Windshield cracked last night. Tips on a new one?

[RallyeFan43]

Once again, I'm paying the price for procrastinating... I had a small star-shaped chip in my windshield that I put off getting fixed, and last night while making the 2 hour drive to where my dad lives my windshield cracked the entire way across. I've already called 3 places that all seem reputable. I've been quoted $183 for Advanced Auto Glass, $240 for Glass America, and $259for Safelite. All with lifetime guarantees. Is there anything extraordinary about our windshields that I need to be aware of? And I believe all 3 of these companies are nationwide chains, has anyone had any experience with any of them? Good or bad?

P.S. There goes the extra money I had for a leveling kit

 

[M1911]

Ask them if they are using OEM glass or aftermarket.

 

[JG1911]

In my State, your auto insurance will pay for a new front window... No deductible and they cannot raise your rates because of it.

It took some arguing with my insurance company, but they replaced it with OEM glass.

You do want to avoid the made in China budget glass.

 

[12guns]

I'm fine w/ non-oem as long as it's clear with no distortion. I got a $200 elcheapo glass a few weeks ago. Then noticed BAD distortion, wavy vertical lines. And I saw 4 headlight instead of two. I went back and after two other tries, they are ordering a high dollar OEM-equivalent glass. So if you get a cheap one, make sure there is no distortion when you look from outside at an angle. Good luck!

 

[abi_redy]

I had just replaced mine with Safelite. They install the PPG glass and I have no complaints. The OEM glass is around 1000$.

 

[RallyeFan43]

Thanks for your input guys. I'll probably just go with Safelite. They seem to have the best reputation and offer the best quality glass. I'd rather spend the money now and have a good quality windshield than have to keep going back and fighting with the installers about their product.

It just sucks to have to fork out that money for this when I could've put it towards something else for the 'Runner. *sighs* Such is life I suppose... Let that be a lesson, don't put off stuff that needs done with your vehicle!

 

[RallyeFan43]

In my State, your auto insurance will pay for a new front window... No deductible and they cannot raise your rates because of it.

It took some arguing with my insurance company, but they replaced it with OEM glass.

You do want to avoid the made in China budget glass.

I'd love to have my insurance pay for it but my comp deductible is $500

 

[M1911]

I'd love to have my insurance pay for it but my comp deductible is $500

Here in MA, all auto insurance must cover glass with no deductible.

 

[KB084RUNNER]

Call your insurance guy and see if they can get you a better price. My State Farm agent gets me their price on any auto glass which is always 1/3 less than my quote.

 

[nated05]

I have safelite as well, no complaints. I am pretty sure the guy told me it is an exact replacement for OEM. One tip, when getting quotes make sure you ask for FINAL price including tax and disposal fee. Safelite was sneaky about that.

 

[JackOSU]

I'd second asking for the price with your carriers name being dropped in there somewhere. Most companies I know here locally offer better rates once they know what carrier you're with. The insurance company doesn't have a "contract" with them, but I've gotten several of my clients better rates when I called versus them doing so.

One thing for most to look at is your comp deductibles. They are weighted a LOT less price wise than the collision deductibles. I usually suggest my clients with $100 or less due the cost difference being so low per year. It is also true that your rates should not increase due to a comp claim.

Good luck. I think going with Safelite will be okay, but you can go to anyone you wish and if you wanted you could get OEM if needed although you would be out your $500 deductible. It's all a matter of personal preference. I'd make sure that the temps where the glass is being put on is greater than 40 degrees to prevent improper seals around the edges etc. If you have the ability to have them meet you at your place doing it in your garage and a little heat circulating could be a huge benefit.

Good luck.

 

[034RUNNER]

I had just replaced mine with Safelite. They install the PPG glass and I have no complaints. The OEM glass is around 1000$.

I bought my truck with a cracked windshield. Over a really cold night it got worse. Insurance covered it, it was also done at Safelite. This was about 5 years ago; no issues since, no complaints.

 

[glock56534]

I've had a couple PGW windshields, which are OEM-quality. A great company here in Colorado installed it for $179 out the door, and they came to my house to do it. I know several others who have had PGW windshields and have been very happy with them. I suggest you try to find a company that has them at a similar price.