Anyone have their windshield replaced yet? Decision!

[Andymax]

I have used Safelight a couple times in the past.
from the dreaded stone chips from the chip seal roads here in Indiana. They do a good job in my opinion even used non oem and never had a problem.

I had that windshield installed in June of 2022...Safelite's afterrnarket brand. They did a great job and I've had no issues, even with the ACC, etc, and I feel lucky that my installer was a 21-year veteran of the industry. Of course, however, that windshield got a star crack in it about a year ago...it's not spreading and is out of my view so it stays until the next rock comes flyin.

 

[FloridaSun]

I had the Glass Doctor replace my front windshield Monday. They use RAM OEM Glass...has the RAM logo on right. Insurance covered it. They came to house and done with 45 minutes.

 

[smashweights]

Random curiosity, does your trim level have an acoustic glass windshield? If not I wonder if you could "upgrade" it?

 

[American Customs]

So this happened yesterday on our drive from Columbus OH to Hilton Head, SC. So the glass company says they would normally use OEM glass, even stated there would be a RAM logo like the stock unit. BUT, there is a nationwide backorder (big surprise), and would I accept an aftermarket brand. Concern is that this truck has a bunch of electronic crap (sensors, etc) on the windshield.

Anyone been faced with replacement yet? Or, anyone know anything about this industry? Any advice would be appreciated

BTW...its a 2019 1500 DT Laramie.

i changed over 20 windshields and no problems with the aftermarket windshields everythink work's and fit perfect

 

[FloridaSun]

I called Glass Doctor last Thursday (3.21.24) mid-day and they schedule my windshield for replacement for this past Monday (3.25.24). Said in stock no inventory issues and sent someone right out. I thought it was strange that I could get an appointment that soon (1 1/2 days showed up at 9am first appointment)...they must not be busy.

 

[Andymax]

i changed over 20 windshields and no problems with the aftermarket windshields everythink work's and fit perfect

I had that windshield installed in June of 2022...Safelite's aftermarket brand. They did a great job and I've had no issues, even with the ACC, etc, and I feel lucky that my installer was a 21-year veteran of the industry. Of course, that windshield got a star crack in it about a year ago but it's not spreading and is out of my view so it stays until the next rock comes flyin.

 

[Cueva del Osos]

Please tell us if you had and out of pocket cost or was insurance covering the entire windshield. I have a tiny chip at the bottom of the glass. I checked with Safelight in West Houston and the total without insurance is $980.00. That is my cost. My insurance deductible is $975.00 So Tennessee is ~1/3 cheaper. If so this is incredible. I know with the Limited with all options, you must have OEM glass. Behind the rear view mirror are many features and the glass is designed for it. is your also OEM and only $632.00 installed? Thank you for this big education.

And a couple of years later… I took a rock at the NM/TX line that started a slow moving crack. Wasn’t my highest priority in getting life started in north Houston area. After getting new progressive insurance in TX, I received a $45 refund. When I asked my agent, was told they decided to waive the price hike for the windshield replacement done on second car 3 years ago. I asked more questions and turns out all claims follow YOU, not your vehicle, for 7 years. TX policies are only 6 mo, so that refund meant I was paying $90/yr more or $630 over the 7 yr. Shopping for non-OEM, I’m paying $675 for a non-claim replacement. So pay now or pay later, with Insurance you’re always gonna pay.

 

[lacobi]

Is that what their insurance/their lawyer/they told you, or what an independent lawyer or expert told you? That doesn't make much sense to me, but many laws do not I guess.

If the guy had kicked up a rock from under his tire, thats a different story. That debris/rock/whatever was already there, he just happened to hit it, and you just happened to be the poor sap behind him. But thats not what happened here.

If I'm driving down the road with propane tanks, one rolls out of the back, hits the ground, and someone hits it and it explodes... is that just a road hazard? I know its an extreme example, but its the same logic. Someone's carelessness caused an object that wasn't there before to be there, and not only be there, but cause damage.

There is a thread here somewhere on the forum where a guy's new truck get peppered with shattered glass on the highway because a glass company didn't secure a large pane of glass to the side of their van properly StarknightMT windshield, and it fell off in front of him. I believe their insurance took care of his repairs.

My 2019 Clarity touring PHEV requires a new windshield and is covered by my insurance. OEM is taking a long time, no delivery date at this point. Does anyone know the pros and cons of using an aftermarket windshield? Thanks.

 

[UnloosedChewtoy]

My 2019 Clarity touring PHEV requires a new windshield and is covered by my insurance. OEM is taking a long time, no delivery date at this point. Does anyone know the pros and cons of using an aftermarket windshield? Thanks.

There are at least a few grades of aftermarket windshields. If you find the right place, they can get an aftermarket one that is almost identical to the OEM, just minus the OEM logo.

Then there are the cheapo (of varying degrees) windshields that many places will want to sell you. They'll work, but weaker and cause havoc with rain sensing wipers, if you have that feature. Windshields are also part of the structural integrity of your cabin, so cheapo ones will make the overall safety of your car a little worse as well.

 

[wegasque]

I've had a slow moving crack in my windshield for the last year. It started in the lower passenger side corner and has now made its way almost to the driver's side. I delayed replacement since my windshield is tinted but it's time. Insurance companies in AZ have no-fault, no-increase glass coverage included in some policies as a rider. I've included glass coverage in every one of my policies since I moved here in 2007. I have now contracted with my preferred tint company who works with a local glass company to get the windshield replaced. They will take the windshield to my tint company and install it in my driveway already tinted.

GEICO has approved the use of OEM glass and I've been waiting almost 3 months now. The first windshield came in and the dealer sold it to someone before my glass guy could pick it up. The next windshield arrived to the dealership damaged. So now I'm left with the decision to use aftermarket glass or stick it out and continue waiting for an OEM. Anybody have any issues with their sensors malfunctioning using aftermarket glass? Is this even something I should be concerned about?

 

[Merlin]

I've had a slow moving crack in my windshield for the last year. It started in the lower passenger side corner and has now made its way almost to the driver's side. I delayed replacement since my windshield is tinted but it's time. Insurance companies in AZ have no-fault, no-increase glass coverage included in some policies as a rider. I've included glass coverage in every one of my policies since I moved here in 2007. I have now contracted with my preferred tint company who works with a local glass company to get the windshield replaced. They will take the windshield to my tint company and install it in my driveway already tinted.

GEICO has approved the use of OEM glass and I've been waiting almost 3 months now. The first windshield came in and the dealer sold it to someone before my glass guy could pick it up. The next windshield arrived to the dealership damaged. So now I'm left with the decision to use aftermarket glass or stick it out and continue waiting for an OEM. Anybody have any issues with their sensors malfunctioning using aftermarket glass? Is this even something I should be concerned about?

Safelite used their brand in my 2019 which they claim is the same as the factory except it doesn't have the Ram logo. The first replacement was a factory windshield and it lasted a year. Up to you. but I haven't had any issues with the non factory glass. Its been hit with lots of rocks and debris on the road and so far not an issue. Both factory windshields got hit about 2 inches or so from the top of the glass on the drivers side and cracked up to the roof.