[MrSteak]

$3,200/year (for 8 years!) w/ glass.... and they won't cover an OEM windshield replacement.

Also, a while back my water pump died, and although the policy says they'll tow a car up to 100 miles, they wouldn't tow my car 8 miles to my local shop (because there was a BMW dealer 5 miles away).

[Krynos]

$3,200 per year for insurance? holy.... Your 8 years would pay mine for 29 years.

[1QuikWS6]

With Nationwide I have towing as you do & insurance will tow my car anywhere I want regardless, as long as under 100mi

My glass breakage under nationwide can have a different deductible than rest of car - I have it set @ $25 so that's the most I will ever pay, & I also have the 'Replace with ONLY BMW OEM parts' rider which ensures they must use OEM everything

and I also agree $3200/yr is off the planet, I can insure my (4) cars for yrs for that amount

Course I am 55 yr old, married, safe driver/no accidents ever, multi car discount, etc. & been with Nationwide since I was 16...

[galahad05]

Originally Posted by MrSteak

$3,200/year (for 8 years!) w/ glass.... and they won't cover an OEM windshield replacement.

Also, a while back my water pump died, and although the policy says they'll tow a car up to 100 miles, they wouldn't tow my car 8 miles to my local shop (because there was a BMW dealer 5 miles away).

Change policies.

[Delta0311]

HOLY SHIT!! Damn dude what do you catch DWIs every other week? That is an insane price for insurance.

[MrSteak]

Originally Posted by Krynos

$3,200 per year for insurance? holy.... Your 8 years would pay mine for 29 years.

Sucks to be a single guy in an expensive zip code, with a nice car.

Now that mechanical breakdown insurance is done, I'll be switching to another carrier for less (eSurance, Progressive, Travelers, Ameriprise, Erie, etc.).

[MrSteak]

Originally Posted by galahad05

Change policies.

After this glass is done.... so is geico.

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

With Nationwide I have towing as you do & insurance will tow my car anywhere I want regardless, as long as under 100mi

My glass breakage under nationwide can have a different deductible than rest of car - I have it set @ $25 so that's the most I will ever pay, & I also have the 'Replace with ONLY BMW OEM parts' rider which ensures they must use OEM everything

and I also agree $3200/yr is off the planet, I can insure my (4) cars for yrs for that amount

Course I am 55 yr old, married, safe driver/no accidents ever, multi car discount, etc. & been with Nationwide since I was 16...

Nationwide is one of the only rare ones I've seen that offers "OEM replacements". Unfortunately, they me quoted at $2,600/year

Aside from one person hitting my car 14 years ago, my record is clean as a whistle. Just no house, no wife, no multi car... and I'm in an expensive area in NY so premiums are high all around.

[NiNeTyOne]

I don't know how many times I have to explain this to people, but stop using the option for 'glass only' claims. That goes directly to Safelite. You are no longer talking to Geico. When you get to the normal Geico claim line you'll be in much better hands.

Geico WILL replace with OE glass. It's going to take some legwork on your part, but I've done it more than once. I had to threaten to cancel my policy one time, but they finally caved.

Step one, explain to them that the OE glass has the lens for the rain sensor pre-installed, to BMW's specs. The Safelite glass does not and will require you to do adaptations for the rain sensor when they install it, which means a trip to the dealer and a programming/adaptations charge on top of the windshield install. Safelite will not replace the sensor and has no way to do the adaptations with the new non-OE glass.

Have your claims rep come to the BMW dealer and have them inspect the two parts (OE and Safelite's choice) side by side. Measure the thickness of both, note the quality of the edge finish, if the paint and tint is between the lamination or simply sprayed on the back, etc. I guarantee you the discussion is over.. they are not like quality by any measure.

Your policy likely states “Like Kind & Quality Replacement Parts.” Once you show the difference, they will cave. Guaranteed.

I have had Geico replace two windshields and they have used OE glass in BOTH cases. I just had to go through a normal claims person and avoid the Saflite direct line.

Finally, type "Safelite sued" in your favorite search engine for hours of fun reading.

Want to save yourself all that hassle?

Find a good reputable local installer who knows what he/she is doing, get the OE glass from BMW, and have them replace it, and the rain sensor.

Should be around $1200 or so.

Then take the receipt and have Geico reimburse you for the repair minus your deductible. They will, it's the law. Nationwide you have the right to choose who does your repair.

[MrSteak]

Originally Posted by NiNeTyOne

I don't know how many times I have to explain this to people, but stop using the option for 'glass only' claims. That goes directly to Safelite. You are no longer talking to Geico. When you get to the normal Geico claim line you'll be in much better hands.

Geico WILL replace with OE glass. It's going to take some legwork on your part, but I've done it more than once. I had to threaten to cancel my policy one time, but they finally caved.

