We have full glass insurance coverage in the US for most policies.

 

Doesn't work that way up here and some extra policies will not cover the camera recalibration.

 

This is something I would 100% never allow a dealer to do on a new car. Let me take a new car and splice some sort of cheap aftermarket relay to cause the brake lights to pulse. And I will charge you $500 for this non-standard relay to be added to the brake light system. Good luck in the future finding where my installer hid it when it dies and needs to be replaced!

I'd rather pay for synthetic blinker fluid.

 

I have a couple of those 3rd light pulse modules. Installed one - they work. Cost me $2 IIRC on Aliexpress. I would never let the dealer wire a new car that way.

 

All this is a profit center for dealers on the more desirable vehicles. It is only 'mandatory' by the dealer's own policy. I ordered my RX500h, waited the time, and got it for sticker. I say vote with your wallet. If your local dealer insists on th extra cost move on to another dealer. Eventually the dealers will get the idea and possibly stop this gouging. - - - although many people get the 'car fever' and just can't wait or don't want to do the little bit extra to get the better (proper) deal so they pay it.

 

Totally agree, I also went to another dealer since my "local" dealer would not budge.

 

Do you have the link to that 3rd light pulse from AliExpress and the info on how to install it? Thanks

 

Well, I was able to have the dealer drop that ‘mandatory’ protection package.

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005030408809.html There are versions for LED and incandescent.

 

I think that in BC you have to buy Provincial insurance.....maybe I'm wrong. Does that have limits with the policy?

In Ontario we buy from some agent or Company. I've been with the same Ins co since 1980 something and never been disappointed with claims. Had the windshield replaced with OEM glass and the camera adjusted, although it didn't need any adjusting.

Dealer installed things seem to be the new normal. Guess they don't sell as many vehicles as they don't have them. Can't imagine selling anything and having to wait 5,6,10 months or more for it to show up to get to the customer. I know my small business would be in bankruptcy if I had to wait that long for a product to show up.

I don't mind spending some extra bucks to get this and that, however I prefer to pick my own vendor for the install.

 

In BC, ICBC (Insurance Corporation of BC) has comprehensive policies that have a minimum $300 deductible, rising to over a grand IIRC. Glass coverage is included at ICBC approved shops, but that is often not dealers. The rules get complicated if you go to a dealer as you have to get it repaired and then submit the bills to ICBC who may or may not cover it all. I suspect the dealer costs would be substantially higher than a glass place. ADAS is supposedly covered. But the real rub is that if you file too many claims, your deductible can go way up. Glass claims add to that. There are 3rd party insurances but they too have limitations.

 

Funny you say that, when my windshield broke it was the dealer that told me NOT to get it fixed with them. They told me it would cost double. Off to the glass place, thank you Mr. Dealer!

 

There is a lot of tech in the new windshields plus the ADAS sensors. Do the aftermarket ones work as well?

 

Glass places can buy and install OEM glass. They’ve also had enough time to learn the systems and get the tools needed. Often they can replace windshields without the need to recalibrate the systems.

 

Pretty much guaranteed that ICBC will not pay for OEM glass. Unless it is a leased vehicle with SEF 18R (replacement parts must be OEM).
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Policy

A repair program participant can bill at competitive retail pricing, not exceeding 75% of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) MSRP, for alternate parts sourced outside of the pre-priced estimating platform or recycled parts locator system."