Windshield Replacement Question....

[bsprtsgrp]

I have a BMW OE Comfort Windshield and I took a rock in it on the highway recently. The glass needs to be replaced so I filed a claim with my Insurance carrier (GEICO). I made them aware that it was special windshield so I gave them the BMW Part number so they could cross reference the number. I told them would accept an OE Equivalent which what most carriers will only install. The replacement cost from BMW is $962.

The installer comes to my home to install it but the glass is not an OE Equivalent "Comfort Windshield", in fact it has no UV screening at all except a green band at the top. I told him I did not want it. So, I get a call from the glass company and they tell me that they cannot get an OE Equivalent (aftermarket) windshield and will have to call my insurance company because they will have to order the windshield from BMW. I then receive another call from the glass company that the insurance carrier will only pay 486 of the 962 cost and the balance will have to come out of my pocket. I have full comprehensive coverage and in MA glass is 100% covered with no deductible.

My question is; if the insurance companies glass installer cannot provide what they term as “an OEM Equivalent” replacement windshield to replace my Comfort Windshield and they have to order the glass from BMW, why should I be required to pay the difference?

[Ricky Bobby]

Sounds like a question for your insurance broker and not the forums lol

[kevinkay]

Wondering what exactly is "comfort glass"? Is it standard equipment?
I am in Ma. Also and have my windshield replaced twice under insurance. Both times the new glass looked exactly like the old, but I didn't check anything more then the tint on the top and that the rain sensor stuff worked correctly.
Just my opinion. ....give a real good fight to get it repaired to your specs, I have called the state division of insurance in the past, you can speak to someone and get questions answered. But if it comes down to having to pay extra, my opinion would be to take what they give you - they get scratched and cracked so easily this may not be your last.

[thrillcat]

Remind them that you pay a rate based on the value of the vehicle, and if they cheap out on replacement parts, the value of the vehicle drops DRAMATICALLY.

And so should your monthly premium.

But for real, good luck with GEICO.

[Ricky Bobby]

Oh I didn't even notice it was GEICO then I will probably still lol because I can't imagine them paying the difference, GEICO is the cheapskates of the insurance world

[bsprtsgrp]

I just got off the phone with the insurance co. and they authorized the OE BMW Comfort Windshield as the replacement.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by kevinkay

Wondering what exactly is "comfort glass"? Is it standard equipment?.

If you didn't catch what this type of windshield is...it's easy to find out. It's a much discussed topic (just google "BMW comfort windshield" for more info).
But it is an option...not standard...it has 2 cut outs at the top & bottom center that are plain glass (at least on our generation of e38/e39/e46/e53 BMWs)...that allows owners to place components like radar detectors or things like an EZ-pass unit...because the IR & solar wavelength protection designed into this type of windshield will distort/disrupt the efficacy of these electronic units...thus the cut-out for them in the glass.