The wifey was driving the car this morning on a local street with no cars/trucks in front of her. All of a sudden there was a loud creaking sound and the windshield cracked! 12-15 inches is her estimate.

I know I can go through insurance (I have state farm), but they informed me that repairs are $50, but for replacement its up to my deductible (currently at $500). Since a replacement is clearly needed, I don't think $500 is a good deal especially since they'll probably not even use OEM.

Thus, my questions are:

1. Do you guys have some recommendations (especially in the East Bay, or better yet, in the Tri-Valley area) for windshield replacement shops?

2. What should I expect as a good price for replacement? I don't need OEM, but the price therefore should be "right".

 

usually; there is a "windshield deductible" which is $250.

and Demand OEM. because we have acoustic glass and if not OEM there will be wind noise

 

Well, at least in California, I believe windshield replacements are covered under comprehensive, so the deductible would apply. In this case, I'm sure I can go the deductible route -- the question is whether I'll get OEM or not.

What is a good price (not through insurance) for OEM glass replacement including labor?

 

About $300, IIRC.

You don't need OEM "dealer glass" (which has the Honda/Acura imprint on it) for $600, but should get OEM-spec replacement glass-- same acoustic-layered material, no brand stamped on it, and much less $$.

The TL windshields were largely made by AP Tech and Pilkington. My OEM windshield was replaced with a Pilkington by All Star Glass (mobile, also with locations throughout CA), which can get the AP Tech as well. I had a discount through AAA, though.

 

I just went to allstarglass.net and requested an online instant quote. It was $250 before taxes. What I'm not sure of is this is for OEM-spec glass.

Will I be able to tell which manufacturer made the glass if its Pilkington or AP Tech? And if its made by either one of these companies does this guarantee I'm getting OEM spec?

 

AP Tech is the original manufacturer of the windshield on the TL.

State Farm offers a separate Glass Coverage that's around $50 every six months which will cover the entire costs of the Windshield, with this coverage, there is no deductible.

I have State Farm and being in Colorado due to Snow and Rocks on the road during the Winter, I have Glass Coverage on both my car and the Wife's. I've already used the coverage twice in the past 3 years on my TL due to cracking from a rock.

 

Check the bottom passenger-side corner of your TL's windshield-- that's where it'll say AP Tech, Pilkington, PPG or whatever manufacturer, near the Honda/Acura symbol and part number.

Call the Allstarglass operator, say you want OEM-spec, which glass maker you want and ask for the quote to compare to the on-line price-- you may get a discount if there's a difference with the on-line price.

G/L!

 

Going with a local shop that seems to be recommended by many -- Low Price Auto Glass in Dublin. Out the door cost for acoustic PPG glass: $185

Not bad!

 

I have always had $0 deductible for glass - Maybe it's a Minnesota thing?

 

That's a pretty good price! Paid $200 about 6 years ago to replace the windshield in my POS 626 I had then.

 

Most, if not close to all, insurance companies in California will repair windshields for a nominal cost, but replacements require the actual deductible to be paid, not a "glass replacement" deductible. Some insurance companies do have a separate "glass replacement" add-on policy as well, but State Farm apparently does not.

My deductible is $500, so even if it was half it still would not be worth it. Also, the red tape and waiting would suck.

I literally called the glass shop at 9:00am, and by 10:15am I had my car done!

 

Same in MA

 

The correct terms for glass are:

Dealer
OEM distributor
Aftermarket or Original Equipment Equivalent

https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...1&postcount=15

Not sure if the OEM distributor contracts have changed since that post....