Windshield replacement question.

[GqSLine]

Ok so I’m not sure if this is the right forum. But yesterday a rock cracked my windshield. I’ve started the process of getting it replaced. I don’t trust safelite to fix my windshield, not sure if their quality. I have a 2016 A6 and I reside in Florida. Windshield replacement are free here. First time experience and any advice would be helpful.


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[daytona rs7]

safelite is also not my favorite, but they are soo easy.

I am not sure what quality you speak of, but they will use the same glass as any other installer, unless you specify otherwise, and most likely pay the difference.
As far as their work, they are hit and miss. ive never had any install issues with them. maybe just remind them to be extra careful and not stain anything with fingerprints? theyll be more apt to pay attention to what they are doing.


Related story:
I am actually in the middle of getting my Land rover windshield replaced, by Geico / Safelite.

I have a heated windshield, which is very sensitive to resistance. OEM is really the only glass that works well, all others blow / melt fuses. Its a pretty well known issue with a TSB being issued. when i put in the glass claim to geico, I requested OEM and warned them of the possible electrical problems. they wouldn't approve OEM, unless I pay the $700 difference in cost) and said they'll deal with it if (when) it happens. safelite replaced the glass, and did a great job.....but sure enough the replacement windshield is melting fuses. Called geico, they worked with safelite, who confirmed the problem, and Im now waiting on a OEM windshield to be delivered.

Point of the story, besides my cars finicky electrical system, safelite did a good job and was responsive to my problems.


my wife has had 2 windshields replaced in her MB, also by safelite. she also had her VW tiguan windshield replaced by them. never had any issues. now that i say that...she seems to go through alot of windshields. lol.

[Nick_elgy]

Ok so I’m not sure if this is the right forum. But yesterday a rock cracked my windshield. I’ve started the process of getting it replaced. I don’t trust safelite to fix my windshield, not sure if their quality. I have a 2016 A6 and I reside in Florida. Windshield replacement are free here. First time experience and any advice would be helpful.


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I got my windshield replaced by safelite. First time it seemed fine until I looked at the HUD and it was extremely blurry. Took it back to safelite and they said they have to recalibrate, didn’t work. Took it to a different safelite location and they replaced with oem and it’s perfect now.
Make sure to go oem if you have HUD or Driver assistance package


2016 Audi A6 prestige black optic. No mods yet

[GqSLine]

So I should request an OEM replacement. Seems simple. I’ll report back.


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[got_boost]

I have used safelite on my 2 Audi's with mixed feelings. My B5 A4 was done at their shop and all was great with no issues. I had to replace the headliner in my 13 A6 so it was done at my house on 2 different days. The first day,the guy that was removing it was awesome. He was from Ft. Myers if I remember right but was transferred temporarily here to help them catch up on work. He tried to remove it without cracking it but it didn't happen with the way the factory glued it in.
When I was ready to install the new glass, this guy wasn't very cautious. The glass went in fine but when it came to put it back together inside he failed. I was working in the garage so I wasn't over his shoulder but he got the mirror on and was having issues with the plastic trim around the mirror. I told him to forget it and I'll put them on later. Come to find out when I got to it later, I hopped in,turned the mirror so I could see what needed to be done and the mirror fell off. So he didn't do that right,then after I snapped the mirror on the right way I noticed one of the locking tabs was broken on the trim,which is why it didn't stay on and I found the broken tab on the pass. seat. I know it wasn't there prior because I moved everything out into the garage since I would be climbing around with the liner.
I got an email from safelite for a review and I lit them up. Had to buy another trim piece since the tab was broken. Never got a reply back saying sorry,here's a discount for the error or for future purchase so next time I need glass, I'll be happy to drive out of my way to visit another branch or a different vendor all together.

I'm sure it changes from location to location, it's not the glass but the people doing the work that makes the difference.