Step one, explain to them that the OE glass has the lens for the rain sensor pre-installed, to BMW's specs. The Safelite glass does not and will require you to do adaptations for the rain sensor when they install it, which means a trip to the dealer and a programming/adaptations charge on top of the windshield install. Safelite will not replace the sensor and has no way to do the adaptations with the new non-OE glass.

Have your claims rep come to the BMW dealer and have them inspect the two parts (OE and Safelite's choice) side by side. Measure the thickness of both, note the quality of the edge finish, if the paint and tint is between the lamination or simply sprayed on the back, etc. I guarantee you the discussion is over.. they are not like quality by any measure.

Your policy likely states “Like Kind & Quality Replacement Parts.” Once you show the difference, they will cave. Guaranteed.

I have had Geico replace two windshields and they have used OE glass in BOTH cases. I just had to go through a normal claims person and avoid the Saflite direct line.

Finally, type "Safelite sued" in your favorite search engine for hours of fun reading.

Want to save yourself all that hassle?

Find a good reputable local installer who knows what he/she is doing, get the OE glass from BMW, and have them replace it, and the rain sensor.

Should be around $1200 or so.

Then take the receipt and have Geico reimburse you for the repair minus your deductible. They will, it's the law. Nationwide you have the right to choose who does your repair.

I'm waiting for Safelite to call me back once they source a Plinkerton windshield (supposedly OE, but no BMW stamp?). I'm fine with this compared to Safelite brand or whatever green tint Chinese glass Geico had on their glass claim site. I'm paying a ton on insurance, and after 8 years, this is my first windshield replacement.... I really don't want to pay a $500 deductible when that money can be used for other things (need to replace front shocks, and rear rubber).



So, are you saying the only way for Geico to cover OEM glass is through their comp claims dept, and paying the deductible? Or if I press for it, they'll do the right thing and have OEM installed as per my glass coverage (with nothing out-of-pocket)?

[NiNeTyOne]

Originally Posted by MrSteak

So, are you saying the only way for Geico to cover OEM glass is through their comp claims dept, and paying the deductible? Or if I press for it, they'll do the right thing and have OEM installed as per my glass coverage (with nothing out-of-pocket)?

The real point here is when you go through the glass claims department, you are transferred to Safelite in Ohio. You are no longer talking to Geico.

Safelite will lie right to your face to insure they make the most off your repair, they could give a crap about you, the repair itself, or the safety of the part they install.

If you go directly through normal claims at Geico you are dealing with a Geico employee, and they are much more likely to accept that they should be using OE parts.

BTW, if they source an OE Pilkington, it will have the lens installed at the factory on the windshield. If it's not the real OE part (note that I did not say OEM, as there is a difference), they will have to mount the lens themselves, and trust me, they will fuck it up.

Also, make sure the installer uses the removal tool that uses string to separate the windscreen from the car instead of a blade. The older blade method which Safelite uses, can damage the paint, and they will not take the time to re-prime the finish to insure you don't get rust issues later. With windscreen replacement it's all about the prep. Other than the low grade glass, this is where Safelite really blows the install.

Stop dealing with Safelite. Call your dealer and ask for a referral for glass replacement.

Then do yourself a favor, get a quote and call Geico's normal claim line and take Safelite out of the equation altogether.

[BravoJohny33]

No insurance companies offer OEM replacement besides a few and at extra cost. This is pretty normal and like other people have said you have to fight for OEM parts for any claim. If you crashed your car they would use aftermarket and junk yard parts to repair it. That is just the way it is.

[NiNeTyOne]

You should also get your local insurance commissioner to back you up. Typically you file a form, and they work with your insurance company on your behalf.

YOU NEED TO ARM THEM WITH SOLID INFORMATION as they are busy and have a lot of people to help. So measure the glass, talk to the dealer and a reputable installer and get that info onto the form you fill out with the insurance commissioner.

You pay higher rates for your BMW than a person diving a Ford Escort, the insurance company should expect higher repair bills. However, they are in this for a profit. They will only go as far as you push them.

[NiNeTyOne]

Originally Posted by BravoJohny33

No insurance companies offer OEM replacement besides a few and at extra cost. This is pretty normal and like other people have said you have to fight for OEM parts for any claim. If you crashed your car they would use aftermarket and junk yard parts to repair it. That is just the way it is.

Every policy uses the language "like kind and quality" and all you have to do is demonstrate that it's not. I have done it successfully more than once, specifically with this insurance company.

[1QuikWS6]

Originally Posted by BravoJohny33

No insurance companies offer OEM replacement besides a few and at extra cost. This is pretty normal and like other people have said you have to fight for OEM parts for any claim. If you crashed your car they would use aftermarket and junk yard parts to repair it. That is just the way it is.

I DO pay more for the OEM parts only option with Nationwide, but it amounts to around $7/yr so no biggie

[MrSteak]

Originally Posted by NiNeTyOne

The real point here is when you go through the glass claims department, you are transferred to Safelite in Ohio. You are no longer talking to Geico.

Safelite will lie right to your face to insure they make the most off your repair, they could give a crap about you, the repair itself, or the safety of the part they install.

