Where to get windshield replaced

[TimeOutside]

So this afternoon a rock was tossed up from the highway and cracked my windshield (2024 Lariat with 4.5k miles on it). My vehicle insurance will cover the replacement, but I'm wondering who should do the replacement. I've not had any experience with this in decades. Is it best that I go to the dealer for OEM replacement or is it just as good or perhaps better to go to a local NAG Certified shop?

Also, I do have extended warranty coverage (Ford Protect Plan) through Granger Motors. Am I correct that this doesn't apply to this situation?

Thanks,
Andrew

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[earlman123]

safelight

 

[TimeOutside]

safelight

Safelight is over an hour away. It's doable, if they are the best.

 

[Waterick]

Safelight will do it in your driveway, just make appointment. My experience is good, but some say they have slipped.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

The quality of Safelite window replacement varies wildly common depending on your local shop. Same as car dealers..
Definitely take it do someone who does a lot of camera calibrations. It doesn't have to be safelite and dealers are usually my last resort for any repairs, except under warranty.

Windshield replacement is typically covered by your auto insurance. Read your policy or call your agent.

 

[TimeOutside]

Definitely take it do someone who does a lot of camera calibrations.

I can see there is a sensor (camera?) behind the glass, in the area of the rear view mirror. Is this assembly attached to the glass? What do I need to ask about or look for to assure a quality replacement?

Thank you.

 

[OleFordGuy]

Safelite is a large well know brand but thats not to say their any better. Like previously stated, it all depends on the actual person doing the work, regardless of the company. Check with your dealer and some local body shops to see who they recommend. Just make sure any quoted price includes the upgraded OEM Soundstream acoustic glass that comes standard from the factory on Lariats is installed on your truck. You can see the logo on the bottom passenger side of the windshield.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I can see there is a sensor (camera?) behind the glass, in the area of the rear view mirror. Is this assembly attached to the glass? What do I need to ask about or look for to assure a quality replacement?

Thank you.

Office gal at local glass shop said that the acoustic glass replacements are quite common and are not much more expensive except at dealers (?) and they frequently use them. The difference is muti layer plastic between two glass. The camera has to be recalibrated to match new windshield due to slight installation differences of distance and/or variances in light transmission particularly if changing from non acoustic to acoustic.

 

[McSwine]

I called around to the high-end dealerships around town to see who they used and they all used the same local glass shop. The OEM glass was not available for my wife's '21 Mazda CX-5 with head-up display and all that so they used Pilkington glass which has been great. It's as good as it was before. I think insurance covered all of it except $200 or so.

 

[ejgroth2620]

safelight

I tried Safelight, and they were $200. more expensive than the local glass shop that did the repair.

 

[RickG]

I have had good experiences with safelight with around 4 replacements total on two different vehicles. I'm not sure of the travel range but you can try scheduling an on-site visit and the scheduler will tell you if you are in range.

 

[jc888888888]

safelight

One quick wor

Safelite is a large well know brand but thats not to say their any better. Like previously stated, it all depends on the actual person doing the work, regardless of the company. Check with your dealer and some local body shops to see who they recommend. Just make sure any quoted price includes the upgraded OEM Soundstream acoustic glass that comes standard from the factory on Lariats is installed on your truck. You can see the logo on the bottom passenger side of the windshield.

You are spot on OleFordGuy!, I have a 2022 eco lariat , I went to safelight and they go to replace my Lariat windshield and I specified OEM ,well they come out with a windshield with none of the Ford markings on it , It did say Accoustic Glass on it, Safelight GM at my shop says the windshield is made at the same glass plant as Ford !! Sorry my friend I tell him you see the Ford markings on my windshield that is OEM ,you are not putting that windshield in my car... they ordered the proper windshield and put it in 2 days later.They did do a good job .But be careful folks BTW they billed my insurance $1550.00 for the proper glass and install

 

[jc888888888]

I can see there is a sensor (camera?) behind the glass, in the area of the rear view mirror. Is this assembly attached to the glass? What do I need to ask about or look for to assure a quality replacement?

Thank you.

I have a 2022 eco lariat , I went to safelight and they go to replace my Lariat windshield and I specified OEM ,well they come out with a windshield with none of the Ford markings on it , It did say Accoustic Glass on it, Safelight GM at my shop says the windshield is made at the same glass plant as Ford !! Sorry my friend I tell him you see the Ford markings on my windshield that is OEM ,you are not putting that windshield in my car... they ordered the proper windshield and put it in 2 days later.They did do a good job .But be careful folks BTW they billed my insurance $1550.00 for the proper glass and install

 

[RickG]

Maybe it depends on the car, but my C-Max has had two replacements, and they always used OEM glass.

 

[TimeOutside]

Thank you everyone! I would have had no idea about the OEM and acoustic glass, the camera recalibration needed, or the extreme variances in pricing. I've haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet. Although Safelight is an hour or so away, they are sending me a quote. I've also contacted a body shop that is well respected in our area. They gave me two businesses that they recommend. I'll be giving them a call shortly.

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