Looking to replace my windshield.
O'Brien quoted me $600 for third party glass and $1090 for OEM glass. Is it worth getting OEM glass or is O'Briens third party glass basically the same?
Also.. I have excess free glass replacement/repair with my insurance. I've never made any insurance claims before, is it worth claiming insurance for this? Will it ruin my record or significantly increase my premium?
Thanks
Just a 2012 Camry Atara SL, I think its got a couple censors.. like rain detection.. and another censor on the rearview mirror? I'm not sure if theres anything else, dont think there is.
Yea I wouldn't worry about OEM for that car. Just go through insurance (confirm with them no effect on premium) and whatever they organise for you. Most likely will be third party anyway.
3rd party is fine
OP, O'Brien is one of, probably the most, expensive auto glass repairers in the market. Shop around and get prices.
Ah, I had no idea. Just thought cause they're big, their quality/warranty would be decent.
There is pretty much no warranty on the glass, only a guarantee on install.
I have to replace windscreen often and Obriens are professional, well marketed and often double the price.
When I needed to replace due to a chip, O’Brien was double the price I ended up paying. I searched around and found an independent.
Will it ruin my record or significantly increase my premium
I made a windscreen claim with Bingle one year, and renewed with them because they were still the cheapest quote. Just ring them up and they send someone to your home / office.
Had windscreen replaced a fortnight ago on a 2012 Kluger for $260.
Spoke with the installer at length after the job, for what it's worth he reported all AU windscreens have to conform to the same standard. The price difference is to have the manufacturer's sticker on it.
When queried about whether third party glass generated more wind noise (had been reading forums), the response was no. It's the installation job (ceiling) that causes it.
Can confirm new windscreen has no more noise than the last.
260 is cheap, this has convinced me that windscreen insurance is a waste of money unless you have some exotic camera array that requires is e.g Subaru eyesight (although it would be nice to know if it's even necessary then of anyone's across it)
Sounds like you need to take advantage of your insurance.
(Plus one O’brien being more expensive than others)
What car? Does it have any special glass features/layers? Would there be any impact to sensors/cameras etc?
Yes go through insurance. It should not affect your premiums but double check first.