Long story short, woke up this morning and drove the car and noticed a crack in the windshield. Having a few people look at it to see if it's something that can be repaired instead of replaced entirely but in the event that I have to replace it, what would be the best route to do so? I've heard lots of people say Safelite but that price comes to ~$350 for "Original Equipment Equivalent". They offer OEM but but that jacks up the price to about ~$900. Is this my only option or is there a Lexus recommended shop that may be able to be more cost efficient? Also is this something my insurance can cover the cost of entirely or will this be an out of pocket fee? This is the first time I've had to replace a windshield so any help and advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance!

The car is a 2014 IS-C 250.

 

Depending on where the crack is, I think most insurance covers it under your ‘comprehensive’ coverage (provided you have that) as it is a safety issue if it is in your field of view.

 

Depends on your Ins company on what kind of coverage they give you for the windshield. My company would only pay for OEM glass if it was with-in 1 model year. My 2011 250 had the windshield broken in 2012 and they paid for OEM glass. My 2014 had the windshield broken in 2018, and they would only cover AM glass. If I wanted OEM glass, I would have to pay for it. You'll have to contact your Ins.

 

I try to post positive, helpful information but in this case, I need to share my negative opinions/observations about safelite. Excuse the rant but I hope the information saves someone a headache.
I cannot speak for Toyota/Lexus windshields but the original equipment equivalent for my old Nissan Pathfinder was garbage. That windshield had the radio antenna metal strip running through it but the first two replacements I received had a chunk missing and the FM radio reception was horrible. On top of that, safelite smeared the black adhesive on the headline, scratched my dash trim, and stole a knick-knack I had on the dash. In total, the windshield had to be re-installed 3 separate times and I was left with interior damage (headliner stains and dash scratches) because safelite would not take responsibility.
This may not apply to safelite as a whole but it certainly is representative for the safelite locations in NYC. I don't think the IS windshield has any sensitive electronics running through it but I would still opt for the OEM replacement and I would not go to safelite to replace it. Insurance usually does not pay for OEM glass and just specs the OE equivalent to save on cost. You might be able to cover the difference in material but I'm not sure how that works.
Another note, most Lexus dealers (at least in the NYC area) forward windshield repair to safelite. They seem to have a monopoly on the automotive glass industry but maybe you'll have luck with an independent auto body shop.

 

Nothing wrong with safelite or local place but request original equipment with lexus logo if you can and if you care. Otherwise oem

 

I have had success with Safelite just know it wont be factory glass. If you want factory glass you can try a dealership but usually its 3-5x more than generic glass. Generic glass has always worked just as good for me.