating grid, poor previous installations & other manufacturers defects.
- Arrow Auto Glass provides mobile replacement at your home or workplace.
- Most replacements take 60 to 90 minutes and can drive away right away.
- Comprehensive insurance typically covers rear windshield replacement.
- The defrost grid is built into the replacement glass and reconnected during installation.
