candurin Posted May 16, 2016 Report Share Posted May 16, 2016 So, I went out to my car Sunday (after leaving it in a parking lot at campground all weekend) to discover a 3' S-shaped crack in the glass (rock or debri Impact just below wiper blade). Set up an immediate appointment with safelite and requested Carlite Soundscreen windshield/OEM. No go. My insurance would not cover their "overcharge" of $200 for OEM glass. My insurance deductible is $100 and safelite gets paid $238, plus tax (so $361 total) for their aftermarket glass. I called around and found a local installer (my local ford dealer recommended them) that will install the OEM glass for $320 plus tax. My insurance company agreed. No idea why safelite just won't use the OEM glass. Oddly enough Carlite lists them as authorized installers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheWizard Posted May 16, 2016 Report Share Posted May 16, 2016 I had to replace the windshield in my Sorento recently after a stone chip grew into a crack before I could get it in for service. Safelite replaced with OEM after I told them it was "sound absorbing" glass from the factory. No issues with them or the insurance company (The Hartford). It took a couple of extra days to get the glass from the dealer but they did the installation quickly once it arrived. In Florida, the glass has to be replaced without cost (no deductible) if you carry comprehensive insurance coverage. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candurin Posted May 16, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2016 NJ is brutal for drivers! At $100, it's not too bad. Apparently, safelite has their own soundproof glass. I'm sure their windshields are fine, but, whenever I can get exact OEM replacement, I always will... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjbaker84 Posted May 22, 2016 Report Share Posted May 22, 2016 I am an insurance adjuster and we always have to use safelite, regardless of customer wishes. If safelite is most cost effective then I use them, regardless of type of glass (rain sensing, sound absorbing, tinted, etc). If I can make it work I will sneak OEM glass where available as that is what I would want (but being fair and nice isn't our directive, saving money is). The company I work for is one of the top 3 business wise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candurin Posted May 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2016 I cancelled safelite and went with a local installer. He called farmer's insurance (our carrier) and had it all set up in less than 24 hours. New OEM glass in and it took him under an hour. Great work! Oddly enough he was $70 less expensive than safelite with their brand glass. I still think safelite could have gotten OEM for me. They just didn't want to be bothered or their margin is greater (makes sense) on their glass. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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