I apologize that you are so anxious, and I sincerely hope you can find a way to make your commute to work feel safer.
How Much Does It Cost to Bulletproof a Car? Unfortunately, bulletproofing a car will usually cost between $16,000 and $50,000 but can sometimes cost even more.
The cost is largely determined by the size of your car and the specific areas you want to be protected. Remember, each panel of bulletproof material costs between $500 and $1,500—and that’s not even counting labor. It can cost even more to bulletproof more intricate areas like the engine or gas tank!
Continue reading the post to see more details that I will be revealing.
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost To Bulletproof A Car?
The process of turning your car into an armored vehicle is not cheap. You should budget between $16,000 and $50,000. However, depending on the level of protection you desire, the price may vary significantly.
Here is our cost breakdown for the most popular ballistic protection levels available for motorists:
B4
B1, B2, and B3 are the three lower levels of ballistic protection, but they are rarely applied to armored vehicles.
The majority of drivers would prefer B4 as the lowest level. Handguns and sporting rifles won’t be able to harm this class. Weaponry consists of a 12 gauge shotgun,.44 magnum,.357 magnum, 9mm, and.38 Special. This category works well for shots at close range with slower-moving bullets.
A B4 ballistic protection upgrade costs about $40,000. Rear seat, door, and window armor protection are all included in the B4 package, with optional extras.
B5
You are protected from assault weapons and rifles with a 5.56 x 45 TL 178 mm +/- 10 caliber by this ballistic protection level. A thickness of about 7.5 mm is necessary for the B5 protection level.
In comparison to B4, which typically costs more than $40,000, this level of protection is a little more expensive. Assault rifles and grenades cannot penetrate it as well. Run-flat tires, steel panels, and 3- to 5-inch glass typically make up the B5 ballistic protection package for automobiles. When the car drives over steel spike strips, the run-flat tires feature will protect it.
An armored gas tank, a loud siren system, and reinforced door handles could be included in a customized B5 package. However, it’s possible that the budget will fall between $40,000 and $100,000.
B6
This high-level security ballistic protection is intended to shield the car from armor-piercing bullets fired by weapons like the AK-47 and R5.
For this level of security, budget at least $100,000. The body of this armored protection typically consists of 38 mm armored glass and armored steel plates. This upgrade increases the vehicle’s weight by more than 2600 pounds, which might necessitate upgrading the brake and suspension systems. This explains the price jump between B5 and B6 ballistic protection levels with great clarity.
B7
This is the best ballistic protection available for automobiles. It can stop armor-piercing bullets from high-velocity rifles, including sniper rifles, from penetrating. It defends against 7.62x51mm TL 254mm +/-10 caliber rifles.
Steel thicknesses range from 9.2 to 14.2 mm, while BRG thicknesses range from 72 to 78 mm. B7 is the highest practical level of protection for civilian-grade armored cars. This level of bulletproofing typically costs more than $100,000.
However, depending on the types of upgrades that must be made due to the additional weight of more than 4,000 pounds, the budget could increase significantly.
Bulletproof Cost By Part
Windows
Regular glass windows are prone to breaking. Usually, the car’s windows are the first thing attacked during an assault. The windows’ brittle glass is dangerous for you and your family. Installing bulletproof windows depends on the thickness and resistance of the material. Glass used in bulletproof cars typically has a thickness of 1 to 3 inches.
You can modify the car’s glass to make it bulletproof if you enjoy doing DIY. With the aid of polycarbonate, you can accomplish this. You can also laminate it with lead glass for added thickness.
Regarding the installation of glass in windows, there are several options. I’ll bet everyone is familiar with the one-way resistance glass. These glasses are thick and don’t break easily when under heavy pressure, and we frequently see them in movies and TV shows. If it can stop all bullets, we can’t guarantee it. You don’t have to worry about the glass shattering if something unavoidable occurs if you use the less expensive, dense glass, like tempered glass, for general safety.
Panels And Gas Tank
The panel needs to be bulletproof. If your gas tank is compromised, you run the risk of your car exploding. Your first choice is whether you want to protect all the panels that surround your vehicle or just a few of them.
