Rear Windshield Replacement
Rear windshield replacement is the removal of a broken back window (also called the back glass or rear window) and the installation of new OEM or OEM-grade glass matched to your vehicle. Jiffy Auto Glass replaces rear glass on cars, trucks, SUVs, hatchbacks and vans, and we vacuum up the broken glass as part of the job.
Free mobile service across the Colorado Front Range, from the Denver metro outward, and the Phoenix Metro, or bring the car to our Wheat Ridge auto glass shop in Colorado (walk-ins welcome). Call, text, or book online 24/7.
Why drivers trust Jiffy Auto Glass
What Is Rear Windshield Replacement?
Most rear windshields are tempered safety glass rather than laminated glass. Tempered glass is heat-treated so it breaks into small, blunt pieces instead of long shards. That’s safer in a crash, but it means a cracked back window can’t be fixed with resin like a windshield chip. Once rear glass breaks, you replace the rear windshield rather than repair it. Rear window replacement is part of our auto glass repair and replacement services, alongside windshield replacement and windshield repair.
At a glance
- When you need it: a cracked, chipped or shattered rear window
- Glass: OEM or OEM-grade, matched to your year, make, model and trim
- Cost: quoted from your VIN; no charge for mobile service
- Time: most rear glass jobs take about an hour or two; glass set in urethane needs cure time before driving, depending on the adhesive and weather
- Insurance: we can coordinate the claim with your insurer when applicable
- Where: mobile in the Colorado Front Range and Phoenix Metro, or in-shop in Wheat Ridge
- Warranty: All of our work is backed by a Limited Lifetime Workmanship Warranty.
Why Replace a Broken Back Window Right Away?
A broken back window leaves the car open. It can’t be locked, so theft risk goes up and anything inside is easy to reach. Rain, snow or dust gets into the cargo area and headliner. Loose pieces keep falling into the seats until it’s cleaned out.
On SUVs, hatchbacks and minivans the rear glass sits in the liftgate. A missing or cracked pane is a structural compromise for the hatch, and a poorly sealed one brings water leaks and wind noise.
You also lose your rear view; with the opening taped over, rear visibility drops to zero. In Colorado, C.R.S. 42-4-226 calls for mirrors that show the road at least 200 feet behind you, and an exterior mirror on each side when the rear view is blocked.
Rear Windshield, Side Window, or Windshield?
Start with which glass is damaged. If it isn’t the back glass, the car window replacement, power window repair, windshield chip repair and windshield replacement pages cover it.
Rear windshield (this page)
- Back glass cracked, crazed or shattered
- Liftgate or hatch glass broken
- Pickup rear window or rear slider broken
Side window or front windshield
- Side or door window: front or rear door glass, quarter glass or vent glass → car window replacement
- Side or door window: glass is fine but won't go up or down → power window repair
- Front windshield: small rock chip → windshield chip repair
- Front windshield: long crack or a broken windshield → windshield replacement
Rear Glass We Replace
Every rear window is a different part, even within one model. Before ordering, we use your VIN to confirm the exact glass and its integrated features, such as factory privacy tint, a rear wiper hole, and a third brake light mount. If your vehicle has a backup camera or other rear-mounted camera near the glass, mention it when you book. Some rear glass has to be ordered, so glass availability delays can push the appointment date; we’ll tell you up front.
Sedan and coupe back glass
What it is: The fixed rear window on cars. Most are bonded to the body with urethane, so the old adhesive is trimmed and the new glass is set and left to cure.
SUV, hatchback and liftgate glass
What it is: Rear glass that sits in the liftgate or hatch. The wiper arm and any third brake light or trim are removed and reinstalled with the new glass.
Pickup rear windows and sliders
What it is: Fixed back glass and rear sliding windows on pickup trucks. Tell us what's on your truck when you text the photo, and we'll confirm the correct part.
Van rear door glass
What it is: Rear door and back glass on cargo and passenger vans. Fleets can also book through our <a class="d-inline text-decoration-underline" href="/services/commercial-fleet/">commercial fleet service</a>.
How Much Does Rear Windshield Replacement Cost?
Rear windshield replacement cost depends on the vehicle and what’s built into the glass. We quote from your VIN, so the price reflects the exact part, and mobile service is free.
| Cost factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Sedan back glass, liftgate glass, pickup sliders and van glass are all different parts |
| Year, make, model and trim | Body style and trim can change the glass |
| Privacy tint | Factory-tinted glass is its own part number |
| Wiper hole or third brake light | Adds features to the glass and steps to the install |
| OEM or OEM-grade glass | Availability and price vary by vehicle |
Insurance
Many comprehensive insurance policies cover auto glass repair or replacement. Jiffy Auto Glass can coordinate the claim, paperwork, and billing with your insurance provider when applicable — call us first and we'll walk you through your options.
Cash or insurance?
Compare deductible to cash price before you file: if the deductible is close to the quote, paying cash is often simpler. We'll give you the cash price either way.
Price match
We match qualifying, verified competitor quotes.
Financing
Flexible payment plans may be available for qualifying services.
How Rear Windshield Replacement Works
Five steps from the first photo to a sealed, clean car.
Quote
Send your VIN or a photo, or book online. We identify the back glass and confirm tint, wiper hole and brake light.
Confirm the glass
We order OEM or OEM-grade rear glass for your vehicle and confirm the appointment, mobile or in-shop.
Protect and clean up
The technician covers the interior, removes trim and the remaining glass, and vacuums broken glass out of the seats and cargo area.
Install
New glass is set in place (bonded glass gets a fresh urethane bead), checked for proper alignment and fitting, then the wiper arm, third brake light and trim go back on.
Cure and care
Urethane-set glass needs cure time. Your technician tells you when it’s safe to drive, wash the car or slam the hatch.
Why Drivers Choose Jiffy for Back Glass
All of our work is backed by a Limited Lifetime Workmanship Warranty.
Where We Replace Rear Windshields
Mobile appointments depend on address confirmation, weather, scheduling and safe working conditions. See all service areas.
Colorado Front Range
Free mobile rear windshield replacement at your home or work across the Denver metro and the rest of the Front Range, or in-shop at our Wheat Ridge auto glass shop, 9491 W 44th Ave #112, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. Walk-ins welcome. Call (303) 876-0999.
Phoenix Metro
Mobile rear glass replacement only; our technicians come to you. Call (602) 428-3198.
Related Services
Rear Windshield Replacement FAQs
Can a rear windshield be repaired, or does it have to be replaced?
Most rear windshields are tempered glass, which can’t be repaired with resin. So a cracked, chipped or broken back window is replaced, not repaired. Front windshields are laminated, which is why small windshield chips can often be repaired.
How much does it cost to replace a rear windshield?
It depends on your vehicle and the glass: sedan, SUV liftgate, pickup slider or van; trim; privacy tint; and a wiper hole or third brake light. We quote from your VIN, and mobile service is free. Send a photo or your VIN for a quote.
Is a back windshield covered by insurance?
Many comprehensive insurance policies cover auto glass repair or replacement. Jiffy Auto Glass can coordinate the claim, paperwork, and billing with your insurance provider when applicable — call us first and we’ll walk you through your options.
Can I drive with my back windshield broken?
For a short, careful trip it’s possible, but not a good idea: loose glass keeps falling, weather gets in, the car can’t be locked, and you lose the rear view. In Colorado, C.R.S. 42-4-226 calls for an exterior mirror on each side when the rear view is blocked. Get it replaced soon.
What should I do if my back windshield shattered?
Pull over somewhere safe and take photos for your insurer. If it was a break-in, file a police report. Wearing gloves, brush loose glass off the seats, cover the opening from the inside with heavy plastic and painter’s tape, and remove valuables. Then text us a photo or book online.
How long does rear windshield replacement take, and when can I drive?
Most rear glass jobs take about an hour or two. Glass set in urethane needs cure time before driving, depending on the adhesive and weather. Your technician will give you a drive-away time for your vehicle and tell you when it’s safe to wash the car or slam the hatch.
Can you replace the back glass at my home or work?
Yes. We offer free mobile service across the Colorado Front Range and the Phoenix Metro, at home, work or another safe spot, subject to weather and scheduling. In Colorado you can also come to our Wheat Ridge auto glass shop; walk-ins are welcome.
Do you replace sliding rear windows on pickup trucks?
Yes. We replace fixed back glass and rear sliding windows on pickups. Send a photo and your truck’s year, make, model and trim so we can confirm the part.
Do you replace rear glass on SUVs, hatchbacks, liftgates and vans?
Yes. We replace liftgate and hatch glass on SUVs, hatchbacks and minivans, and rear door glass on vans.
What is the back windshield called?
It goes by several names: rear windshield, back windshield, back glass, rear window or back window. The glass trade also calls it a backlite.
Do you replace rear windshields in the Phoenix Metro?
Yes. Rear glass replacement in the Phoenix Metro is mobile only; our technicians come to your home or work. Call (602) 428-3198 or book online.
Get Your Back Window Replaced
Send a photo and your vehicle details and we’ll confirm the glass and book mobile or in-shop service.
Call or text (303) 876-0999, or (602) 428-3198 in the Phoenix Metro, or request a quote online.