Complete guide to the specialist networks, distributors and independent workshops operating in the Portuguese automotive glass market.
The automotive glass repair and replacement sector in Portugal is a mature and competitive market, dominated by three major specialist networks which, together, operate more than 300 centres across the entire national territory, including the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira. These networks -- Carglass, Glassdrive and ExpressGlass -- handle the vast majority of windshield and other glass interventions for passenger and commercial vehicles.
Alongside the specialist networks, there is an important ecosystem of automotive glass distributors (such as Autover and DiverAxial) that supply multi-brand workshops, independent glaziers and authorised dealership workshops. This indirect channel represents a significant share of the market, particularly in rural areas and among professionals who prefer to work with local suppliers.
The growth of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and the increasing technological complexity of modern windshields have been consolidating the market around the major operators, who possess the static and dynamic calibration equipment required to ensure the correct functioning of cameras and sensors after each replacement. This factor has been decisive in the decision-making of consumers and insurance companies when choosing a service provider.
More than 500,000 windshields are replaced annually in Portugal. The majority of these interventions are covered by Isolated Glass Breakage (QIV) insurance, which means the driver rarely pays the full cost of the service.
Agreements between insurers and networks determine a large part of the client flow. When you file a QIV insurance claim, the insurer directs you to an approved network -- but the consumer always retains the right to freely choose their service provider.
Carglass belongs to the Belron group, the world's largest automotive glass repair and replacement operator, present in more than 35 countries with local brands such as Safelite (USA), Autoglass (UK) and O'Brien (Australia). In Portugal, Carglass has been operating since the 1990s and has established itself as one of the market's benchmarks through service consistency and strong brand recognition.
The Portuguese network has more than 70 company-owned centres and a fleet of approximately 30 mobile units that travel to the customer's location to carry out glass replacements and repairs. This combination of fixed shops and home service allows Carglass to cover practically the entire national territory, including areas with lower population density.
Carglass operates a multi-brand approach when it comes to the glass used, sourcing from manufacturers such as Pilkington, AGC, Saint-Gobain Sekurit and Fuyao, selecting the most suitable glass based on the vehicle, availability and the requirements of the customer or insurer. All centres are equipped with ADAS calibration equipment for vehicles fitted with a front camera and windshield sensors.
Insurance agreements: Carglass maintains agreements with all major insurance companies operating in Portugal, including Fidelidade, Allianz, Tranquilidade, Ageas, Liberty, Zurich, Mapfre and OK! Teleseguros. When the driver files a QIV insurance claim, the process is managed directly between Carglass and the insurer, simplifying the experience for the customer.
Glassdrive is the automotive glass repair and replacement network of the Saint-Gobain group, the world's second largest glass manufacturer and one of the largest French industrial groups, with over 350 years of history. In Portugal, Glassdrive stands out for having the largest national geographic coverage, with more than 140 centres distributed across the entire country.
The network operates through a mixed model combining company-owned and franchised centres, enabling it to achieve a capillarity that no other specialist network can match. Glassdrive has a particularly strong presence in the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira, where many consumers have limited access to specialist alternatives.
As part of the Saint-Gobain group, Glassdrive preferentially uses Saint-Gobain Sekurit glass, one of the world's leading brands in the sector. The Sekurit brand is an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supplier to several European car manufacturers, which ensures a quality level equivalent to factory-fitted glass. However, Glassdrive also uses other brands when necessary to ensure immediate availability.
Vertical integration: Glassdrive benefits from a unique competitive advantage in the Portuguese market: it belongs to the same group that manufactures the glass. This vertical integration with Saint-Gobain Sekurit results in lower procurement costs, greater quality control and priority access to OEM references for the latest models.
ExpressGlass is the Portuguese brand of the Cary Group, a Swedish group that positions itself as the Nordic leader in automotive glass repair and replacement, with operations in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom and Portugal. Cary Group's entry into the Portuguese market came through the acquisition of the already established ExpressGlass network, which was integrated into the group's European growth strategy.
The network operates a mixed model with 44 company-owned centres and 46 affiliated centres, totalling more than 90 service points in Portugal. The affiliated centres function as authorised partners that follow ExpressGlass quality standards and processes, benefiting from the brand and insurance agreements, while maintaining their independent management. This model allows the network to expand rapidly without the fixed costs of company-owned shops.
A distinguishing feature of ExpressGlass in the Portuguese market is its relationship with DiverAxial, the Cary Group's automotive glass distributor in Portugal. DiverAxial acts as the logistics arm that supplies not only the ExpressGlass network but also independent workshops, ensuring an efficient supply chain with strategically located warehouses in Porto and Lisbon.
