What Glass Shop for Windshield?

I had something hit close enough to the top edge this morning that my windshield cracked and was letting rain through. I have Allstate and am filing a glass claim in just a minute. Are there any bigger shops that use better (OEM quality) glass? Allstate (and most) use Safelite. I have had mixed results with them in the past. I didn't want to spend all afternoon finding one that uses Pilkington or another decent glass.

 

Still on my original on the 3rd gen. Put 3 in my 2006, and Safelite did them all. No problems. The glass they put in, was not the reason for 3 windshields.

G.

 

I've used them for a few in the past and it just seemed like they chipped very easily. They put like 5 in my old Ranger, but I think the frames were weak or something because that was an issue with Rangers.

 

Looks like a BB gun

 

I think @Tatts521 does auto windshield glass installations, perhaps he has some installer insider information

 

Called insurance and they estimated $1k for the replacement and recalibration, so I guess I'll be making a claim one way or the other.

 

2nd day of ownership I had a rock chip and crack across the drivers side..
Had to wait an extra couple of days to get OEM glass put in.

 

So my buddy does detailing and gave me a number for a local shop he trusts and they are $290 total. WTF? Insurance agent says he ran the numbers using SafeLite info and got 9something.

 

That sucks. Safelite did the replacement?

 

Safelite sucks and do use a cheaper glass. They're about the only one insurance companies use. You'll probably have to pay to use anywhere else and get a check from insurance.

 

Paid a local mom and pop shop $250 for a full replacement using PGW glass. Came out to my house and had it done in an hour.

Insurance wanted $500 deductible to use safelite...no thanks

 

My comp deductible is $250 and this place wants $290, so I'm going to try them. Not the end of the world for $40 if Allstate gives me trouble.

This is a local family shop too and I would rather support them. Plus I trust my friend that suggested them.

 

i used www.autoglassguru.com and they sent some guy out who did it for $350 using pilkington. this for a 2018 with the sensor. don't remember it needing any calibration and it has been over 15k since the glass replacement with no problems.

 

These guys said the same thing about calibration. They said they have had 2 ever that needed it and both were Acuras.

 

Typically a cracked/shattered windshield is filed as a comprehensive claim. If you have decent insurance you should look into lowering your deductible, as it will not change your premium that much. I lowered my comprehensive deductible from $500 to $50 and my premium only went up about $60/year.

It makes the decision to repair/replace windshields or other damage from random stuff (other than a collision, obviously) a bit easier. Just my $.02. Take it for what's worth, which is probably considerably less.

 

I'll take a look at lowering it. I'm at $250 now. I was told that a glass claim does not change premiums, so that is good, but it looks like it won't be a ton of help.

 

Safelite