Hello!

I recently purchased a used 2013 LX570 for my wife. I purchased from a Lexus dealership and everything has been great. The other day, my wife was on the highway and some rock hit the windshield and cracked it. It was one of those typical, "starts small, then spreads over days". So now the crack is about 14" long.

When I inspected the windshield, I noticed that the glass in there was NOT the OEM I was expecting. Also, it didn't have the heating elements at the bottom like I was expecting.

So I'm looking for advice as I plan to have teh replacement covered through insurance as I only have a $50 deductible for 'safety glass'm aka windshield. What have others done in the past? Just brought it to the dealer? Any tips you can share about getting the insurance company away from the cheaper OEE windows (that don't have the heating elements and other nuances that make the rain sensors, etc work properly)?

I'm all ears!

 

Take the vehicle to Lexus dealership. Have them coordinate with the insurance company on correct replacement OEM glass.

The dealer will refuse to use non OEM parts so that should resolve issues of aftermarket glass.

In fact, have the dealership.generate a quote for glass, labor and correct installation trim/glue kit and have them submit to your insurance claims representative.for approval.

Incorrect crap aftermarket glass on these vehicles is a real problem and explains why yours failed

 

The dealer typically uses an outside glass guy or company, e.g. Satellite, for glass replacement. The dealer doesn't care if you use Lexus glass or some other manufacturer. Lexus glass is important with calibration of a few systems necessary after it's installed. Calibration is simply not required for the rain sensor.

The prior owner was apparently intercoursed a bunch by the last windshield missing the wiper de-icer.

I simply call my glass guy if I need a new windshield, knowing he already gets the business from Toyota and Lexus/Toyota dealers locally, not to mention MBZ, LR, Porsche, etc. I've had zero issues with my insurance covering the cost, less a normal $100 deductible.

 

They may use a glass specialist, but my Lexus dealer.will not install non OEM parts...including glass.

If I want non OEM glass, does not require a visit to the Lexus dealer...

Liability is but one reason.

OP wishes correct OEM glass.

Working through the dealer is the way to achieve this.

The dealer service technician can explain it to the resume-stuffing corporate claims adjuster

Using aftermarket glass is a real problem on Lexus.

The insurance company knew the car was a Lexus when they insured it.

 

For the LX570 I WOULD GO FOR REAL OEM WINDSHIELD (It will say Lexus at the driver side corner). I know， I know........some of you will say even some of the "aftermarket glass" are the same glass made by the same manufacturer. While this is true, things may go wrong.

If the "cost is little or no difference" bc of your low deductible, then I would insist on OEM!!! I have a high deductible, so a few years ago I opted for a generic windshield for my CT200h. So I took a gamble on a snallsm scale on my CT200h (I would not on my LX570 though).....so far so good. The Lexus dealership/body shop who worked on my CT200h due to an unrelated car accident immediately recognized the non-OEM glass right away during initial intake survey (something to do with the black rubber trim surrounds not installed correctly. But I have no leaks or unusual niose or anything unusual).

Also a few months ago the auto rain sensor failed on my LX570 under EXTENDED WARRANTY. The Lexus dealership asked if I had replaced the windshield bc they were trying to blame on the glass installer. I told them to look at the glass carefully. They apologized and fixed the auto rain sensor at no charge. The OEM windshield had chip repairs done under my insurance policy at no charge. I guess the dealership saw something on the loss claims data base somewhere.

Also if you get the Lexus dealership do it, then they will be responsible for any defects in the materials or workmanship. If I had gotten an aftermarket windshield, the Lexus dealership probably will not cover the auto rain sensor and blame it on the glass installer. The glass installer will probably tell me to go fly a kite.... So I would had to dish out the $750 or so to fix the auto rain sensor (as quoted on the warranty paperwork)......it was ZERO for me with the extended warranty. So the little bit saved will quickly be gone. Get the OEM glass for the LX570!!!
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You will need to talk to your insurance company and ensure the replacement of OEM as I have done that with mine recently. In fact, my Lexus dealer uses Satellite and is also asked to ensure the OEM glass because the additional calibration requirement for LDA and auto high beam after replacement of windshield. I also personally make sure at the time of install, the class is coming with Lexus/Toyota OEM pack with proper part number.