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Lombard Auto Body

Auto Glass · San Francisco

Windshield Replacement & Auto Glass in San Francisco.

Windshield replacement, side and rear glass, chip repair, ADAS camera recalibration. OEM and quality aftermarket glass. Insurance handled directly — most claims approved in 24 hours.

Written by Jack Chew, owner of Lombard Auto Body — auto glass and windshield work on Lombard Street since 2013. Reviewed June 2026.

What we replace

Windshield (front)

Standard, ADAS-equipped, acoustic-laminated, HUD-equipped, heated.

Rear window

Including defroster-grid reconnection on rear-defrost cars.

Side door glass

Front and rear doors. Tempered safety glass; usually 1–2-day part order.

Quarter / vent glass

Rear-quarter and small fixed windows. Varies by model.

Chip & crack repair

Resin-fill for chips under a quarter. Faster and cheaper than replacement.

ADAS recalibration

After windshield replacement on 2018+ vehicles with forward camera systems.

Why ADAS recalibration isn't optional

If your vehicle is 2018 or newer with lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, or adaptive cruise control, there's a forward-facing camera mounted near your rear-view mirror — looking through the windshield at the road. The camera's aim is calibrated against the original glass. You'll find these systems on most 2018-and-newer cars — Subaru EyeSight, Honda Sensing, Toyota Safety Sense, Nissan ProPILOT Assist, Mazda i-Activsense, and the driver-assist suites on European makes all rely on a windshield-mounted forward camera.

When the windshield is replaced, the camera moves even fractions of a degree. Without recalibration, lane-keep can drift, AEB can trigger late or not at all, and adaptive cruise can misjudge distance. The safety systems become less reliable than no system at all, because they look like they're working but aren't.

Most manufacturers require recalibration in their service procedure. Some require it before the car is released to the customer. We complete the calibration your vehicle requires — static or dynamic — or coordinate it with a dealer or calibration specialist when the procedure needs equipment specific to your make. Documented either way. If the glass broke in a collision, the recalibration is part of the larger repair.

Common questions about auto glass

How much does windshield replacement cost in San Francisco?

Standard windshield (no sensors): $300–$500. ADAS-equipped windshield (camera mounted near the rear-view mirror, common on 2018+ vehicles): $500–$1,200, plus ADAS calibration ($150–$400). Heated, acoustic, or HUD windshields on luxury vehicles: $800–$2,500. Free estimate — bring it in or call (415) 292-2962.

Will my insurance cover windshield replacement?

Comprehensive coverage generally covers windshield replacement, often with a $0 or low-glass-deductible if your policy includes a "full glass" rider. Liability-only policies do not. California does not require glass coverage to be waived (unlike Florida, Massachusetts, and a few other states). Call your carrier before you authorize — most claims are approved within 24 hours. Our insurance claims walkthrough covers the full process — deductibles, supplements, and your right to choose the shop.

Does my windshield need ADAS calibration after replacement?

If your vehicle is 2018 or newer and has lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, or any forward-facing camera mounted to the windshield — yes. The camera's aim is set against the windshield glass; replacing the glass moves the camera even fractions of a degree, which makes those safety systems unreliable. ADAS recalibration is a separate service after the install. We handle it.

How long does windshield replacement take?

Install: ~1.5 hours. Safe drive-away time after install: typically 1 hour (urethane adhesive cure). ADAS calibration after install: 30–90 minutes depending on the procedure (some manufacturers require dynamic on-road calibration, others can be done static on the lift). Total time at the shop: 3–4 hours including calibration.

OEM glass vs aftermarket — does it matter?

For most vehicles, quality aftermarket glass from major manufacturers (Pilkington, Saint-Gobain, AGC) matches OEM optical and impact specs at lower cost. For HUD (head-up display) vehicles, acoustic-laminated vehicles, or vehicles with specific OEM ADAS calibration requirements, OEM glass is the safer choice. We tell you which is being quoted and let you decide.

Can a chipped windshield be repaired instead of replaced?

Yes — if the chip is smaller than a quarter, not in the driver's direct line of sight, and the inner glass layer isn't cracked. Resin chip repair takes 15–30 minutes, costs $80–$150, and most insurance carriers waive the deductible because repair is cheaper than replacement for them too. If the chip has spread into a crack or is too large, replacement is the only fix.

Side door window or rear glass replacement?

Yes — we replace side door glass, rear quarter glass, vent windows, and rear windshields. Side glass uses tempered safety glass (shatters into small pieces on impact); windshields use laminated glass (held together by a plastic interlayer). Different materials, different sourcing, different install procedure.

What's the warranty on glass installation?

Lifetime warranty on glass installation workmanship — leaks, adhesion failures. Glass itself carries the manufacturer's warranty (typically 1 year against defects). Stone-chip damage and rock cracks are not covered — that's why glass insurance exists.

Cracked windshield or broken side glass?

Call (415) 292-2962 for a same-day quote, or stop in at 2340 Lombard. Most insurance claims approved in 24 hours.

Call (415) 292-2962 Free Estimate