Start here

Quick, low-risk steps

  1. Check if the glass blocks the driver's view or the windshield is unstable; if so, do not drive.
  2. Record your vehicle's year, make, model, body style, and any visible features like rain sensors or lane-keep cameras.
  3. Photograph the damage from inside and outside without touching sharp glass.
  4. Note any ADAS warning lights or behavior changes since the damage occurred.
  5. Use the checklist below to organize details before contacting shops.

How to Use This Checklist

This tool is a private worksheet. It does not store or transmit your data. Work through each section to gather the information that auto-glass shops typically request for a quote. Having these details ready helps you compare offers more accurately.

The checklist covers vehicle identification, glass features, damage description, and ADAS considerations. It is not a substitute for a professional inspection. A technician must examine the vehicle in person to confirm part compatibility, hidden damage, and calibration needs.

  • Complete the checklist at your own pace; no data is saved.
  • Use it to prepare for phone or online quote requests.
  • Bring the completed checklist to an in-person inspection if needed.
  • Compare quotes using the same set of details for consistency.

Vehicle and Glass Identification

Start by noting your vehicle's year, make, model, and body style (e.g., 2020 Honda Civic sedan). This determines the glass part numbers and features. Look for a label on the existing glass that may show the manufacturer, DOT code, and any embedded technology like acoustic or solar coatings.

Check for features attached to or near the windshield: rain sensors, lane-departure cameras, heads-up display, or heating elements. These affect part selection and calibration requirements. If you are unsure, a shop can identify them during inspection.

  • Year, make, model, body style
  • Glass brand or DOT code if visible
  • Rain sensor, light sensor, or humidity sensor
  • Forward-facing camera (usually behind the rearview mirror)
  • Heads-up display or heated wiper park area

Documenting the Damage

Take clear photos from inside and outside the vehicle without touching sharp edges. Place a coin or ruler near the damage for scale. Note the location on the glass (driver's side, passenger side, center, edge) and whether the damage is a chip, crack, or combination.

Measure the damage if you can do so safely. Do not attempt to clean or probe the break. Shops need to see the original condition to assess repairability. If the crack is spreading, mark the end with a non-permanent marker and note the date.

  • Photo from outside showing entire windshield
  • Close-up photo with a coin for scale
  • Photo from inside looking out through the damage
  • Location: driver's line of sight, edge, or corner
  • Type: bullseye, star, crack, or combination

ADAS and Calibration Questions

If your vehicle has a forward-facing camera or other sensors behind the windshield, replacement may require calibration. Check for warning lights on the dashboard, such as lane-keep assist or automatic emergency braking indicators. Note any changes in how these systems behave since the damage.

Ask shops how they determine if calibration is needed for your exact vehicle. Some use OEM procedures; others may rely on aftermarket tools. Request documentation of pre- and post-repair scans. Calibration requirements vary by make, model, and even trim level.

  • List any ADAS warning lights currently on
  • Note if lane-keeping, auto-braking, or adaptive cruise behaves differently
  • Ask: 'How did you determine calibration is required for my VIN?'
  • Request pre- and post-scan reports
  • Confirm who performs the calibration (shop or subcontractor)

Private worksheet

Auto Glass Quote Preparation Checklist: private worksheet

Check items as you confirm them. Your selections and notes stay in this browser and are not submitted to us. This worksheet does not diagnose the problem or replace an on-site professional.

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Items to confirm

Common questions

What homeowners ask next

Does this checklist save my information?

No. This is a private, client-side tool. Nothing you type or select is stored or transmitted. You can print or screenshot your entries for your own records.

Can I get a quote directly from this tool?

No. This checklist prepares you to request quotes from auto-glass shops. It does not provide pricing or connect you to a shop. Use the details you gather to contact local providers.

What if I don't know my vehicle's glass features?

A qualified shop can identify features during an in-person inspection. You can also check your owner's manual or look for sensors near the rearview mirror. When in doubt, mention what you see and let the shop confirm.

Evidence

Sources used for this guide

Research checked July 31, 2026

  • In-use glazing repair safety factorsNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration

    Visibility, worsening damage, occupant retention, manufacturer installation instructions, and the agency's limits; it provides no universal repair-size threshold.

  • Honda forward-camera aiming bulletinNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration TSB repository

    Example of model-specific calibration instructions; only matching vehicle procedures control.

  • ADAS repair cost fact sheetAAA

    Demonstrates potential ADAS scope; study figures are not live quotes.

Optional next step

Need an on-site professional?

Use the guide and worksheet first so you can describe the situation and compare the full scope. A referral is optional; you can also contact a licensed local provider directly.

Referral matching is not enabled yet.

We have not enabled a provider route for this site. Use the checklist to contact and verify local providers yourself; urgent hazards should go to the appropriate emergency or public service.