How much to install a sunroof? Most people pay between $300 and $3,500, depending on the sunroof type, their vehicle, and where they live. Labor alone runs $300 to $1,000. The final price shifts based on how complex the job is and what features you want.
This guide breaks down every cost, every sunroof type, and every factor that affects your quote. Whether you want a basic pop-up or a full panoramic roof, you’ll know exactly what to expect before you call a shop.
Understanding Different Types of Sunroofs
Not all sunroofs are built the same. Each type has a different design, different features, and a very different price tag. Here’s what’s actually available.
1. Pop-Up Sunroof
The simplest option. You tilt it open by hand. No motor, no wiring, no electronics. These work great on older or smaller cars. Because the installation is straightforward with minimal roof cutting, costs stay low.
2. Spoiler Sunroof
Slides open and tilts up over the roofline. The aerodynamic design helps cut wind noise. Most models are electric. There’s more wiring involved, which adds to the price. Still one of the more affordable electric options.
3. Inbuilt Sunroof
Slides all the way back inside the roof. Clean look, no glass sticking up above the roofline. Requires more roof modification to create the slide cavity. Costs more because of the added labor.
4. Top-Mount Sunroof
Slides over the top of the roof rather than inside it. Gives you a convertible feel without a full drop-top. Works on almost any vehicle. One of the more popular aftermarket sunroof choices because it’s easier to install on cars not designed for one.
5. Panoramic Sunroof
Large glass panels covering most of the roof. Both front and rear passengers get open-air light. These are heavy, need structural support, and take longer to install. The panoramic sunroof repair cost down the road can also run high if the motor or seals fail.
6. Solar Sunroof
Generates energy from sunlight to power your car’s air conditioning or accessories. Still relatively new in the aftermarket space. Price is similar to panoramic around $1,500 to $2,500 installed. Good long-term value if you drive daily in sunny climates like Texas.
7. Folding / Ragtop Sunroof
Soft fabric that folds back like a convertible top. Popular on older European models. Looks great but needs specialist installation. Fabric is harder to seal properly, so bad installs lead to leaks fast.
Cost Analysis: Breaking Down the Prices for Each Sunroof Type
Here’s a full breakdown of what each sunroof type costs both parts and installed. These are real-world ranges, not manufacturer guesses.
Sunroof Type | Description | Parts Cost | Installed Cost |
Pop-up | Manual tilt, great for small cars | $150–$400 | $300–$900 |
Spoiler | Slides externally, reduces wind noise | $400–$700 | $600–$1,100 |
Inbuilt | Flush design, slides or tilts | $600–$1,200 | $1,000–$2,500 |
Top-Mount | Aftermarket slider, convertible feel | $600–$1,000 | $1,000–$2,500 |
Panoramic | Multi-panel glass, full cabin coverage | $800–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,500 |
Solar | Powers A/C via solar energy | $1,000–$1,800 | $1,500–$2,500 |
Folding/Ragtop | Soft fabric, vintage convertible look | $500–$900 | $750–$2,000 |
Labor for most installs adds $300 to $1,000, depending on how much roof work your vehicle needs. If your car isn’t pre-wired for a powered sunroof, expect to pay more for electrical work.
Small repairs after installation clearing drain clogs or replacing seals run $100 to $200. Motor or full glass replacements can hit $300 or more.
Factors Affecting How Much Does It Cost to Install a Sunroof in a Car
Several things push your quote up or down. Here’s what actually matters:
Vehicle Type: Trucks, SUVs, and luxury cars are often trickier to work on. Limited roof space, complicated headliners, or reinforced roof structures all add labor hours. Some vehicles need custom brackets.
Sunroof Brand: Brands like Webasto and Inalfa are industry leaders with better warranties and tighter seals. Generic kits cost less upfront but fail faster. A Webasto sunroof installation typically costs more but lasts longer.
Glass Quality: Standard glass is cheapest. Tinted glass adds $50–$200. Laminated or tempered glass can add $100–$500. UV-protective coatings are an extra $50–$150.
Features: Rain sensors and auto-close systems add $200–$500. Sunshades add $50–$150. The more features, the more wiring, the more labor.
