Cracked windshield
 

A rock just cracked my windshield, while driving on the highway.

My insurance company allows me to use any repair shop. I called my local BMW dealer (The Bmw store) and got an estimate of 1800-2200. I'd rather use a dealer, because I don't want those mobile glass repair guys to touch my car. Plus I don't think they will be able to, since the windshield has rain sensing wipers. The service adviser said the windshields come with the circuit board on them.

This sucks. I'm glad I don't have to pay the entire amount, but the 500 dollar deductible still stings.

/rant.

I was hesitant to use a mobile service for my Mercedes a few years ago, but calling around the local dealerships, it sounded like most if not all of them used some mobile service themselves to come change the windshield. My insurance company suggested a trusted mobile service (Triumph auto glass) and I went with them... I insisted on using a MB glass (with sensor attached to it) and they obliged. All went well (I was watching the work done) and frankly, not much was there in replacing the windshield. (The sensor was already installed on the windshield, all that was needed was for the previous windshield to be unplugged and the new one plugged back in.)

Since then I have had to replace two more windshields and both times used the Triumph auto glass mobile service, both times very happy with the results.

It seems like you have already gone with the dealer, but in my case, I no longer insist on dealer doing the work.

your bmw dealership is very likely using those mobile glass repair companies to do the work too unless they have certified bodyshop on site.

I would use company like safelite. just make sure they use oem windshield. the cost is probably half of the price you're paying at the dealer.

This dealer does it in house. I don't care about the cost, as I will be paying only the deductible. I only care about quality.

DAMN! 1800-2200 for a windshield? thats ridiculous

Are you crazy? 1800 - 2200 ? what the hell are they stupid? OEM Windshield with sensor isnt even 400....

Update. Spoke with my insurance company again (progressive), said the 1800 wasn't reasonable and they use safelite (sp). They said it would be 560. Great insurance covers a whopping 60 dollar.

I'm going to call two other surrounding BMW dealers and ask them for quotes and if they have experience using mobile glass companies.

I hate this situation. On the insurance's website it states I can use whatever place I would like as long as the price is agreed upon. The agent said the dealer quote is always higher and not reasonable. Duh. Dealer's are always more expensive.

The website should say use whomever you would like as long as it is less expensive than our people. Your people will always be less, because you have a contract with them that was based off a large amount of business and not just a single person.

If all your going to save is $60 I would pay out of pocket the full amount. I am an insurance agent and can tell you if you use the comp. ded. you will loose claim free plus have a comp caim on your record for 3 years. Your premium will go up and you will end up paying a lot more that the $60.
If you had full glass ($0 ded) then i would use it, but with a $500 ded pay it out of pocket!
just trying to help you out!

when your SA told you that they do it in house, it may not necessarily mean their technician does this job. he might call the mobile repair company to come "in house" and do it for them. many dealership normally sub out things like windshield repair, wheel balancing, alignment, paintless dent repair...

in fact, I would doubt their technician's ability to replace windshield unless they have bodyshop. those mobile guys are more experienced in replacing this things. (you probably think they do only honda...that's wrong)

OEM glass is less than $550 if I recall . Add labor...
Safelite is fine. Just make sure you speak with the shop before they submit to insurance---regardless Safelite will need to get approval and will need to speak to insurance.

Confirm with the Safelite shop of YOUR choice on what glass they will use.