Cracked Windshield

I know it's a little late, but I just replaced the windshield on my 05 prius yesterday. I called Geico and they told me no luck, since I don't have comprehensive coverage they are not covering anything, but they suggested a company to do the repair. I called and they quoted me $380. I found a local glass shop with a good reputation that did it for 175 all told.

 

Did they use aftermarket glass? And if so, how much difference is there really?

My windshield just got totalled the other day when someone threw a rock or something on the freeway at the passing cars (I found out this is pretty common in the Los Angeles area).

 

I got a rock thrown up by a truck last week and it cracked the windshield in my Crown Vic.

In Fla its a free repair no deductable IF you have collision. If you only have liability it is not covered. I called 3 places and checked online. I only have liability on my Vic. Its not too bad most places quoted $250 installed and yes def. have it done at home.
The guys that do this know what there doing and make it look easy.

Now the crack is not spidered and is way over on the pass side so most people have said don't worry about it. So I won't.

If yours is not bad I wouldn't worry about it either.

 

My one experience with a windshield replacement taught me to ...

1: Unless the replacement is a known good quality with the "extras" as mentioned before, get the OEM glass. My "brand X" glass with the $50.00 insurance deduct failed at the point the rearview mirror attached and the inner lamination stress cracked and failed dropping said mirror to the floor. This was in my old but still trusty 95' Civic CX (277,000 miles when traded (well basically given away...) when I got my 2008 Prius last spring.

2: Use a reputable installer or a dealer when replacing the glass and make sure you give the job a through inspection before accepting the work. The installer that put in the non-OEM glass that time for me took a shortcut and did not completely remove the original sealant which made the new glass rest above its original position and the result was that the edge seal strips never did fit properly.

 

Wait, the warranty covers windshield repairs??

 

I wrote a review for Alfa Auto Glass in Santa Ana, CA. $245.50, same-day service at my office, OEM glass, lifetime warranty on work. They even have a picture of a Prius on their website!

 

Here was my review on Yelp (Alex B.) http://www.yelp.com/biz/alfa-auto-glass-santa-ana I needed 5 posts before I could include this link. =P