Does it matter where I get my windshield replaced?

I got three quotes to have my windshield replaced:

Safelite: $400 installed
Speedy Glass: $210 installed
Local ma'n'pop glass shop: $260 installed

Why so much more expensive at Safelite? My only concern is whether the cheaper options would have poorer quality aftermarket glass that will chip easily. Is there any good reason why I should not go with the cheapest option?

My cheap geico insurance doesn't cover glass.

 

glass is glass in this case..the only difference to me is do you trust wear its made? all in all, get it cheap,just make sure they use good sealant to prevent leaks.

 

Wow! Safelite quoted me just under $250 if I took it to their shop or add $20 for mobile install. That was about 6 months ago...

BTW: USAA recommends Safelite supposedly for quality. I don't know if there was a discount built in but the cost was gonna be on me because my deductible was more.

 

I need to get mine replaced as well. I haven't checked into prices yet at all.

 

I ended up going to Speedy Glass. It came to $235 out the door. Everything seems fine. They have a lifetime warranty on workmanship. We'll see how the glass itself holds up.

I have no idea why Safelite was so pricey -- they need to pay for all that advertising I guess.

 

Maybe they used higher quality glass
ie: thicker for reduced road noise.

 

ppg glass is good

 

$180 for a local mobile glass shop to put an "OEM" windshield in here in Colorado Springs. Seems equal to my original one to me.

 

The glass used in our trucks is what it is. There will be no variance in chip resistance within the three company quotes you received. The glass will all be the same thickness. The only difference you may see is the tint at the top. All the manufacturers must meet strict standards and none of them will go above and beyond what is required because it costs more thus less profit.

The only way the glass could be substandard is if it was produced illegally by someone making bootleg parts. While there are many bootleg parts for our trucks on the market no one in their right mind would take the time or money to do that in my opinion.

What I would consider key is the tech installing it. There are many ways to botch a install job from improper caulking that could lead to leaking to scraping the paint off from under it during removal which could lead to severe rust issues. I would go with the company with the most seasoned staff. From personal experience this is NOT Safelite. Last time I had them out I had to tell the tech how to remove my door panel for a DS window.

I would also make sure you take the time and watch the guy install it. If he nicks the paint during cut out make sure it's touched up before the new one goes back in.

Also make sure they warranty the labor. I'm sure they won't warranty the glass but they should sure as hell warranty their work for at least a year.

 

OEM is made with the same mold that your original windshield was made. Others use a copy of the mold which may not be perfect (glass could be thinner, not fit exactly right, etc.

99% of the time you won't notice the difference, but I always go OEM.