[Alabama]

Ok so I’m not sure if this is the right forum. But yesterday a rock cracked my windshield. I’ve started the process of getting it replaced. I don’t trust safelite to fix my windshield, not sure if their quality. I have a 2016 A6 and I reside in Florida. Windshield replacement are free here. First time experience and any advice would be helpful.

I can't prove it but I've also been told that Audi glass repairs should be with OEM glass. The catch is, even with OEM glass you are still at the mercy of the person doing the installation. If your insurance will cover it and you're not in a hurry, I wonder if the best route is to use the top-rated body shop in your area with people very familiar with Audi.

[Audibot]

I went through the dealer to get mine done. Bought an OE windshield (which was $9xx for the right one) through audiusaparts.com and had it shipped to the dealer. Once it arrived, I brought the car, they had their glass people come out (was outsourced) and it was installed and the calibration alignment was done.

Thankfully I didn't have to pay any of it out of pocket.

[Valpo A7]

You can use an aftermarket windshield depending on what accessories you have. I believe if you have the ACC or a HUD then you need OEM and it would be best to deal through the dealer since you will need calibrations done.

Even though you get free windshield replacement in Florida, your insurance might tell you they will only pay aftermarket pricing. For my 12 A7 I had to get the windshield replaced last year and went aftermarket with no problems. I don't have ACC or HUD. I went with a company called Glass Doctor as I have dealt with them many times for rock chips and like their work. When I contracted with them they asked about ACC and HUD and were upfront that they would not do the work if I had those options.

[Alabama]

I believe if you have the ACC or a HUD then you need OEM and it would be best to deal through the dealer since you will need calibrations done.

Is that because one of the sensors "looks" through the windshield? So any other similar system might also require OEM (e.g., Active Lane Assist)?

[Audisthesia]

You need oem for hud, the glass is actually different. You can Google that to read about it. ACC doesn't really matter,it uses camera and radar. Depending on your vehicle options there can be a lot of stuff in the center of the windshield as far as cameras/sensors. I pray I never have to change mine as I have HUD and full windshield tint. Also in Florida myself.

[Alabama]

You need oem for hud, the glass is actually different. You can Google that to read about it.

You had to suggest that! The wikipedia entry on HUD causes information overload. Apparently the glass has to be fully polarized for HUD, but other systems may also affect glass choice/calibration. Gimme a McLaren Elva!

[Guillaume2007]

I'm having mine replaced by Safelite next week. I do have HUD so I asked for OEM replacement. You can actually see the part number on your quote on the safelite website so make sure it says OEM. I actually had to call them back twice to make sure they received the green light from the insurance (progressive). Will report back when completed.

[Audisthesia]

You had to suggest that! The wikipedia entry on HUD causes information overload. Apparently the glass has to be fully polarized for HUD, but other systems may also affect glass choice/calibration. Gimme a McLaren Elva!

Im not sure on the polarization.. But standard windshields are laminated/layers, and the layers are parallel. In a Hud windshield for Audi, the layers are not parallel.

[academytim]

I had my windshield replaced by Safelite in December. I have HUD...the windshield part they used was FW03799, and the HUD looks exactly the same as it did with the OEM windshield.

[core5]

Is that because one of the sensors "looks" through the windshield? So any other similar system might also require OEM (e.g., Active Lane Assist)?

The HUD is the most sensitive part. That section of the glass is different than the rest of the windshield, and I believe there is an additional layer of material in that section.

When I had mine replaced with an aftermarket PGW version, all the sensors still worked before calibration but the HUD was a mess. It even said “HUD” on the windshield.


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[GqSLine]

Ok so what does HUD stand for? I have the automatic wiper sensor not sure if that’s help.


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[gk1]

Ok so what does HUD stand for? I have the automatic wiper sensor not sure if that’s help.


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Heads Up Display

[hrpfg2]

OP, I'm in florida and also insured by progressive. It was actually recommended by Progressive that the dealer to do the repair due to recalibration. It was a pricey invoice but Progressive took care of it at 100%!

