I need some feedback regarding windshield replacement for my IS350. Geico only replace windshield with aftermarket and i have to pay $250 deductible. I will have to pay $1,200 if i want OEM windshield.
Here are my questions:
1. Anyone have experience with aftermarket windshield for their IS? Especially from Safelite
2. Should i get it replace from some other place? Any good recommendation from the San Francisco/San Jose members
3. Does anyone know any insurance company that would offer OEM replacement as part of their service? i heard All State has this!
I don't think i am going with the OEM glass! $1,200 is a bit much for the windshield.

Thank you in advance!

 

Sewell sells windshields for about $950 -- see if you can get them price match. This been discuss a lot if you search the forum. The aftermarket is not as good, but you may or may not notice the difference (some road/engine noise difference of about 15% to 30%; slightly more visual distortion at the very outer edge of windshield).

 

Sorry, newbie here and yes, I searched but I mainly looking for recommendations. Maybe i should have posted in the Northern Cal section? Also, $1,200 isnt so bad since it is included installation but i will most likely go with after market and pay the deductible. Thank you for the feedback!

 

I have aftermarket . Bought it like that. It's fine but not as good as OEM. Mines scratched up and you will hear some wind noise.

 

My car also has an aftermarket windshield. Wind noise can be a little annoying from time to time but other than that it's fine.

 

I have aftermarket, the wind noise is slightly louder (maybe a little over 1dB). It does not pit as easily as the OEM. If I were to replace mine again, it would be OEM.

 

I have Geico and I told them I wanted a oem and they put it in with no problem

 

Wow. That is a lot in term of sound. Being an engineer, this is what it mean with measurement in db
"A 1 dB change in a sound equates to about a 26% difference in sound energy (remember that a 3 dB difference is a doubling of energy levels). In terms of subjective loudness, a 1 dB change yields just over a 7% change. A 3 dB change yields a 100% increase in sound energy and just over a 23% increase in loudness."
Did you actually measure the sound?
Anyhow, I did some researches and it depends on a particular state law regarding replacement parts. For instance, New York law requires insurance company to pay for OEM at the request of the policy holder. While California allows to use after market parts.
I think I will go with after market windshield. $1K different for an OEM glass is too much. I could use the money somewhere else.
Thank you for all the inputs guys

 

You can pay for OEM coverage on your insurance policy with Farmers, not much extra. I got it for glass as well as body parts.

 

Great! Thank you for the info. I will look into it when it is time to renew.

 

You don't need to wait just call your agent and they can add it.

 

I have Geico now and I am not sure they have that as an option. I will have to check and might switch to Farmer. Thanks

 

I got a Safelite windshield in December; the first few days, the rain sensing wipers kept triggering sporadically, but after that, everything's been good.

 

I emailed Farmer's and the reply I just received.

Dear Joe,

Thank you for contacting Farmers Insurance. Most of our policies do not provide OEM parts at the time of a loss, but some of our states to have an added endorsment that can be added to some policies. You would either want to contact your agent to discuss this endorsement further to see if it is available in your state. We would need more information regarding your policy to find out for sure if this is something offered for your policy

If you should have any further questions, please feel free to email us again or give us a call at 1-800-FARMERS (1-800-327-6377). Representatives are available from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT, Saturday and Sunday.

Thank you for choosing Farmers Insurance,

Kammie K
Farmers Consumer Solutions
1-800-FARMERS (1-800-327-6377)

 

Allstate doesn't cover OEM windshield....at least they didn't for me and I fought it hard - I have aftermarket.

At first, I noticed slight wind noise coming from the lower, passenger side of the windshield. Even though it was slight, it was irritating to me because I'm **** and want OEM quality. After I poked around the windshield, I realized whoever installed it reused the side window moldings. The clips broke on the bottom of one of them so wind was getting underneath it at higher speeds. I replaced that molding with a brand new one and all wind noise has gone away. I honestly can't tell a difference now.