Labor Rates: Auto glass shops charge $75–$150 per hour. A basic install takes 4–6 hours. A panoramic or inbuilt job can run 8+ hours. A skilled installer costs more but your chance of leaks drops dramatically.
Pre-Wiring: If your car came without any sunroof wiring, an electric install needs new wiring runs. That adds cost. Factory sunroof wiring already installed? Your bill goes down.
How Much to Install a Sunroof in Austin, Texas?
Sunroof installation cost near Austin generally runs $800 to $3,000 for most vehicles. Austin’s competitive auto glass market helps keep prices in check compared to larger metro areas.
Here’s how Austin compares to other cities:
City | Avg. Low | Avg. High | vs. Austin |
Austin, TX | $800 | $3,000 | Baseline |
Dallas, TX | $850 | $3,200 | +5–8% |
Houston, TX | $780 | $2,900 | -3–5% |
San Antonio, TX | $750 | $2,800 | -5–8% |
New York, NY | $1,200 | $4,000 | +35–40% |
Austin sits in a sweet spot of experienced shops at reasonable rates. Custom sunroof installation price in Austin will vary based on vehicle type and the features you add.
Tip: Summer is peak sunroof season in Texas. Book your install in winter or early spring for possible off-season pricing from some shops.
If you’re searching for sunroof installation near Austin, always ask for a written warranty covering both parts and labor. A reputable shop will give you at least a 1-year warranty on the installation.
You can read about: How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Sunroof
Sunroof vs. Moonroof: What's the Difference?
Most people use these words as if they mean the same thing. They don’t.
A sunroof is typically a solid metal panel that you remove or tilt for ventilation. A moonroof is always a powered, tinted glass panel that slides back usually with a fabric sunshade underneath.
The term ‘moonroof’ was actually coined by a Ford marketing executive in the 1970s through a deal with the American Sunroof Corporation. He added a tinted glass panel that slid open with a button push. Before that, Noel Mobbs of London patented the original sunroof in 1925 under the trade name ‘Pytchley.’
Today, most new cars come with moonroofs, not traditional sunroofs. But the industry still uses both words loosely. When you’re pricing a job, ask specifically what type of glass panel and mechanism is included. That’s what actually determines your sunroof installation cost.
What Is the Cost of Installing an Aftermarket Sunroof?
An aftermarket sunroof is any sunroof added to a vehicle after it leaves the factory. The cost to add a sunroof this way runs $300 for a basic pop-up to $3,500 for a full panoramic glass panel.
Factory-Installed vs. Aftermarket Sunroof
Factory-Installed: Built in at the assembly line. Perfect fit, manufacturer warranty, zero leak risk from poor installation. Usually added as a package option adding $1,500–$3,000 to the car price.
Aftermarket Sunroof: Added after purchase. More variety, lower cost, and works on almost any car. Installation quality varies; a bad installer creates leaks quickly. May also affect certain parts of your factory warranty, so check before you commit.
A lot of car owners skip aftermarket sunroofs because of leak concerns. But a professional installation from a shop with experience eliminates most of that risk. Ask the shop how many sunroofs they’ve installed. Ask for photos of past work.
According to industry data, a well-installed aftermarket sunroof can add $500 to $2,000 to your car’s resale value. That’s a strong return if you’re planning to sell.
Additional Costs for Customization and Premium Features
- Tinting: $50–$200
- Rain Sensors and Auto-Close: $200–$500
- UV Protection Film or Sunshade: $50–$150
- Premium Laminated or Tempered Glass: $100–$500
- Webasto or Inalfa Brand Upgrade: $200–$600 over generic
These extras add up fast. Always get an itemized quote so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Is It Possible to Add a Sunroof to Any Car?
Mostly yes, but not every car is a good candidate.
Good Candidates
- Cars and trucks with solid metal roofs
- Vehicles with sufficient headroom after cutting
- Cars with strong roof pillars and frame
- Most modern sedans and SUVs
Poor Candidates
- Convertibles (no structural roof to cut into)
- Cars already fitted with factory panoramic glass
- Vehicles with minimal interior headroom
- Some sports cars with structural roof elements built into the unibody
- Fiberglass or carbon fiber roof panels
Before committing, have a professional check your specific vehicle. They’ll inspect roof thickness, headliner depth, roof pillar structure, and headroom clearance. Skipping this step is how people end up with expensive structural repairs.
Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring an Installer
The installer matters as much as the sunroof itself. A bad cut or improper seal causes leaks that cost hundreds to fix.
- No written warranty on parts and labor
- Refusing to show you past work or references
- No liability for water damage caused by a bad seal
- Very low prices with no explanation of materials used
- No mention of drainage channel installation
Always get at least two quotes. Ask specifically what brand of sunroof kit they use, how long the job takes, and what their leak policy is. A trustworthy shop will answer all of this without hesitation.
Maintenance and Care for Sunroofs
Ignoring your sunroof leads to expensive repairs. These simple steps keep it working for years.
Clean the Seals and Tracks Monthly
Wipe the rubber seals and glass with a damp cloth. Dirty seals crack faster. Cracked seals leak.
Test Drain Tubes Twice a Year
Pour a cup of water into each corner track. It should drain out under the car within a few seconds. If it backs up, the drain tube is clogged. A clog costs $50–$150 to fix. Ignoring it leads to interior water damage that costs thousands.
Lubricate the Tracks Every Six Months
Use silicone-based lubricant on the tracks. Never use WD-40. It’s too thin and attracts dirt. A squeaky or jerky sunroof is usually just dry tracks. Fix it early before the motor burns out.
What Repairs Cost if You Wait Too Long
- Seal replacement or drain cleaning: $100–$500
- Motor replacement: $300–$1,000
- Glass damage or full replacement: $250–$1,200
Spending $10 on silicone spray twice a year beats a $600 motor replacement.
Does a Sunroof Affect Insurance Costs?
Sometimes, yes. Adding a sunroof increases your vehicle’s value, which can slightly raise your comprehensive insurance premium. Not by much, usually $30 to $80 per year.
More important: call your insurer before installation. Some policies require you to notify them of aftermarket modifications. If a hailstorm damages your sunroof, you want to know your coverage ahead of time, not after the fact.
Glass-specific coverage is worth checking too. Some policies cover sunroof glass replacement with no deductible.
Final Thoughts
A sunroof adds real value to daily driving and can boost your car’s resale value by $500 to $2,000 when done right. The key word is ‘done right.’ Choose an experienced shop, use a quality brand like Webasto or Inalfa, and maintain it properly. It’ll last for years without problems.
If you need professional sunroof repair in Austin, the team at Texas Reliable Auto Glass handles both. Our team installs and repairs all sunroof types from basic pop-ups to full panoramic setups. We offer honest, upfront pricing with a written warranty on every job.
Contact us or get a free quote online. We’ll tell you exactly what your vehicle needs and what it’ll cost, no surprises.
FAQS
How much does it cost to install a sunroof in a standard sedan?
Most sedan installs run $600–$2,000. A pop-up on a small car sits at the low end. An inbuilt or panoramic on a mid-size sedan hits the higher range. Labor adds $300–$800 depending on complexity.
How long does it take to install a sunroof?
A basic pop-up takes 60–90 minutes. Electric spoilers or inbuilt types take 4–6 hours. Panoramic installs can run 8–12 hours across one or two days. Always ask for a time estimate before booking.
Can any car get a sunroof installed?
Most cars with a metal roof and adequate headroom can get one. Convertibles, some sports cars with structural roofs, and fiberglass-topped vehicles usually cannot. Have a professional assess your car first.
Does adding a sunroof increase resale value?
Yes. A well-installed aftermarket sunroof adds $500–$2,000 to resale value. This depends on the car, the sunroof type, and local market demand. In Texas, sunroofs are a popular feature and can help your listing stand out.
What is the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof?
A sunroof is usually a solid removable or tilt panel. A moonroof is always a powered tinted glass panel that slides back, with a fabric sunshade included. Most modern cars come with moonroofs, not traditional sunroofs.
Is aftermarket sunroof installation worth it?
Yes, if you use a quality kit and a skilled installer. The open-air feel, improved light inside the car, and resale value bump make it worthwhile for most drivers. The risk is a bad installation causing leaks. Choose your shop carefully.
