i got a big frikkin crack in my windshield last nite, i think it was a pebble or something off of a truck, i hate back roads. $170 for a new windshield. does that sound like a reasonable price? if insurance covers this and i go thru them, will it increase my premium? or is it just better to do it myself?

 

I think that's about what I paid 2 or 3 years ago. At that price, they re-use the Toyota window trim. if you want new trim, it's probably best to order it online. It'll cost you as much, if not more, than the window.

 

Do not go though the insurance company, it is not worth it. If I were you i would shop around (call) and ask how much for your windshield and installation. I think you can get a better price.

 

That's about how much I ended up paying for mine, ($172 with tax & lifetime warranty) but I was in a hurry and didn't call around for prices first. They re-used the trim and I haven't had any problems yet (knock-knock). I've heard some people have gotten them thru their insurance without rate increases, but I didn't want to take that chance and just paid for it myself.

 

You should only NOT go through insurance only if your deductible is higher than the cost of the windshield. Otherwise use them. Most state laws and insurance policies allow for up to 6 windshields per year.

Not only that, but claims under $1000 wont hurt you if they are comprehensive like a windshield.

For example, my glass deductible is $100. So I will go through my insurance.

Another note: Some insurance companies will NOT cover a factory windshield replacement on an older vehicle. Check with them first.

 

I work in finance for an insurance company. They cannot raise your rates for just talking to them. Check to see if you have "full glass coverage" on your auto policy. This means The glass is fully replaced at no cost to you. There is no rate increase and there is no deductable applied. If your not sure, ask.

Keep in mind, an insurance company cannot just raise your rates if no claim has been filed or, there is no record of the accident. Also, in New York, a claim that is under a certain amount does not make your auto insurance go up. I think it is $500.

I've had a window and a sunroof glass replaced on my 4runner all this year. Stones hit them. Both were fully covered at no cost to me and no increase in rates.

side window=$242 sunroof=$358

"Full Glass Coverage" is something you may already be paying for and not using.

 

Most definatly turn it in and don't even attempt to do it yourself. I did that once to an old Trans am I had. I put it in all by myself. What a nightmare. I thought that i'd test my work after i was done so I sprayed the car down with the hose.................It looked like someone set a lawn sprinkler in the car on full tilt. That was the first and last windsheild job I'll ever do. Leave it to the pros!!

 

Not a bad price. My windshield has pits from rocks hitting it but has never cracked. I am always amazed by that. I know that its the original one since it has the VIN# etched in it like all my other windows. I would like to get a new windshield since mine is so pitted from sand damage (70 MPH sand hitting the windshield) but I'm not sure that any aftermarket windshield will match the durability of the windshield I have now. What do you guys think? Is there a way to find out if you are getting a good windshield other than price?