Change to my auto policy
#1
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Change to my auto policy
I was inspired by threads about the cost of OEM windshield replacement. A rock flies up and cracks your windshield. It's over $1000 to replace genuine Lexus. Your Comprehensive part of insurance covers it. But like many people, I have my deductible set high for lower rates. Why file an insurance claim with a $1000 deductible?
What I didn't realize is that you can choose a low deductible for the comprehensive part of your policy and keep the high deductible for collision and liability. I talked to my agent today. I now have $100 ded. for comprehensive. If my hood, headlight, rim, windshield are damaged by something other than a collision, I'm covered with a low deductible. The change to my policy costs $20/yr. I may not have explained it as well as my agent did but this seems like a good idea to me and her both.
What I didn't realize is that you can choose a low deductible for the comprehensive part of your policy and keep the high deductible for collision and liability. I talked to my agent today. I now have $100 ded. for comprehensive. If my hood, headlight, rim, windshield are damaged by something other than a collision, I'm covered with a low deductible. The change to my policy costs $20/yr. I may not have explained it as well as my agent did but this seems like a good idea to me and her both.
#3
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Good point, just because I'm able to file a claim cheaper doesn't mean I'm going to get OEM automatically without a fight.
#4
Lexus Fanatic
Yes, with most insurance companies (I'm not sure about all of them), you can set your Comprehansive and Collision at two different levels. I'm with GEICO, and that's what I do. I have no deductible on Comprehensive because of the constant heavy traffic in my area and the possible stuff that tires can kick up, and a $500 deductible on collision to keep the rates down. If you're a decent and careful driver, you are likely to need Comprehensive more often than Collision, especially if you live and drive in an area where frequent storms can also damage your car.
On the question of an OEM or aftermarket windshield, as long as it fits, doesn't leak, and doesn't warp or distort your vision with defective glass, I wouldn't worry too much whether it is OEM or not. In fact, some OEM parts are a ripoff from the factory with outrageous prices. And, in some cases (not all), the same parts-suppliers make both OEM and aftermarket parts, being considered OEM only if and when they actually sell them to the auto companies.
Some Subarus have electrically-heated windshields, with an electric grid in the lower part actually embedded in the glass, which thaws out frozen windshield-wipers. That type of windshield replacement is more critical and tricky than just a piece of glass, but it would probably not affect your Lexus.
On the question of an OEM or aftermarket windshield, as long as it fits, doesn't leak, and doesn't warp or distort your vision with defective glass, I wouldn't worry too much whether it is OEM or not. In fact, some OEM parts are a ripoff from the factory with outrageous prices. And, in some cases (not all), the same parts-suppliers make both OEM and aftermarket parts, being considered OEM only if and when they actually sell them to the auto companies.
Some Subarus have electrically-heated windshields, with an electric grid in the lower part actually embedded in the glass, which thaws out frozen windshield-wipers. That type of windshield replacement is more critical and tricky than just a piece of glass, but it would probably not affect your Lexus.
Last edited by mmarshall; 06-15-15 at 07:49 PM.
#5
Lexus Test Driver
I would still look what brand it is. Not all aftermarket glass is equal and considering the importance of the windshield, I would not want a low-end aftermarket windshield.
#6
Super Moderator
Also check the terms of your policy. Pretty much all of them will waive the deductible for a windshield repair--if the crack is less than a certain size and not directly in front of the driver, it can be filled and will be nearly invisible. Some, but not all, will also waive the deductible for windshield replacement. They do this because it's in their best financial interest to ensure that you can see where you're going.
#7
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Will an aftermarket LS460 windshield have laminated UV blocking glass and work with the wiper/rain sensor like OEM?
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#8
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Also check the terms of your policy. Pretty much all of them will waive the deductible for a windshield repair--if the crack is less than a certain size and not directly in front of the driver, it can be filled and will be nearly invisible. Some, but not all, will also waive the deductible for windshield replacement. They do this because it's in their best financial interest to ensure that you can see where you're going.
#9
Lexus Fanatic
Body panels and sheet metal, though, are another matter. With them, there sometimes is a big difference between OEM and aftermarket. OEM has the required anti-corrosion treatments...that's not necessarily the case with aftermarkets.
