Need Advice - Windshield Replacement - Brand and Insurance

cool_aquarian

Hello,

I need to get my 2015 Mazda3 windshield replaced due to a foot long crack caused while driving due to unknown reasons(maybe something hit it, or heat or stress or combination - but definitely not my fault).

I currently have $500 comprehensive deductible, and seems insurance in California(AAA) clearly wants me to pay my full share if I want to go through them.

I've rang up few decent Auto Shops nearby and obtained below best quotes for Windshield replacement (if I pay out of pocket):

1. PGW Windshield(OEM-like) $400 (all inclusive)
2. Dealer Glass(Mazda Sekurit/OEM) Windshield $720 (all inclusive)

Should I pay out of pocket($400) for PGW Windshield or go through insurance for Dealer/OEM windshield ($500)?
(I plan to call insurance to reduce comprehensive deductible after getting this fixed)

Also, does a windshield replacement show up in carfax/autocheck history in below cases:
a. when paid from pocket
b. when claimed from insurance
(I plan to sell the car after about 2 years, so don't want to affect resale value)

Thank you...

Mr_Shiftright

It's hard to give any definitive answer based on hard facts. Here's a "pros and cons" article that might help you decide:

Windshield Replacement---OEM or Aftermarket?

I doubt an aftermarket glass would affect resale value, and since you aren't leasing, and this isn't some kind of high-line luxury car, I'm inclined to advising you to save the $320.

cool_aquarian

If I go insurance route(for OEM windshield), I would be paying just $100-140 more.

Mr_Shiftright

Well that's fine if you wish to make a claim. From your post, maybe I misunderstood that you didn't want to make a claim?

So the question is, does it make sense to spend an extra $100-140 for an OEM. Actually, isn't it $220 difference? ($720 less $500 deductible)

kyfdx

Ditto.. no way I'd file a claim to just come out $220 ahead.

To me, the choice is $400 for aftermarket, $720 for OEM.

isellhondas

I agree with the others. Just be sure to pick a quality shop with a good reputation.

cool_aquarian

After checking alternate glass shops, this is the all inclusive best offer I have now(for OEM/Dealer windshield):

1. $475 without insurance
2. $450 with insurance (insurance company will pay some $100 on top of this to shop)

What do you advise ?
is there any benefit of going through insurance? (to be on safer side incase of any future incidents, or insurance may say I did not get it done properly)

kyfdx

Leave insurance out of it. There is no advantage to having them involved. They are unlikely to advocate on your behalf, in any case

isellhondas

I agree completely. You might want to call your Ins. Co. and ask them how much more a lower deductible would be. We have State Farm and the difference between a 50.00 and a 500.00 deductible was very little so we have the 50.00 on all of our cars.

cool_aquarian

thanks for timely replies..
I went with out of pocket ($475 all inclusive) for OEM/Dealer windshield, and gonna talk to insurance to reduce deductible.