[haudi4]

Apologies for beating a dead horse here and bringing back an old thread...but I'm basically SOL as it stands with my insurance company (Progressive).

My windshield cracked completely and I have the windshield coverage so I called to schedule a replacement windshield with an OEM part. I've now been denied an OEM replacement 3 times, I've spoken to glass claims department as well as complained about it to customer retention department and still no luck. I've even attached an email from an Audi rep stating that Audi recommends only OEM for the windshield for my vehicle especially due to the safety features and the HUD.

I'm not sure what to do at this point, every time I call back i'm bounced back and forth between glass claims and progressive agent with no one willing to help me with this. They keep wanting me to do and OE replacement and if that doesn't work then its "covered" so they can keep doing them for free for me. I don't want someone replacing my windshield if i know it won't work the first time around, the less someone touches my car the better. I'm honestly stunned at how little care an "insurance" company has to the wellbeing and safety of a customers vehicle that is under full coverage.

Does anyone have any advice for how i can resolve this issue? Thanks in advance.

[Audisthesia]

Apologies for beating a dead horse here and bringing back an old thread...but I'm basically SOL as it stands with my insurance company (Progressive).

My windshield cracked completely and I have the windshield coverage so I called to schedule a replacement windshield with an OEM part. I've now been denied an OEM replacement 3 times, I've spoken to glass claims department as well as complained about it to customer retention department and still no luck. I've even attached an email from an Audi rep stating that Audi recommends only OEM for the windshield for my vehicle especially due to the safety features and the HUD.

I'm not sure what to do at this point, every time I call back i'm bounced back and forth between glass claims and progressive agent with no one willing to help me with this. They keep wanting me to do and OE replacement and if that doesn't work then its "covered" so they can keep doing them for free for me. I don't want someone replacing my windshield if i know it won't work the first time around, the less someone touches my car the better. I'm honestly stunned at how little care an "insurance" company has to the wellbeing and safety of a customers vehicle that is under full coverage.

Does anyone have any advice for how i can resolve this issue? Thanks in advance.

It's time to threaten progressive with a lawyer. Your car is your property, and you have a legal right to choose OEM replacement glass. I have USAA and they railroad you directly through Safelite as well. This seems to be the insurance industry standard.. Sounds like a monopoly/scam setup to me. Anyhow, I did not accept this. I told them I wanted OEM, I took it to the local Audi dealer and had my windshield replaced. At first they said I had to use Safelite, I told them my lawyer disagreed. USAA paid the dealer to replace it.

[Valpo A7]

Legal right to replace with OEM glass depends on age of vehicle and state you live in. For me in Indiana it’s 5 years and younger so now in 2023 it goes back to a 2018 model year. Older than that and the insurance company can say you have to pay the difference. Not sure how it works with the HUD window.

Now as to Audi saying only OEM glass. Well Audi did not make the windshield, they simply bought it from a supplier and installed it. Check with the company that will be replacing it to see if they can source the glass. They might be able to get the original supplier at a fraction of the OEM price. They might be able to calibrate as well.

[Alabama]

Does anyone have any advice for how i can resolve this issue? Thanks in advance.

There are many threads about windshield replacement, such as "Progressive declined my OEM windshield request.. Safelite good enough?". Re-read post #10 in this thread. You don't specify what features your car has, but a number are dependent on the quality of the windshield. Some states mandate that all policies offer glass replacement with no deductible, for many states that requires an extra premium. Regardless, its purpose is to waive the deductible, not determine which company does the repair. As Audisthesia and Valpo note, you may or may not have a strong argument for OEM glass. The best argument may be from Progressive's own website: "With Progressive, you get to choose who repairs or replaces your windshield, and it can usually be fixed within 48 hours. We recommend Safelite AutoGlass, the country’s largest auto glass replacement company, or one of its affiliated shops. You’re also free to choose another shop you trust." Swallow hard and tell them you only trust the Audi dealer!

