Auto Glass Business Valuation
Auto Glass Business Valuation Calculator & Exit Planning Built for Shop Owners
We built one platform that tracks your auto glass business's value monthly, identifies exit gaps early, and ensures your personal finances align with your exit timeline.
1,000+ Businesses have joined YourExitValue.com
Most Auto Glass Shop Owners Have No Idea What Their Business is Actually Worth
Current Auto Glass Repair Valuation Multiples (2026)
Auto glass shop valuations depend on insurance relationships, mobile capability, and ADAS services. Here's the market:
Every business is different. That's why you need to track your value.
Included in Your Exit Value is a complete Exit Planning Assessment where you track your progress quarterly against your results from the previous quarter.
Know your number and watch it grow
Most business owners guess at their value. You'll know it with precision.
Our platform uses six proven valuation methodologies to give you a complete picture of what your business is worth today—and tracks how that number changes month over month. No more waiting for annual appraisals or paying $15K+ for outdated reports.
See your trends. Spot opportunities. Make informed decisions
What Actually Drives Auto Glass Business Value
Your installation quality matters, but sophisticated buyers evaluate these factors that determine premium pricing:
Insurance Network Status
Approved by Major Networks
Most auto glass replacement is insurance-paid, routed through networks like Safelite Solutions and Lynx. Being an approved vendor in these networks provides steady referral volume without marketing expense. Shops outside major networks must generate all business through direct marketing—expensive and unpredictable. Network status is essential for most markets.
No network access = referral disadvantage
ADAS Calibration
Full Calibration Capability
Modern vehicles with cameras and sensors require ADAS calibration after windshield replacement. Shops without calibration capability lose jobs to competitors who have it, or must subcontract at margin sacrifice. Calibration equipment is expensive but increasingly essential. Having this capability positions you for where the market is heading.
No ADAS = losing modern vehicle work
Mobile Service
Mobile Fleet + Fixed Shop
Customers increasingly expect mobile service—replacement at their home or office. Shops with mobile vans capture customers who won't drive to a location. The combination of fixed shop for complex work and mobile units for convenience maximizes market coverage. Mobile-only operations work but face different challenges.
Shop-only = missing convenience market
Installer Team
Multiple Trained Technicians
Proper windshield installation matters—poor work causes leaks, noise, and safety issues. Having multiple trained technicians (not just the owner) demonstrates capacity and reduces key person risk. NGA certification or manufacturer training signals quality commitment. High technician turnover creates quality and capacity problems.
Owner-only installation = limited capacity
Fleet Accounts
Commercial/Fleet Relationships
Fleet customers—dealerships, rental companies, trucking fleets, municipalities—provide steady volume without marketing expense. These B2B relationships often have less insurance involvement and sometimes better margins. Fleet accounts demonstrate business development capability beyond passive insurance network referrals.
Insurance-only = network dependent
Repair vs Replace Mix
Strong Repair Revenue
Chip repairs are faster, higher margin per hour, and often easier to schedule than full replacements. Shops that promote and capture repair work—rather than letting everything become replacements—have better margins. Track your repair-to-replace ratio; it affects profitability more than many owners realize.
Replace-only = margin opportunity missed
How to Value an Auto Glass Business
The U.S. auto glass repair and replacement industry generates approximately $7 billion in annual revenue across thousands of companies. Auto glass businesses provide windshield repair, windshield replacement, and window replacement services for vehicles.
Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) is the primary valuation method. Auto glass businesses typically sell for 1.5x to 3.0x SDE. Companies with insurance network participation, mobile service fleets, and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) recalibration capabilities command the higher end.
Revenue multiples generally range from 0.20x to 0.45x annual revenue. Companies with strong insurance direct billing relationships and ADAS capabilities achieve the upper end.
The unique valuation factor for auto glass is the insurance network participation and ADAS recalibration capability. Insurance companies direct the majority of auto glass claims to preferred providers — being in-network with major auto insurers provides a steady stream of work orders. ADAS recalibration has become a critical differentiator: modern windshields contain cameras and sensors that require precise recalibration after replacement. Companies with ADAS equipment and training capture an additional $200-$400 per job and position themselves as essential providers as ADAS-equipped vehicles become the majority of the car parc.
The auto glass industry has consolidated through Safelite (dominant national player) while independent operators continue to thrive in local and mobile markets. Use our free calculator above to get your instant estimate, then track your value monthly with YourExitValue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What multiple do auto glass shops sell for?
Most auto glass shops sell for 1.8x – 3.0x SDE. Shops with insurance network approval, ADAS calibration capability, and mobile service command the higher end.
How important is ADAS calibration?
Increasingly critical. Modern vehicles require calibration after windshield replacement. Shops without this capability lose jobs or must subcontract. Investment in calibration equipment is expensive but positions you for market direction.
Who buys auto glass shops?
Safelite and other national chains acquiring independents, regional auto glass consolidators, general automotive companies adding glass, and individual buyers seeking established businesses.
Does insurance network status transfer?
Usually, but requires approval. Buyers value network relationships highly because they provide referral volume. Ensure your network agreements allow for ownership transfer during sale negotiations.
Should I add mobile service before selling?
If market demand exists and capital allows, yes. Mobile service captures convenience-focused customers. The combination of shop and mobile maximizes market coverage.
What's the fastest way to increase my auto glass business value?
Three high-impact moves: 1) Add ADAS calibration capability for modern vehicles, 2) Hire and train additional technicians to reduce owner dependency, 3) Build fleet accounts for B2B revenue outside insurance networks.