Affiliated centres: The ExpressGlass affiliated centre model offers an opportunity for independent workshops that wish to benefit from a recognised brand, insurance agreements and facilitated access to automotive glass through DiverAxial, without losing their local identity. It is a distinct model from Glassdrive's classic franchising approach.
Beyond the specialist networks, the Portuguese automotive glass market includes distributors and retailers that supply independent workshops and glaziers throughout the country.
Autover is the automotive glass distribution brand of the Saint-Gobain group in Portugal. It operates as a wholesaler, supplying OEM glass (Saint-Gobain Sekurit) and aftermarket glass to multi-brand workshops, retailers and glaziers across the entire national territory. Autover has a comprehensive catalogue covering the vast majority of windshield, side glass and rear glass references for passenger and commercial vehicles.
With strategically positioned distribution centres, Autover is able to offer short delivery times, frequently being the preferred option for workshops that need glass for the most common models. The relationship with Saint-Gobain ensures access to glass with the same specification as the original factory equipment.
DiverAxial is the automotive glass distributor of the Cary Group in Portugal, functioning as the logistics arm that supports the ExpressGlass network whilst simultaneously supplying independent workshops and other sector professionals. With warehouses in Porto and Lisbon, DiverAxial ensures efficient logistics coverage for the two main metropolitan areas and their respective zones of influence.
DiverAxial's catalogue includes glass from various manufacturers, with an emphasis on OE (Original Equipment) quality brands and high-end aftermarket. The company also distributes consumables, adhesives and specific tools for automotive glass installation, positioning itself as a comprehensive supplier for industry professionals.
Beyond the major distributors, there is a significant network of independent workshops and glaziers in Portugal that provide automotive glass replacement and repair services. These professionals purchase glass through Autover, DiverAxial or directly from importers, and frequently offer more competitive prices, especially for customers without QIV insurance coverage.
However, choosing an independent workshop requires caution regarding two critical factors: the quality of the glass used (some operators use lower quality glass to maximise margins) and ADAS calibration capability. Most independent workshops do not have calibration equipment, which means they must subcontract this service or refer the vehicle to a specialist network -- negating part of the savings achieved. Consult our services guide to understand the importance of calibration.
Summary of the main characteristics of automotive glass operators in Portugal.
| Provider | Group | Shops PT | Type | ADAS | Mobile Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carglass | Belron (Belgium) | 70+ centres + 30 mobile | Company-owned shops | Yes | Yes |
| Glassdrive | Saint-Gobain (France) | 140+ centres | Owned + franchised | Yes | Selected |
| ExpressGlass | Cary Group (Sweden) | 90+ centres (44+46) | Mixed network | Yes | Selected |
| Autover | Saint-Gobain (France) | Nationwide distribution | Distributor | N/A | N/A |
| DiverAxial | Cary Group (Sweden) | Porto + Lisbon | Distributor | N/A | N/A |
Note: The figures shown are approximate and may vary over time. All three major providers (Carglass, Glassdrive and ExpressGlass) offer ADAS calibration and maintain agreements with the main insurance companies operating in Portugal. Autover and DiverAxial are distributors that do not provide direct service to the end consumer.
Five essential criteria for making an informed decision when it comes to repairing or replacing your car's glass.
If you have Isolated Glass Breakage (QIV) coverage, start by checking which networks your insurer has agreements with. Although you have the right to choose freely, opting for an approved network significantly simplifies the process: the insurer deals directly with the provider, avoiding upfront payments and reimbursement paperwork.
The location of the centre is a decisive practical factor. A windshield replacement typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes, but the adhesive requires several hours to cure completely. Choosing a centre near your home or workplace makes logistics easier. If you cannot travel, opt for a provider with a mobile home service.
If your vehicle has a front camera on the windshield (common in models from 2015-2018 onwards), ADAS calibration is mandatory after replacement. Confirm that the provider has the necessary equipment and trained technicians. All three major networks offer this service, but some independent workshops do not.
Leading providers offer a lifetime warranty on installation (labour and bonding) and a manufacturer's warranty on the glass. Always ask for written confirmation of warranty conditions before accepting the service. In the event of leaks or noise after replacement, the warranty allows the problem to be corrected at no additional cost.
Check online reviews (Google Maps, Trustpilot) for the specific centre where you intend to have the service carried out -- quality can vary between units of the same network. Pay attention to comments about vehicle cleanliness after the intervention, adherence to deadlines and transparency in communication.
If you are paying out of pocket (without QIV coverage), request quotes from at least two providers. The price varies depending on the vehicle model, the type of glass (with or without sensors, heating, HUD) and the need for ADAS calibration. Be wary of prices well below the market average -- they may indicate lower quality glass or the absence of calibration.
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