Like your windows, you must choose the kind of protection you want to install on your car. Consider installing steel-plated armor on the front and back of the vehicle to help it absorb as much impact as possible. An even better option protects the interior of your car and is made of nylon and kevlar.
Steel plates weigh a lot, adding weight to your vehicle. To make your car doors strong enough to support the extra weight, you might need to add more hinges.
The fuel tank must not be overlooked! It’s quite dangerous and one of the simpler targets. The same plates that you used on the panels and the rest of your vehicle must be applied to the gas tank to make it bulletproof. Most importantly, you should make an anti-explosion tank investment to eliminate your concern that your car will catch fire.
Depending on the style of panel you want, the prices range from $450 to $1,000 per panel. In actuality, some extremely robust paneling can cost as much as $1,500 per panel.
It can cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to get a self-sealing gas tank or to fortify your existing gas tank. Again, it depends on the materials used and the gas tank design. Costlier is a professional installation.
Doors
Until you have a bulletproof door, bulletproof windows are useless. When a gun is fired, the window may deter bullets from entering the car, but the 9mm bullet does enter the car through cheap doors.
The armoring of automobiles is gaining importance, particularly in areas with higher than average crime rates. Anywhere, at any time, you must provide for the safety of a family. Automobile manufacturers like Ford, Ferrari, and BMW have begun producing bulletproof models. The car door’s armoring is intended to make it appear normal from the outside while being impenetrable inside.
Getting rid of every shell inside the cars is the first step in creating the bulletproof door. All of the pillars were cut, leaving empty spaces. Place steel plates now in the vicinity of the pillar and door cases. Your needs will always determine the security level, so combining ballistic nylon and Armormax composite material should be effective. Make sure the door is not too heavy; otherwise, it might be difficult to use the car on a regular basis.
Additionally, steel plates and ballistic fiber can be layered on the ceiling and the top of the door. The development of a bulletproof car should also take into account technology for shock and fire resistance. The cost of a fully armored door can range from $8k and up.
Tires
The gunfire is too fast for regular tires to keep up. You might be unable to flee if it tears tightly through them. Due to the fact that you cannot escape with a flat tire, tires are frequently the target of choice.
Your first choice when customizing your bulletproof car should actually be a tough tire. Having all-around bulletproof tires is not how armored tires were first thought of. Because every tire is made of rubber, and there is no such rubber as bulletproof, it is practically impossible to create tires that are bulletproof.
A polymer donut is center-lined with a wheel that supports the running of the tire even if it is flat for the sake of tire safety. Regardless of the state of the road, the polymer can support up to 60 additional miles at 60 mph.
Depending on the make and model of the car as well as the size of the rim, custom flat tire repair can run you anywhere from $200 to $1500 per tire. For instance, if you are purchasing a tire for a 18-inch rim, the tire and run will cost you approximately $650, and a 22-inch tire may cost you approximately $900.
Bulletproof Engines?
The engines are under the hood, of course, but that doesn’t make them safe from harm. Keeping it secure should be on your to-do list because even a small engine penetration could lead to catastrophe.
Because too much weight on the engine throws the car’s ergonomics out of balance, shielding engines does not require that they be coated in heavy-duty steel. Have a professional examine the engine’s coverings and weight if you are unsure of the weight balance.
However, the majority of engines today are strong enough to handle substantial shielding. The cost of the engine’s bulletproof coating can roughly range from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on your options.
Pa System
A PA system enables quick and secure communication between a driver inside a car and a person outside a car, though it is not a necessity in armored vehicles. A driver need not open a door for a stranger when this system is in place. Costing up to $1,000 or more, the best PA system.
Floor
Because there is a bomb under your car, you don’t want it to explode. Interestingly, you can make your car safe by installing a floor that is impervious to bullets and explosives. An anti-dangers nylon cover can be applied to a floor. For added security, you can also replace the floor’s carpet with something robust.
Due to its larger surface than a hatchback, an SUV floor may cost more. Expect to spend anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000 to protect your car’s undercarriage.
With the continuous development of science and technology, more and more people have their own cars. Many people will have such a question, where do you put water in a car?
Bulletproof Cars To Buy Right Now
Not everyone chooses to purchase a bulletproof car; however, for its target market, it offers excellent safety. Here is a list of vehicles you might be thinking about purchasing right now.