[eurospek]

I’ll keep you posted, filing a claim through Progressive soon.

[quattroism25]

Just went through this process with USAA. They directed me to safelite. The first windshield was not OEM. The HUD was blurry and gave me a headache looking at it. Brought it back and the manager just ordered OEM and scheduled another free install. HUD works great now. Manager explained it's their policy to use aftermarket first. But if there's an issue they go with OEM.

I was thinking about switching to progressive but if they're going to be dicks about OEM glass I won't bother. I live in a city that's notorious for rock chips and glass damages.

[Inspector413]

Props to all who have stayed/replied with this thread. I live in IN, have State Farm and caught a large rock in the center of my windshield today. As I watched on the rest of the way home, the crack quadrupled in size. I've a 2019 A5 Coupe, and this car is my baby. It's also the first time in 50 yrs of driving I've had to replace a windshield. I guess the odds finally caught up with me.
Seems like there have been a lot of folks using Safelite. My $500 deductible means I'm only going to save a hundred or two from them, but I don't have the HUD, so hoping they're up to it.
Thanks again to all who've contributed over the years. It's a comfort knowing others have dealt with this same pain in the arse and ultimately survived!

[Valpo A7]

Props to all who have stayed/replied with this thread. I live in IN, have State Farm and caught a large rock in the center of my windshield today. As I watched on the rest of the way home, the crack quadrupled in size. I've a 2019 A5 Coupe, and this car is my baby. It's also the first time in 50 yrs of driving I've had to replace a windshield. I guess the odds finally caught up with me.
Seems like there have been a lot of folks using Safelite. My $500 deductible means I'm only going to save a hundred or two from them, but I don't have the HUD, so hoping they're up to it.
Thanks again to all who've contributed over the years. It's a comfort knowing others have dealt with this same pain in the arse and ultimately survived!

Depending on where you are in Indiana, a shop called Glass Doctor in Valparaiso changed my A7 windshield with no issues. They changed our old Jeep windshield as well. Been to them for too many rock chips. I always will use them.

[MattyMarkey]

It's time to threaten progressive with a lawyer. Your car is your property, and you have a legal right to choose OEM replacement glass. I have USAA and they railroad you directly through Safelite as well. This seems to be the insurance industry standard.. Sounds like a monopoly/scam setup to me. Anyhow, I did not accept this. I told them I wanted OEM, I took it to the local Audi dealer and had my windshield replaced. At first they said I had to use Safelite, I told them my lawyer disagreed. USAA paid the dealer to replace it.

Sure, you have the legal right to choose OEM, if you are willing to pay for the difference out of pocket. Doesn't sound like that is the case here and doesn't seem like he had OEM Windshield Replacement coverage, but this is also going off the info provided. You most certainly have the legal right to take it to an Audi dealership, who will likely only replace with OEM, which may force the insurance company to pay for it. That would be my advice in this situation.

Like Progressive and others have stated: because you did not pay for OEM replacement coverage, you will most likely need to go aftermarket first, and then if that doesn't work correctly, they will approve OEM. Very normal process. Could certainly try the threat of a lawyer... Sounds like USAA was just nice about it and did it to please their customer and save a potential DOI complaint. You'd have no leg to stand on if you actually brought legal action.

[bozack]

I just went through with this with State Farm which they sub glass out to Lynx. I have used Safelite each time in the past for all replacement. State Farm this time based their estimate on non OEM glass even though the last hail storm they replaced with OEM no questions asked. This go round it took me a dozen plus phone calls and finally getting my agent involved and then they approved. I finally did reach someone within State Farm that knew glass and said they do try to default to the cheaper non OEM no so request request and request to have it done and covered under your existing glass deductible. All I did was inform them it was common knowledge that heads up displays required OEM glass and it went through, the red tape of different systems made all the extra phone calls necessary.

