Back glass and rear window replacement

Why back glass shatters completely

Almost all rear windows are tempered glass. Tempering makes the glass much stronger, but when it fails, it breaks all at once into thousands of small, blunt cubes instead of cracking. That's why a rear window can't be repaired like a windshield chip. It has to be replaced.

Common causes in the valley:

• Rocks or debris thrown up on I-15, I-215 or construction zones
• Break-ins and vandalism
• A tailgate, hatch or cargo shifting into the glass
• Heat stress on glass that already had an edge chip
• Minor rear-end collisions

Some back glass breaks with no obvious cause, often from a small edge flaw that finally gives way when the glass heats and cools.

Rear defroster, antenna and wiper

Your back glass is often more than glass. The thin lines across it may be a defroster grid, a radio antenna or both. We match the exact part your car was built with using the VIN, so those features still work.

If a defroster tab was damaged when the glass broke, we'll tell you before we start.

After the install, turn on the rear defroster on the next cool morning. The grid should clear fog in even bands across the glass. If one band stays fogged, call us and we'll check the connection under our lifetime workmanship warranty against leaks and wind noise for as long as you own the vehicle.

Hatchbacks and SUVs

On hatchbacks, SUVs and minivans, the rear glass is usually bonded into the liftgate with urethane, like a windshield. It needs a safe drive-away time before you drive or close the hatch hard. We'll tell you how long based on the adhesive and the day's temperature. See safe drive-away time.

On many sedans the back glass is also bonded. Some older cars and trucks use a rubber gasket instead.

Sliding truck rear windows

Pickup trucks often have a sliding rear window: a frame with fixed side panes and a center slider. Most are replaced as a full assembly. Some include a heated defroster or power slider.

Tell us the year, make, model and cab style, or text your VIN, so we can order the right assembly. Manual and power sliders use different parts.

Cleanup after a broken rear window

Tempered glass spreads everywhere: the back seat, cargo area, trunk, under trim and into the liftgate. We remove loose pieces from the frame, vacuum the seats and cargo area, and pull out trim where glass collects. Small cubes can still turn up later in seat tracks or trim. A few is normal.

Until we arrive, cover the opening with heavy plastic and tape, and keep valuables out of the car. For a quick cover, tape to the glass frame or trim instead of painted surfaces, and remove it soon in the sun.

Is it legal to drive with a broken back window?

California Vehicle Code 26710 covers the rear window as well as the windshield. It is unlawful to drive with either one so defective that it impairs the driver's view. An officer can direct repair within 48 hours. A shattered back window with plastic over it can block your view to the rear, so get it replaced soon. Read the cracked windshield law guide.

Does insurance cover back glass?

Usually, under comprehensive coverage. You pay your comprehensive deductible. For vandalism, a police report may help. If your deductible is more than our price, paying cash is often cheaper. We work with every insurer. See insurance claims.

What does back glass replacement cost?

Our back glass replacement starts at $329, with mobile service and cleanup included. Large SUV glass, power sliders and glass with more built-in features cost more.

Industry guides put back glass replacement at roughly $200 to $600 or more. Prices last updated November 2026.

For other glass, see side window replacement and mobile service.