#10
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
I don't need a replacement currently, but I would do a search for reviews and complaints about different windshield mfgrs. All will meet federal standards but may not have the optical standards that others have?? If I'm correct, that would be very annoying to me. Good to know about sheet metal standards or lack of! Thanks.
#11
Lexus Champion
I was inspired by threads about the cost of OEM windshield replacement. A rock flies up and cracks your windshield. It's over $1000 to replace genuine Lexus. Your Comprehensive part of insurance covers it. But like many people, I have my deductible set high for lower rates. Why file an insurance claim with a $1000 deductible?
What I didn't realize is that you can choose a low deductible for the comprehensive part of your policy and keep the high deductible for collision and liability. I talked to my agent today. I now have $100 ded. for comprehensive. If my hood, headlight, rim, windshield are damaged by something other than a collision, I'm covered with a low deductible. The change to my policy costs $20/yr. I may not have explained it as well as my agent did but this seems like a good idea to me and her both.
What I didn't realize is that you can choose a low deductible for the comprehensive part of your policy and keep the high deductible for collision and liability. I talked to my agent today. I now have $100 ded. for comprehensive. If my hood, headlight, rim, windshield are damaged by something other than a collision, I'm covered with a low deductible. The change to my policy costs $20/yr. I may not have explained it as well as my agent did but this seems like a good idea to me and her both.
#12
Lexus Champion
#13
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Also check the terms of your policy. Pretty much all of them will waive the deductible for a windshield repair--if the crack is less than a certain size and not directly in front of the driver, it can be filled and will be nearly invisible. Some, but not all, will also waive the deductible for windshield replacement. They do this because it's in their best financial interest to ensure that you can see where you're going.
I don't need a replacement currently, but I would do a search for reviews and complaints about different windshield mfgrs. All will meet federal standards but may not have the optical standards that others have?? If I'm correct, that would be very annoying to me. Good to know about sheet metal standards or lack of! Thanks.
As agents/brokers we have to make sure that the policy is written correctly in terms of lease vs. financed vs. no note. If the car is leased, insurers usually have a list of acceptable parts to use when replacing. Financed is a similar thing but you can declare diminished value and no note you can do the same but they might (doubt it though) replace your parts with something of lesser value.
This reminds me...I should probably talk to a few adjusters on this!
#14
Lexus Test Driver
I wish I had paid more attention to glass when I took out my insurance policy.
I replaced my windshield out of pocket last month. I'm insured through Allstate and my agent told me I would have to pay the deductible($1,000) before insurance would kick in.
I paid $220 to a local place to come put in a windshield. It was a laminated OEM windshield. It would have been $40 more if I had the rain sensor.
I replaced my windshield out of pocket last month. I'm insured through Allstate and my agent told me I would have to pay the deductible($1,000) before insurance would kick in.
I paid $220 to a local place to come put in a windshield. It was a laminated OEM windshield. It would have been $40 more if I had the rain sensor.
#15
The house always wins. You're not going to win against insurance companies.
I'm not sure if I would want OEM windshield. The one on my gs350 is crap, with brown glue oozing from the top edge inside the glass. Looks very ugly
what? the whole windshield was just 220?
I'm not sure if I would want OEM windshield. The one on my gs350 is crap, with brown glue oozing from the top edge inside the glass. Looks very ugly
I wish I had paid more attention to glass when I took out my insurance policy.
I replaced my windshield out of pocket last month. I'm insured through Allstate and my agent told me I would have to pay the deductible($1,000) before insurance would kick in.
I paid $220 to a local place to come put in a windshield. It was a laminated OEM windshield. It would have been $40 more if I had the rain sensor.
I replaced my windshield out of pocket last month. I'm insured through Allstate and my agent told me I would have to pay the deductible($1,000) before insurance would kick in.
I paid $220 to a local place to come put in a windshield. It was a laminated OEM windshield. It would have been $40 more if I had the rain sensor.
what? the whole windshield was just 220?
Last edited by pman6; 06-16-15 at 11:37 AM.