My windshield was hit by a rock and needs to be replaced. The insurance will only pay for the aftermarket windshield. So if I want to have the branded Lexus windshield I will need to pay the difference. Is there any difference in the two besides brand and cost. Thank you.
OEM windshields are always better quality
You could go aftermarket (I did for one of my vehicles a few years ago) but make sure it is compatible with whatever technology your windshield needs to support. For example with my vehicle it had HUD and an integrated radio antenna so I made sure Safelite (the company that installed it) got a HUD and integrated antenna-compatible windshield. I could have gone OEM but my insurance wouldn’t cover 100% of it. I had to pay several hundred if I wanted OEM.
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I would go aftermarket, but get a reputable company such as Safelite to source and install it.
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Also, the OEMs don’t build their own windshields; they get from someone else and then stick their name on it.
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See below for some makers of windshields: https://www.carwindshields.info/windshield-manufacturers-oem-dealer-and-aftermarket
Yes, I had to replace the windshield on two cars so far.
On a Kia - It a bit was different, instead of dots it has a blue-clear fade - practically no difference.
On a Volvo - the aftermarket windshield was significantly worse, it felt way noisier although it was sealed perfectly.
Both do a great job of shielded you from the wind.
If it's under $100, I'd go for it, why not - but anything over that, I would not.
And are you sure you want to use insurance to replace a windshield, usually it's just $250-$350...
Back in 2018 when I had it replaced my windshield cost over $1,000, and that was for a 2004 vehicle. So, I ended going through insurance.
woah. where I live everyone has insurance for "windows and mirrors" it's an option when buying insurance that costs $50 a year and repairs don't count as a claim...
I had a 2011 SantaFe upstate New York. I followed to close behind a sanding truck and ended up with all these micro chips in the windshield. If I drove into the sun I was almost blinded by all the speckles. You could not see the damage unless you used a magnifier. Then I found out there is exactly 10 feet between the windshield and the tailgate. I had a 10 and 1/4" ladder and I slammed the tailgate with it between the bucket seats. I got a big spider crack right in the middle. Insurance covered it. They fixed it with a after market in my driveway and the new one was like night and day. I did not realize how bad the wind shield was. Today there is all this electronics that needs to be reattached and calibrated like rain sensors and cameras. The SantaFe had non of that stuff. I have not heard anything bad about after market windshields. As long as the meet DOT standards they are safe. Just make sure all the stuff works after they are done. If you are really fearful pay the difference between the aftermarket and OEM version. Personally I don't think it is worth it.
