Cracked BRZ Winshield Replacement- Where?
 

A rock from a dump truck hit my BRZ windshield last evening and cracked it. Where is the best place to have it replaced? I would like to get a OE if possible with the shading around the rear view mirror & edges of the windshield. Does insurance usually cover the entire cost of replacement?

Thanks!!!!

Take it somewhere that replaces windshields. Call your insurance and ask.

My local Nationwide Agent was unavailable. Called Nationwide Claims: They arranged for a local Safelite rep to repair the crack at no charge since the area in question is "less than the size of a dollar bill". If the crack was larger than a dollar bill, it would have cost the $500.00 deductible.

That depends on:

1. Your insurance carrier.
2. Your deductible.
3. The state where you reside.

For example, in Florida the insurance companies are required to provide you with no-deductible windshield coverage that allows you a limited number of "free" replacements per year. Where I live, there is no such requirement, so any windshield claim I make would be subject to my full $500 deductible and would be closed by the insurance company without taking any action. Some insurance companies offer the windshield protection even if your state doesn't require it, but mine does not.

Just call your insurance company and find out.

As for where to get it fixed, there have been a number of threads about that. General consensus is to stay away from Safelite and go with a local glass installer who uses a reputable brand of glass. I got mine replaced with the tinted strip for $420 all in with APTech glass, which is fine. I've seen Pilkington and PPG also mentioned as reputable manufacturers.

Having just gone through it, what I would suggest to you is that you call around, request quotes and ask what brand of glass they install for the price they give you. Then research that brand and see if it's any good.

There have been a few people mention they got a cheapo installation from one of those "half price" auto glass places. I did that with my Jeep, and while the cheap Chinese glass is okay for that purpose, they did a messy job with the sealant around the window. The guys who did my BRZ did a MUCH better job with visibly better glass. You really do get what you pay for.

I see you posted this while I was writing my book above. I would still suggest talking with a local installer with a good reputation to what they would charge to repair it and whether they can work with your insurance company. Safelite doesn't always have the best reviews when it comes to the repairs either.

Why do people always want to use their insurance?

Its just my thinking, that if a problem arises with my car. I would do everything I can to not go through insurance. Up to a certain dollar amount of course (couple grand).

My reasons:
-Record on car
-Record on you
-Insurance bill goes up
-Hassle of dealing with insurance.

Apparently in Florida the insurance companies are not allowed to raise your rates for a windshield claim. It's not supposed to count as an accident. I would do it in a heartbeat if I lived there.

There may be other states that do that also, but I sure don't live in one of them.