Cold weather caused a large crack in my windshield (I was kinda surprised at this…), so I have to replace it.
Is Safelite still a generally reputable option?
Also, I see I have choice between original equipment equivalent (OEE) and original equipment manufacturer (OEM), with the latter being ~ 3X as expensive. Any thoughts?
I ended up getting the glass rider on my car back when I had a Honda Element (notorious for cracking because the windshields weren’t angled much), and it paid for itself. I went through 3 windshields in 5 years. It always seemed Safelite was who they sent and they always went with OEE and I never had a problem with it. So far I’ve only had to replace my Subaru windshield once but the OEE seems fine there as well.
So you don’t want to be like this guy?
Two comments.
If you have one of these super fancy high tech windshields then never in a million years should you let Safelite replace it.
If your auto insurance covers windshield replacement, then it’s going to cost you the same whether you get it from OEM vs. someone like Safelite.
Chances are you picked up a rock on the highway and it cracked in the cold. 
(Honest, that’s my story and I’m sticking with it).
I sent you a PM with the guy that came to my house and repaired cracks in driveway for $39. Was done last fall and truck has been parked in my driveway throughout all the rain and freezing cycles we’ve had. So far no problem.
Only if there were something really bad would I have the windshield changed out under insurance - you will pay.
Thanks Chris…I can’t say how “high tech” the actual windshield is, although it does have a light sensing + compass mirror mounted on it. But after your comment and reading recent Yelp reviews about the nearest Safelite shop, I am rather turned off about them.
It is covered under my comprehensive (no separate glass coverage/rifer) and my deductible is $500, so if I opt for OEE replacement eventually, I don’t think there’s much in using my Insurance i.e. making a claim. According to my insurance agent that might actually trigger an increase in my rates 
Yeah…I’ll try your guy first. He says he can repair a long crack like this, although I am a tad bit skeptical. For the money I can’t really go wrong…worst case is I am out $40 and then have to go and get it replaced anyway, just a few days later.
I’m under the impression that with new cars that have integrated safety systems that tie into or go through the windshield (e.g. machine vision) the calibration associated with a windshield replacement is, as you’d expect, something that has to be done right and some 3rd parties may struggle with that.
Yep, my 21 Forester has Active Collision Avoidance, so it took Safelite an extra 2 hours to recalibrate the system to the new windscreen.
I knew they got it right when I pulled onto the street, and it locked onto a car 400ft away, with it’s signature “beep”!
Yet another reason to keep my 92 Ranger… including the 2” diameter windshield ding I-35 gifted me
We love our 2020 Forester and the automation is really useful. I wish it had Tesla style cameras though so we could determine who or what hit our back quarter panel.
Re: Safelite
I have a friend who works for Safelite in CO. He has good things to say about them as a place to work.
Another Option:
I’ve had a couple of windshields replaced by Titan Auto Glass in Plano over the years, as well as chip repairs. I’ve been happy with their work and prices. They also helped me install a window in my truck when I attempted the repair myself - the dealership sold me the wrong window, which is why I could not get it to go in. No charge, which was a quite decent thing to do.
Titan Glass will also come to you for the install which is very convenient (Safelite will also do this).
Titan Auto Glass
801 K Ave #3, Plano, TX 75074
(Perhaps a mile from the Old Fry’s in Plano)
+1 (972) 747-9400
My daughter got a “free” (if you have insurance) chip repair in Fort Collins at a Jiffy Lube. They in turn filed a $99 claim against my insurance, which was denied because my deductible was much higher. FWIW, I paid $35 for the equivalent work in FoCo late last year.
I talked to the insurance rep (USAA) and told him I thought the offer was a little predatory (college town, young, naive kids, et al). He said some states include a zero deductible policy for chip repairs (cheaper than replacement of the windscreen), so they’re probably just rolling the dice.
He also said that a windscreen replacement claim would NOT increase auto insurance rates - only accidents where the policy holder was found 50%+ responsible would. Different companies might have different policies, but that’s the way it is with USAA.
USAA is one of the best out there; I truly wish I qualified.
In fairness to my insurance company, when I said “insurance agent”, I meant whoever it was that answered the phone…every likelihood she was unknowledgeable/mistaken. I’d have to review my policy myself or call the issuance company to be sure…kinds defeating the point if having an agent :–(
Anyway, Titan said they’d replace for ~$350, which is less than my deductible, so probably a moot point.
I don’t think I’ve ever paid more than 100-125$ for a windshield out of pocket.
Well, that was their quote, and was very similar to Safelite quote. But I agree it seems pricey…just the world we are living in now, I guess.
Anybody that offers you something for “free” when you have a deductible (or copay/coinsurance on the medical side) is gaming the system somehow.
Sometimes it’s acknowledged and part of the system, like when you have a hailstorm and the adjuster helpfully finds $3000 of cosmetic dings in your gutters, downspouts, fence, etc., to cover the $3000 deductible on your roof. Just don’t fix the cosmetic stuff and your roof is “free.”
Other times, especially on the medical side, it’s straight up fraud, billing for things that never happened to get paid enough to cover the deductible for the things that did happen.
I knew that: my daughter didn’t understand the potential long term ramifications.
Jerry just stopped by…super friendly and knowledgeable. “Guarantees” the crack is fixed forever…lol, he’s probably right.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ui5voswq3farkgy/AACAiJywQLfo64i3HOFULEVEa
Thanks for the lead :–)
Shalom.
Yeah…I’m gonna need that name & number PM’d haha
Can’t beat that deal and I’ve got a crack that is longer than Safelite will repair, so I’m willing to give it a shot to save $350
He lives/works from Clarksville (a bit east of Paris, TX), so not sure how far west and south of Collin County he gets to. If you are on the north and east side of DNT & GBT, you’re probably OK, but may as well call and ask anyway if not. And if not it might be worth meeting him somewhere in his travel zone. Whatever…
Here ya go:
