Windscreen claim - after market or original

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69 posts

Master Geek

Subscriber

#1522896 30-Mar-2016 17:43

We got AMI to replace a screen that got replaced. The original one was heated, the first replacement one was not. I don't remember it being much of a drama. Just had a screen replaced in a different car, couldn't care less where it was made. It was soooo clean :-) For us glass cover is money well spent.

mudguard

959 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1522930 30-Mar-2016 19:59

The only issue I've heard with replacement glass is around certain Honda Type R windscreens. They used much thinner glass to save weight, and the replacements are generic and much heavier.
I know one insurance company were very difficult in trying to have them pay for the original spec windscreen.

SATTV

1015 posts

Uber Geek

#1522935 30-Mar-2016 20:25

Having never owned a Honda I can not comment on the glass,

However I have had several windscreens replaced in Toyota corolla's ( 2003 + 2006 station wagons ) by smith and smith, the glass was awful it was rippled and not optically neutral, The chip repairs were also horrible.

I had another windscreen replaced by an independent in New Lynn ( Daihatsu sirion I think ) which is a Toyota and it was perfect.

I also had another windscreen replaced by Novus in Penrose in another Sirion and that one was perfect.

I now avoid Smith and Smith for a number of reasons.

Try Novus and let them know your concerns and hopefully it is good. If it is not good, take it back to them and get them to fix it.

John

I know enough to be dangerous

mdooher

Hmm, what to write...
1140 posts

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#1522938 30-Mar-2016 20:32

Had one replaced in the company Ford Focus, they went through 3 screens in 3 days. I rejected each one after it was installed (power poles looked like wavy spaghetti) They finally put in a genuine one

When my personal BMW was done I pointed out where it states in the repair manual that the screen is a structural element and must be replaced with a thin BMW screen using all new sealing strips or the car was not safe to drive. I suggested that unless they were planning a low volume certification for it they could get stuffed.... I got my BMW screen.

Matthew

MikeB4

15225 posts

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#1522940 30-Mar-2016 20:39

The Honda Fit may well have been put together in China(Guangzhou), the original screen may well be manufactured in China, if the replacement is manufactured in China does not mean it will be substandard

Mike
Change Management Consultant
The views stated in my posts are my personal views and not that of any other organisation.

He waka eke noa

04fuxake

64 posts

Master Geek

#1523634 31-Mar-2016 23:59

A lot of repairers will source non-OEM glass from Smith & Smith.

MikeAqua

5741 posts

Uber Geek

#1523928 1-Apr-2016 12:28

I've had several windscreens replaced by Smith and Smith. Never had an issue with any of them.

Mike

Batman

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#1523942 1-Apr-2016 13:01

Yikes glad i didn't make the switch to them. (AA)

Involuntary autocorrect in operation on mobile device. Apologies in advance.

Benoire

2014 posts

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#1523953 1-Apr-2016 13:36

I'm unfortunately in the same boat. Currently got an 8 cm crack from the 'A' pillar to the roof line in my 2009 550i. The car cost $170K NZD new and has pretty every factory option including privacy glass and UV protected windscreen.

I've lodged a query with Smith and Smith regarding the glass they use and whether it complies with BMW specifications and standards and have requested their certificates if its not BMW genuine. I do not want a crappy aftermarket on the car when it has special glass currently and also has the rain sensors etc. installed.

Waiting for their response... as I feel I might have to 'discuss' this with the AA. We're looking at changing provider soon anyway so this might be a reason to move sooner as I suspect our 2010 Audi S4 will be in a similar position if something happens to it.

mudguard

959 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1523979 1-Apr-2016 14:37

Benoire:
Currently got an 8 cm crack from the 'A' pillar to the roof line in my 2009 550i

Could you simply take it to a BMW dealer and claim from there? Or does the insurance company determine where it gets done?

Benoire

2014 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1523993 1-Apr-2016 14:53

The AA appear to only have three companies they allow, Novus, AA and Smith & Smith... The 550i is going in to the bodyshop to get its drivers side door fixed after someone kindly reversed in to me so I've got a bit of time to try and sort this out but realistically it would appear that unless Smith & Smith have genuine BMW or OEM glass that I might need to argue with AA or at worst case lodge a claim to get it fixed.

Geektastic

14625 posts

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#1524690 2-Apr-2016 16:41

Benoire:

I'm unfortunately in the same boat. Currently got an 8 cm crack from the 'A' pillar to the roof line in my 2009 550i. The car cost $170K NZD new and has pretty every factory option including privacy glass and UV protected windscreen.

I've lodged a query with Smith and Smith regarding the glass they use and whether it complies with BMW specifications and standards and have requested their certificates if its not BMW genuine. I do not want a crappy aftermarket on the car when it has special glass currently and also has the rain sensors etc. installed.

Waiting for their response... as I feel I might have to 'discuss' this with the AA. We're looking at changing provider soon anyway so this might be a reason to move sooner as I suspect our 2010 Audi S4 will be in a similar position if something happens to it.

Sometimes you get lucky.

The screen on my Land Rover Discovery 3 is heated and there is no after market option, according to the Novus man I asked, so they have to pay for OEM if it gets fragged.

Shame we cannot sue the Highways authorities for building roads so badly that we have to pay for their ineptitude.

Benoire

2014 posts

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#1524703 2-Apr-2016 17:13

I'm hoping that as mine has the UV filters on the glass plus all the sensor requirements so I can't imagine getting a generic that will meet those; either way I've asked Smith and Smith to confirm which glass they use and if its not genuine, to confirm that it complies with the BMW repair standards to ensure the safety of the car isn't compromised.

scuwp

3300 posts

Uber Geek

#1524705 2-Apr-2016 17:16

All windscreens must meet safety standards. Optically if the one they install is not acceptable (all auto glass regardless of brand is not optically perfect) then simply get them to remedy it under their warranty or CGA. IME normal humans won't notice the difference between aftermarket or OEM. Probably come from the same factory!

Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman, then always be the Batman

Benoire

2014 posts

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#1524708 2-Apr-2016 17:34

All windscreens must meet NZS standards for the windscreen, but sometimes especially European cars, have a higher standard in place that to not follow them would affect the integrity of the car itself, not just the windscreen.

AAs policy makes it clear that they install windscreens that meet NZS standards, not that it must meet the manufacturers requirement.

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