It all started when the clip on the passenger side wiper broke and when I was messing with it, the wiperless arm came crashing down on the windshield and cracked it.

Come to find out my insurance will only cover an OEM replacement windshield if the car is fewer than 2 years old.

So, my options are to allow a safelite replacement or cover the difference in cost on top of my deductible for an OEM windshield. I have not been given a quote as to what the difference is.

We all pay a lot to insure these cars and I am really angry that OEM parts are not spec'd by the insurance company. I know they need to maximize profits but this seems like a competitive differentiator. Anyone use a company that always covers replacement parts with OEM?

 

i am pretty sure safelite will use OEM also. i've gone thru 3 so far (track!) and they source them from my local dealer but at WHOLESALE prices so it's a couple hundred less than dealer, installed.

they even tag it as "in shop only" (vs. the van that comes to you) so that the more experienced guys/managers can do it since it isnt a run-of-the-mill car, etc.

 

I've said this before here - There is NO way I would allow anybody to do this repair without my being present. The windshield is a structural element of the car. An improper install puts you at risk in a big way, and it's not always obvious. The install can even be waterproof but not structurally sound.
The glass has to be prepped and cleaned exactly right. It has to be handled exactly right. The sealant has to be fresh.
A bit of research on the web will show what to watch for.
Cheap 'insurance' And well worth it IMHO.

 

Not to diverge, but I am not sure I understand the structural element.
You mean it is as important as the strengthened steel used in the A pillar?
Thanks

 

I can't comment on the relative amount of support provided by the windscreen.
The important concept is this: The glass is part of an integrated system. It supports / strengthens both A pillars, and the roof structure. The load bearing capacity of that structure is seriously degraded if any of the components is missing, damaged or improperly secured.
Check the 'net for reports of improperly replaced windshields.
Simply failing to prep the glass with the correct chemical, or handling it with bare hands / the wrong gloves can prevent the sealant from sticking or curing.
If that happens, your whole roof is much more vulnerable to collapse upon impact.
At minimum, I would
1) Demand OEM product.
2) Watch the tech prep / clean the new glass
3) Watch the tech handle the glass. They shouldn't touch the edges after prep.
4) Check the expiration on the sealant. Use unopened cartridges. Follow any temp / humidity guidelines scrupulously.
5) Follow the recommendations for a proper cure of the sealant.
6) If the glass has been replaced before, or if you don't know, check for ANY rust in the cavity after the old glass is removed.

Here's a link to an old case. Things have gotten better. Still...
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/11/...can-be-deadly/

Hope this helps.

 

Make sure the installer has experience with porsche. I had a windshield replaced and they did such a bad job that I had major air leak. I thought I was driving a Boxster.
Also use OEM windshield

 

I just had safelite do a replacement on my IS350. I asked for OEM, they told me to pay upwards of $850 to cover the difference between their windshied and the Lexus one. This is through Geikos insurance WITH the windshield replacement option in my policy.

Reading through all the forums and 'horror' stories online made me think that I would be getting a foggy (milkjug), wind tunnel sounding, improperly fitted piece of cardboard. An hour later after the job was completed (at my residence), I was left with an immaculately fitted, crystal clear, dead silent car with the 'aftermarket' windshield installed. I was really paranoid prior to the installation. Would have been even more so with the 911. Sometimes I am not even sure what to 'flip out' about and give in to the internet hype or what to let go and just go with the flow of things.

I do agree though the games they start to play once your 'insurance' actually kicks in is beyond me. Whats next, we wreck our 911s and they give you an 'aftermarket' boxster? Would be interested in hearing as well if anybody has had a 'trouble free' OEM install with the windshields.

Best of luck, please keep us posted on the outcome of this.

 

i ve always used safelite with no issues. used them on my Mercedes and it was oem and no cost to me. maybe check and see who the local Porsche dealer uses to get an idea.

 

I am still waiting to get the cost difference quote from my insurance company.

In the meantime, I talked to two local Porsche dealers. They both said that they use Safelite to replace windshields for them. So, I suppose I'm not as worried about Safelite doing the work. I am still angry that OEM parts are not standard per my policy.

 

I had Safelite do mine a few months back. They only offer OEM glass - there is no aftermarket glass available from them. The installer was extra careful, took photos after the cracked glass was removed to prove no damage or scratches to the body, and did a phenomenal job on the reinstall. I tipped him some cash too because of how gentle he was to my baby.

 

I had the glass replaced on my 07 997.1TT a few months ago. I told State Farm I would only use OEM glass and a dealer install. They said the would then have to get 3 quotes and they would pay the cheapest. Dealer was only $26 more then the cheapest because no makes replacement glass for the 997.1tt but Porsche. So, State Farm paid the extra $26. Total was around $1100 for the dealer to do it. They sub it out but watch over the sub. I would be the sub was Safelite.