rjm

SW13GS is entirely correct. I went through this educational process a few years ago with my GS430. Safelite Auto Glass told me they were using Lexus "OEM glass" when in fact, their OEM glass was any glass that met their "specs" and would fit your windshield, and which I found out later was much lower in optical quality than the Lexus OEM glass that came on the car. Their incompetent installer caused over $800 damage to my car. After a long legal process, they finally agreed to repair the damage to the car and I had Lexus replace the windshield. It was an educational process for me. I wouldn't let Safelite Auto Glass replace the windshield on a kiddie car. The OEM windshield and installation from Lexus was around $1200.

terrycs

Do you park near a golf course or something?!

SW17LS

I agree 100%. Let the dealer do it (some dealers will work direct with insurance through their body shop, find one that does to make doubly sure you don't get stuck with part of the bill).

The dealer will warranty the work as they do any work they perform, even if they farm it out.

williakz

I once hit my own car (a Chevy) in a golf course parking lot with a hooked tee shot on #18. Found the ball next to the car with dimpled dent in passenger door panel. Stopped buying lottery tickets after that one.

The LS ding was weird. Just pulled left onto divided highway behind a jeep. Perfect road surface (live down South) and nobody else on the road, just me and Mr. Jip. After following him for 1/4 mile or so, he starts ******* it going up one of our hills/mountains. Nobody around, so I swing out to pass him on the right and <CRACK> I get hit by a rock he threw. The rest is history (of $2k wasted). Now HTF did that rock hit me? I'm off to his right and behind him. He must have pinched the rock with the corner of a treadblock and sent it flying up in the air and off to the right. Then, I ran into it at 60+ mph. Me and him. His rock and my rock. Funny how people get together.

Dave Mac

My experience is that there is a huge difference between OEM and Non-OEM glass and it is not just what is referred to as OEM glass that you want but Lexus logo glass. To many OEM just means built to OEM standards which it usually is not. Lexus logo glass is expensive of course and many insurance companies will not authorize it as a replacement.

Dave Mac

williakz

All true, but until non-OEM glass (boo!) is available for a new generation of Lexus vehicles, insurers have NO CHOICE but to pony up for lovely Lexus glass. So break 'em early fellas.

SW17LS

Insurance companies really cannot require the use of aftermarket windshields. They will try, but if you REALLY press them they will come through with a real, Lexus branded replacement.

Thats one of those things you need to find out before you purchase a policy, can you specify the use of original, OEM parts for a repair. A windshield is no different than a fender or headlight really.

williakz

Not so, Steve. There are, of course, different regs governing insurance company options from state to state, but in many locations the insurance company is only obligated to pay for aftermarket glass. If you demand Lexus glass, you're on the hook for the difference in price. Depending on your history with your carrier, you can sometimes get a "courtesy" upgrade to OEM, but this is only at the whim of the company. Aftermarket glass, of course, must meet OEM specs, but does anyone think the government (state or fed) is really checking each pane of glass to Lexus specs? Nah, me neither.

icmoney

I agree with you. I have had windshields replaced on two different Lexus vehicles. Both were still in warranty. Of coarse the insurance company tried to steer me to aftermarket products, but I simply asked them to provide me with letter stating they would honor any warranty issues with windshield that Lexus refused because of aftermarket glass. The conversation ended there and I got factory windshields from Lexus. All I had to pay was my deductible.

williakz

Here is link to State Farm's policy. You pay difference between OEM and aftermarket. Read it and weep...

SW17LS

Then I would take my business away from state farm.

icmoney

State Farm is who I am with. They paid for Lexus glass. At the time there was not any OEM aftermarket windshields for my Lexus vehicles. Do not let insurance company downgrade your luxury vehicle.

rlj4246

Called my insurance company (American National) and they said I could have my choice of windshields. We will see if it happens what they say then.

williakz

Guys, guys, guys. I'm not saying you can't get Lexus glass from an insurance company without paying through the nose. I'm saying the company is NOT OBLIGATED to "upgrade" your glass from aftermarket to OEM. If they do so, they do so for their own reasons, NOT because you have law, custom, or rights on your side. One of the very good reasons they "give" you the upgrade is because aftermarket glass for a new model such as the 4G GS or the new LS is simply unavailable at the time of the casualty loss. They MUST pay for Lexus glass; there is no alternative. But when the models are a few years old and aftermarket glass is readily available at hundreds of dollars less than Lexus glass? Well, you've read the State Farm policy (other majors are the same). So tell me how things go then...

SW17LS

I had OEM Lexus glass put in my 2010 ES that had plenty of aftermarket options available. I insisted...and I got what I wanted. Allstate.