If you go directly through normal claims at Geico you are dealing with a Geico employee, and they are much more likely to accept that they should be using OE parts.

BTW, if they source an OE Pilkington, it will have the lens installed at the factory on the windshield. If it's not the real OE part (note that I did not say OEM, as there is a difference), they will have to mount the lens themselves, and trust me, they will fuck it up.

Also, make sure the installer uses the removal tool that uses string to separate the windscreen from the car instead of a blade. The older blade method which Safelite uses, can damage the paint, and they will not take the time to re-prime the finish to insure you don't get rust issues later. With windscreen replacement it's all about the prep. Other than the low grade glass, this is where Safelite really blows the install.

Stop dealing with Safelite. Call your dealer and ask for a referral for glass replacement.

Then do yourself a favor, get a quote and call Geico's normal claim line and take Safelite out of the equation altogether.

Just got off the phone for the third time today...

1. Safelite was awesome to deal with. They said they'd try and find an OE Pilkington windshield with parts for me (that "should be" covered by Geico.)

2. Spoke to Geico glass and Geico claims dept, and we agreed that we'll see what Safelite finds, and if I don't like the windshield, then they'll have a claims adjuster come down and inspect it, or just "go from there". I'm not thrilled, but I'm ok with this since I can show up, inspect the glass, compare it to my cracked windshield w/ a micrometer and if it's not the same, then I'll be demanding OEM.


You're 100% right. I SHOULD avoid Safelite and go through claims, but I need some other repairs, and $500 is $500; so I'd rather not have to pay for extra glass. It's really the principal of it all... $3,200/ year for EIGHT years ($25,600!) and these pricks are giving me a hard time over a $300 difference between Safelite and OEM glass?

[MrSteak]

Originally Posted by NiNeTyOne

Every policy uses the language "like kind and quality" and all you have to do is demonstrate that it's not. I have done it successfully more than once, specifically with this insurance company.

That's what I'm doing (thanks to all your advice).

Already switched carriers.... just getting this done and letting my Geico policy end.

[NiNeTyOne]

Originally Posted by MrSteak

$3,200/ year for EIGHT years ($25,600!) and these pricks are giving me a hard time over a $300 difference between Safelite and OEM glass?

This is precisely the point, and insurance companies and Safelite are getting away with this shit because people let them.

While you're at it get a quote form the BMW dealer if you want a real shock. But use that for the parts list that the dealer uses for the repair and match it up to what Safelite wants to use. The re-use a lot of parts they shouldn't if the job was getting done correctly.

[patents]

In some states there are no separate glass policies. It would just fall under your comprehensive coverage, and depending on the insurance company the lowest you can go on your comprehensive deductible is $250.

I suppose any glass policy would be nice.

[delmarco]

Yeah that is why I moved to Westchester.

Anything south of Yonkers in NYC will cost you a lot more on Gieco.

When I was in Brooklyn and I under 24 yrs old my Gieco insurance was $548 a month for my first BMW a 1995 318i.

Now I pay $200 a month for a 2015 GLK350 and a 2011 335i. On my E46 2001 330i it was something like $90 a month for my car alone a couple years ago.

Originally Posted by MrSteak

$3,200/year (for 8 years!) w/ glass.... and they won't cover an OEM windshield replacement.

Also, a while back my water pump died, and although the policy says they'll tow a car up to 100 miles, they wouldn't tow my car 8 miles to my local shop (because there was a BMW dealer 5 miles away).

[John 070]

Originally Posted by MrSteak

$3,200/year (for 8 years!) w/ glass.... and they won't cover an OEM windshield replacement.

Also, a while back my water pump died, and although the policy says they'll tow a car up to 100 miles, they wouldn't tow my car 8 miles to my local shop (because there was a BMW dealer 5 miles away).

I argued over the phone for over 40 min. and they covered Saint Gobain Sekurit with the BMW logo. It cost $6xx.

Just yesterday someone on the forum was told OEM was $1100+. Lots of scamming going on with glass.

[xyaaeg234g234]

Jeez with the amount of glass / insurance posts lately I sure am glad to be in FL (no cost replacement w/comprehensive by law).

I just had mine replaced not 1month after getting the car and it cost me $0 for Safelite to install Pilkington OEM glass w/BMW stamp, new seals & all. I looked over my claim and apparently Progressive paid out over $800 to Safelite for the replacement.

I pay just over $150 for two cars, one full/comprehensive (bimmer), one minimums (old ford truck used for moving shit).

[NiNeTyOne]

Originally Posted by John 070

I argued over the phone for over 40 min. and they covered Saint Gobain Sekurit with the BMW logo. It cost $6xx.

Just yesterday someone on the forum was told OEM was $1100+. Lots of scamming going on with glass.

I paid 640.00 at the dealer, they had the part in stock. Rain sensor lens factory installed. It's pretty simple to just call the dealer, most stock the glass for anything e90 or newer.