Bmw X5
The BMW X5 Security Plus is a new addition to BMW’s long history in the bulletproof vehicle market. Its thick walls and glasses are said to be able to withstand an AK-47 rifle. Surprisingly, BMW asserts that the BMW X5 Security plus satisfies the standards for level 6 protection in a vehicle. The car can cost up to $128,000, approximately.
Ford Raptor
The Ford Raptor is an absolute beast that can defend you from irate terrorist blasts and their gunfire. The vehicle includes mirrors that can withstand blasts of air up to 60 miles, smoke glass, and flat tires. You can avoid armed robbers approaching from a distance thanks to the night vision system built into the car. The base model of the Ford Raptor will cost you $18,000.
Maserati Quattroporte
If you want to travel faster and avoid potential dangers, the Maserati Quattro Porte should be your next vehicle. You have the option of selecting a V6 or V8 engine from Quattro Porte. The Maserati Quattroporte offers you and your family in the passenger seat a solemn bulletproof guarantee in addition to gorgeous styling and performance. It ensures protection from gunshots and 9mm bullet shots. If you can spend up to $145,000, you can purchase a Maserati Quattro Porte.
Genesis G 90 Sedan
The Genesis G 90 is a stunning sedan with modern security features. With incredible power and the luxurious features you would expect from the Genesis brand, the engine of the Genesis can transport you anywhere. It provides armored upgrades along with safety and comfort. Grenades, bombs, and firearms can’t hurt you thanks to the 360-degree all-around armored protection. The Genesis G90 sedan, which currently costs around $142,000, can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
Mercedes Benz S-guard
Mercedes has assembled its team to create the Benz S-Guard in order to defend against powerful firearms and explosions over the long term in the bulletproof car market. You can now anticipate being protected against 9mm bullets, powerful rifles like the AR-15 and.308, and many others.
Mercedes-Benz’s S-Guard model is nothing more than an S-model with armor. A heavy coated, 3 mm-thick bulletproof shell thickens the window’s thickness. Mercedes Benz S-Guard will cost you one and a half million dollars.
FAQs
What Exactly Is An Armored Car?
Bulletproof vehicles that can withstand high-velocity rounds and blasts are known as armored cars. Contrary to military armored vehicles, these vehicles are discrete.
Can I Make Any Brand Or Design Of Car Bulletproof?
The majority of civilian automobile brands and models can be made bulletproof. But for some, armoring against bullets might be more expensive than for others. This largely depends on the level of protection that each car design requires. For instance, a sedan might cost a little less to armor than an SUV because the latter needs more expensive brake and suspension upgrades to cover its larger coverage area.
Why Should I Fortify My Car?
To protect its occupants from active shooters, terrorist attacks, criminals, and civil unrest, a bulletproof car serves as a mobile safe room. Armoured cars are used by prominent members of society, like politicians, to shield them from assassination attempts and civil unrest.
Is Buying A Bulletproof Car Cheaper Than Bulletproofing A Car?
It’s possible that a car with built-in bulletproofing from the factory will cost a little more than one with upgraded bulletproof components. For example, a regular Ford Raptor might cost around 54,000. So, it would cost between $40,000 and $50,000 to upgrade it to a bulletproof vehicle. However, a bulletproof Ford Raptor might set you back about $120,000.
Conclusion
Speaking with a professional is the only way to obtain an accurate estimate for the cost of armoring your car. Everything is based on size, so the size of your car matters. For instance, bulletproofing the windows of a larger vehicle will cost more due to the larger windows of the larger vehicle.
Making your car bulletproof is expensive and difficult, even if you do it yourself. At some point, investing in a professional installation will be necessary because there will be some aspects of the project that you might not be able to complete on your own. Always consult a mechanic before beginning any installation if you plan to do the majority of it yourself to ensure that you are aware of your vehicle’s capabilities.
Determining the level of protection you want from your car and your bullet should be done right away. Expect to spend a lot of money regardless of the path you take, whether DIY or professional. That’s one of the explanations for why there aren’t many vehicles equipped with bulletproof armaments cruising through your town.
Thank you for reading.