[jeff351]

when i had to have my a6 glass replaced, with hud and acc, safelite was going to put aftermarket in at first but they were unable to do their pre-scan... the acc camera kept overheating, the tech told me they were going to request oem glass because of the issues and they called me a few days later and rescheduled and put the oem glass in, paid my $100 deductible and everything was great til 3 weeks later a truck threw a rock accelerating from a stop light and put a star right in the middle of the brand new glass, they filled it but you could always see the area...

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

when i had to have my a6 glass replaced, with hud and acc, safelite was going to put aftermarket in at first but they were unable to do their pre-scan... the acc camera kept overheating, the tech told me they were going to request oem glass because of the issues and they called me a few days later and rescheduled and put the oem glass in, paid my $100 deductible and everything was great til 3 weeks later a truck threw a rock accelerating from a stop light and put a star right in the middle of the brand new glass, they filled it but you could always see the area...

My wife had the windshield replaced in her Q7 twice in two weeks. The first was aftermarket and the company couldn’t get the car calibrated, then they went OEM and it was fine. Talked to a friend of mine about this issue. And, while aftermarket is almost always fine, their are certain sensors that are finicky. Apparently, those are often in our Audis…


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[Mark.in.tulsa]

So mine has cracked now.

I have State Farm. Has anyone been able to get their acoustic glass windshield covered with OEM?
I do not have heads up.
$500 deductible.

Would appreciate any advice on how to get acoustic glass put back in it with only the $500 being paid.
I've never filed a claim before. Not sure how to navigate this to make sure I get acoustic glass put back in.

[Valpo A7]

With State Farm you are going to have to start by making a claim. You at least get to pick who does the work provided they are on the approved vendor list. For my A7 I got to pick my shop and the first thing the shop asked was about my accessories as they knew up front what the could and could not do. I was fortunate that aftermarket glass would work as I don’t have HUD and other things to calibrate. Not sure how the conversation would have went if the shop said up front they could not do the work.

For me my windshield was $600 back in 2019 and prices have only gone up. Your glass will exceed your deductible. We had to do our old Jeep at the same time and that windshield was 275 and we have a 250 deductible

[Alabama]

I do not have heads up. Would appreciate any advice on how to get acoustic glass put back in it with only the $500 being paid.
I've never filed a claim before. Not sure how to navigate this to make sure I get acoustic glass put back in.

Take some pictures of the damage for your files. Read your policy carefully. Emphasize to your agent what features your car has that are affected by the quality of the windshield glass (HUD is not the only system affected; some need to "look" through the windshield. Be nice but persistent with the agent; you likely have many years of future premiums for State Farm to profit from. As Valpo A7 writes, call multiple shops (sometimes even the dealer) on the approved vendor list and determine which will best advocate for you; your deductible is the same regardless of which shop you choose.

[Nosferatu]

As long as it's Pilkington it's OEM. Anway had OEM done on my RS7 at Glass Doctor in Tampa (bit of a drive for you from Bradenton) just throwing that one out there. Cost was around $2200 paid by insurance company. Now my Ferrari, the insurance company had a coronary at replacing that one for me last year. $8420 for an F12 but they cut me the check for it and no company wanted to touch the car so it went straight to Ferrari for replacement.

[esemes]

As long as it's Pilkington it's OEM. Anway had OEM done on my RS7 at Glass Doctor in Tampa (bit of a drive for you from Bradenton) just throwing that one out there. Cost was around $2200 paid by insurance company. Now my Ferrari, the insurance company had a coronary at replacing that one for me last year. $8420 for an F12 but they cut me the check for it and no company wanted to touch the car so it went straight to Ferrari for replacement.

BO-knock-off001.jpg

sometime before I got mine, it was replaced with Pinkerton.... I mean pilkington. It passed the CPO checklist from Audi of Fort Worth.