Unfortunately… I got hit by a rock that splintered my windshield.

called Lexus up, and they’re quoting ~$1000 for a replacement.

called travelers (my insurance provider), and they said they cover minus my $500 deductible.

but talking to Lexus, they only do payment out of pocket and then you get reimbursed my insurance (surprise surprise). They also mentioned most the time insurance denies the reimbursement because they use OE glass and not 3rd party glass.

so I have an email out to travelers auto glass to see if they’ll approve an OE glass from Lexus.

The other option, is to use Traveler’s provider Safelite. I imagine a way easier process because they’re in cahoots with the insurance company.

so the question is, anyone have experience with windshields and know the quality of Safelite?

any input here is welcome.

 

I use OEM Glass and also choose my own installer. I have Glass insurance on my policy and prefer to let the insurance company reimburse me. I'm not the only person interested in OEM glass. When I was selling my ISF. Two of the folks who were interested, including the buyer, looked to the windshield to make sure it was OEM. I had replaced the windshield on my ISF and have replaced it on my LC. See article below:

 

I've used Safelite for both chip repair (prior to it growing legs) as well as complete replacement of the windshield for other vehicles in the past (Toyota Venza for example). I was satisfied for both the quality of the repair and the replacement piece quality. With the RCF, though, it is likely that the replacement from them would be heavier if that matters to you.

 

I have used Safelite before as I can get a windshield done for a $100 dollars. My wifes 2021 CX-5 had the windshield cracked like a week after we got it. I was pissed. We have had no issues with the Safelite glass. It is a signature series so it has all the sensors around the rear view mirror and they got it all set up right.

I would do Safelite for my RCF. I hope I don't have to.

 

Thanks for the responses everyone.

Update: dropped car off at Lexus, they've quoted me at a whopping $1,200 (SHEESH). Travelers insurance says they'll cover it, so hoping I don't get pushback when I submit my reimbursement claim.

 

I drive ~30K miles a year. I had the windsheild replaced on my last Lexus (RC350) with an aftermarket one. It was much cheaper than OEM. Funny thing was it was harder to find a windshield WITHOUT the rain sensor. The new windshield was on for about half the time I owned the car. It seemed like it was getting micro pitting faster than the OEM. I had no way of proving that. I wouldn't consider getting anything other than OEM on mf RCF after my previous experiece

 

I purchased an oem glass for $400 bucks locally from lexus and had a windshield shop install it for $75.

wholesale price for your

56101-24905 is $466.

wanna know what's funny? your lexus dealer will get a local windshield guy to install it. I have a windshield guy and he goes to body shops and dealers to install all the time. xpress 30 DuPont $4 bucks each. that dealer is making $258 profit from parts and charging $335 for labor but pay the local windshield guy $75 bucks to install. insurance is taking care of it so it doesn't mater

 

I insisted on getting OEM glass when mine cracked, I told my insurance that the dealer told me to make sure I get an OE glass because it is somewhat a structural part, and if something happens with the carbon roof, they couldn't blame it on an aftermarket glass. I also had the new OE glass protected with Exoshield.

 

Great answer! Will have to steal that one if I ever need it

 

Interesting. Based on this I would probably go OEM now. Thanks for the post.

I did read somewhere that Safelite glass has really improved the quality of their windshields in the last few years. Who knows. I have never had a problem with them.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Picked my car back up today and $1,300 (after tax) lighter. Just submitted my reimbursement claim to Travelers, so wish me luck.

Travelers also said they'd reimburse the ceramic windshield tint I had on the original.

Question is... Last time I got 90% tint and could easily see at day and night.

Does anyone else have windshield tint, and what % tint did you use? I want to go darker, but don't want to get too dark for night time visibility.

 

Haven't done it yet, but my research says 70 percent is the way to go.

 

I was going to get the windshield tinted when I had the others tinted. The guy at the shop who I talked to noticed that I had some polarized Ray ban sunglasses on my shirt. He asked if I preferred polarized and said that I would see the pattern in the tint on the windshield wearing polarized lenses. I did not do it for that reason.

 

^^^^I wear polarized sun glasses and have a tinted windshield and do not have an issue. I do however, sometimes, see a rainbow effect when looking out my passengers (tinted) side window.

 

maybe the brands of PPF are different. That is good to know!