I have some questions but first a little back story about what happened and is in progress.

Last weekend we took our granddaughter to an amusement park about 110 miles away from home. About 7 miles away from the park there was a tractor with a bush hog mowing a path in the woods along the road. As we passed him, the bush hog shot a rock across 2 lanes and impacted the windshield of our GX. It sounded like someone shot the car. I immediately pulled over and noticed the impact on the windshield. The rock caused an abrasion/scratches but did not crack or chip it. I approached the man on the tractor and explained the incident and the damage and asked for his information. The gentleman was very apologetic and asked that I park at the establishment he was mowing and he would provide me with the requested info. We proceeded to the establishment and he observed the damage, and provided his truck insurance, and license information and allowed me to take pictures of his equipment he was using. The man continued to apologize multiple times and also mentioned he would pay my deductible if I had to claim under my insurance.
Once at the park, I called his insurance company and made the claim. An adjuster emailed me on Monday and asked for Loss details, Photos and a Repair Estimate.
I tried to enjoy my time with our granddaughter but this incident really had my anxiety elevated.

This week I called a local glass company as well as stopped by the Lexus Dealer where I bought the GX.
The local guy is highly recommended and I have used him in the past for a replacement on a Ford Escape Titanium.
He said he can buff out the damage and make it better but probably not perfect for $150.00. His replacement windshields are OEM Equivalent, but not OEM. His cost to replace the windshield is $450.00
He mentioned that 98% of the time sensors do not need to be calibrated (As long as they are not unplugged during the replacement of the glass)

The Lexus Dealer does not replace the windshields themselves, but did refer me to who they use.
While there I got a Quote to calibrate the sensors if needed after the replacement. ($372.59)
I called the shop they use and explained the situation and asked for a price using OEM Glass.
They contacted Lexus, confirmed the availability (Next Day) and the prices and sent me a Quote. ($1463.10 including side moldings if needed)
The recommended glass company can also calibrate the sensors for $250.00.
If I have Lexus calibrate the sensors, everything is done at the Lexus Dealership (including the glass replacement)
If I have the Glass company calibrate the sensors, everything is done at their shop.


Questions,
Should I consider the buffing repair or just have it replaced?
Has anyone had first hand experience with buffing a damaged windshield?
Should I add my time spent on this issue, including the time I will need to take of work for the repair, into the estimate that will be sent to the insurance company.
Any tips in dealing with the insurance company to ensure everything goes smoothly?
Is there anything I should confirm with the insurance company before providing the estimates?
Should I be worried about damages caused by the glass replacement, including water intrusion in the future?

By the way, it is 2023 GX with 8000 miles.
Any other helpful advice is welcome.
Thanks

 

I'd be tempted to try the polish route. But it depends on how you're wired. How much risk are you willing to own?

 

If you have sensors on windshield, unless you take the buff route which not invoke of replacement of windshield , I will always request insurance to replace with OEM windshield and dealer proper calibration after windshield replacement. Not only this is the right way to do it, more importantly, there is a liability issue! Should you involved accident in the future, an improper calibrated or malfunctioning sensor may put you into an unfavorable situation.

 

I take it the damage is not in the line of sight? They usually wont polish it if so.

I had a scratch polished out of a rear window once when a piece of roof flashing blew off a building and hit it...worked just fine! Never had issues afterwards at all.

 

Any experience with buffing out a windshield?
I am leaning more towards the replacement rout to ensure a better outcome.
There is some risk associated with the replacement, such as leaks and noise if not installed correctly.
Having it replaced is also less convenient than the repair since it will take more time and require driving a distance to the dealership.

 

It is in the line of sight just off center of the driver seat.
Was the repair noticeable after it was completed? Any distortion or issues with clarity?

 

I would get it buffed out first. If you are not happy you can always get it replaced.

 

Mine was on a tinted rear window of a Mustang GT, so while it was not a big concern either way, I noticed nothing really.

 

You don't need a factory new windshield from Lexus for $1500.

I've had several replaced over the years, there are quality aftermarket ones out there like Pilkington that makes the glass for Lexus/Toyota.
Never a sensor problem.

I would just avoid anything Chinese or Safelight.

But I would lean towards a glass fix if it's not in the line of sight instead of replacing.

 

Should I consider the buffing repair or just have it replaced? Just replace it
Has anyone had first hand experience with buffing a damaged windshield? No but what I understand if the scratch is deep enough to catch a fingernail, it cannot be buffed out completely.
Should I add my time spent on this issue, including the time I will need to take of work for the repair, into the estimate that will be sent to the insurance company. I doubt they will cover this but you can try.
Any tips in dealing with the insurance company to ensure everything goes smoothly? If it is a reputable company like the big names (Allstate, USAA, etc) there should be no issues.
Is there anything I should confirm with the insurance company before providing the estimates? Since the vehicle is so new, I would insist on OEM glass and make sure the sensor calibration is covered.
Should I be worried about damages caused by the glass replacement, including water intrusion in the future? It should be fine if it is a good glass shop. Check the reviews on BBB, Yelp, etc.

 

I have had so many windshields replaced: LX470 (3x with OEM, 1x with Pilkington), LS430 (1x PGW). OEM glass is brittle. If hit by a rock, either no damage (tiny chip) or catastrophic crack. Pilkington and PPG aftermarket have lasted longer than OEM, not as hard, so less likely to crack if hit by a rock (small spider cracks can usually be filled at Safelite auto glass for $50). Insurance will only cover if crack is larger than a dollar bill or directly in driver’s line of sight. I’ve had all the windshields replaced at the shop used by the dealer. Twice, I had it done at the dealer, but they basically have the shop send a mobile truck out.

If you have the lane assist feature, you’ll need to get calibrated. Pretty much all the new cars have that feature. I’ve never heard of buffing a chipped windshield. If small, I have Safelite fix it. Otherwise replace. If insurance pays for OEM, I go with that. If not, then I use US-sourced aftermarket like Pilkington or PGW.

 

My experience is from years ago, but I had a noticeable “wave” in the glass where it was polished down. I lived with it for years so wasn’t horrible, but definitely something you could see.