Time for a new windshield

[BadQ45t]

My 97's windshield has been so pitted up that I decided 6 months ago that I have to replace it. So on Friday I got popped on the SF 101 freeway with a big rock that smacked a big pot-mark into it. I know this one can be repaired but with all the pits I have I want a new one. Not sure if I go insurance or not, but what options have people seen out there. I did some more inexpensive ones on some cars in the past but I want OEM quality. What are people paying for these out there? I did PPG in the past that were OEM quality, but I seem to remember the ones for Q45's are very expenisve.

Thanks in advance for any advise. I am willing to pay for a good one as I only expect to do this once.

[IBCoupe]

Call your insurance company. See whom they recommend.

[OwnerCS]

Looks like a new OEM is $704.75 compared to $175.95 for a Safelite.com special..

[qship96]

Why wouldnt you use your insurance company and demand genuine Nissan branded glass????? Thats what you pay all those premiums for, and glass breakage claims do not "go against" you as far as accident history or reason to raise your rates.


I once made the mistake of letting insurance co. install PPG windshield on my G20 and was NOT happy with it, it was thinner glass and the tint color did not match, never again.

[BadQ45t]

Thanks guys, as always good advise. Thanks for the call on PPG, I put that into my old Maxima and I never did think it was right after I replaced stock.

Wow, safelite is only $175, that is less than my $250 insurance deduct, hummm, might need to look into it. Anybody know what their quality is versus stock? I did remember the Nissan OEM one being VERY expensive, I think it went up $200 since I looked.

Either way I will call my agent tomorrow and see what my deal is on using insurance.

[OwnerCS]

I know some guys who replaced their OEM Ridgeline glass with safelite. The OEM glass is about as thin as it gets and lasts about 2 years before a line crack starts across the windshield. So they don't have much to compare to in that regard. The glass in the 20 year old Q is like perfect so it must be some good thick quality. My truck insurance went up after some hail damage, but that was in the $2,200 range.

[IBCoupe]

Often, your insurance company will waive your deductible when it comes to replacing your windshield. It's that important to them that you be able to see what's in front of you, and that your windshield doesn't crack/shatter/etc.

[maxnix]

Call your insurance company. See whom they recommend.

They will recommend some low cost shop with whom they have a discounted deal. So who do you think is the installer's client? It's not you, its the insurance company.

Go to an experienced installer and order an OEM (NOT a Safelite OEM equivalent) as that is what you have been insuring since you owned the car. The none OEM ones are not quite the same shape and may or may not seal as well.

[BadQ45t]

Thanks, great suggestion. I will go OEM route. Talked to my agent today and she said there is no big issue with windshield. I will get OEM and if I have to pay some it will be worth it.

[maxnix]

It will, trust me. The fit is the best and it will match your other glass.