<p>To put it simply, the choices are a national company (Safelite) or the local guys (about 40% less expensive). I cannot find any reviews of the locals but in this smallish town it’s hard to believe they’d stay in business if they weren’t competent. I called the dealer and they wouldn’t recommend one over the other.</p>
<p>Are you getting an OEM windshield or are both of them aftermarket parts? Some of today’s vehicles have some pretty sophisticated glass in them that might be better if it came from the dealer. Also, most/many insurance policies have a no-deductible for glass replacement. </p>
<p>Is your insurance paying for this? Do you have full glass coverage? If so, I would suggest requesting a windshield that is your car maker. And as noted, if you have the coverage, it should be fully covered.</p>
<p>We have always had safe lite. </p>
<p>In my neck of the woods, Toyota dealers do not do glass -they refer you to a number of places that only do glass. We went to a local one that was convenient, reasonable, and have been in business for many years. Frankly, if it were a luxury car, I’d be shopping around, but for a Corolla… my dimming rv mirror was re-installed properly, and the windshield looked just like the original one. </p>
<p>ETA: saw that OP already consulted with the dealership. </p>
<p>Thanks, all. The replacement will be less than our deductible; I’ll have to check and see if there is any special coverage for glass. This is for my 9 year old, bottom of the line Forester (which I love). I think the folks I spoke with would have mentioned if they used OEM glass.</p>
<p>In my state, you can request OEM glass if you want it…and that request must be honored. </p>
<p>My glass coverage has no deductible. Check your policy.</p>
<p>My husband owns an auto body repair shop. I agree with the above poster, definitely check with your insurance. Most glass coverage has no deductible. </p>
<p>That said, my DH hates to do windshield replacements because the insurance pays almost no mark up on the glass, gives him almost nothing for install time, and usually pays less for the materials involved than he has into them. I would be wary of a local shop that is able to charge 40% less than Safelite as that is a huge difference. Safelite sources their own glass. Of course, some glass does have to be ordered OEM but not all. I would wonder if the local shop that can charge 40% less might be procuring you a used windshield (and believe me, you really do not want that). My husband can usually work for the same cost as Safelite (but again, not making much on the deal) and Safelite has an excellent warranty policy on their installs and coverage. </p>
<p>Several states have free windshield replacement with no deductible if you have insurance. Required by law. My dad was moaning the cost before I had him call his insurance company to ask–free replacement done at his home.</p>
<p>I love you guys. My deductible for glass is just $100. It wouldn’t have occurred to me to ask if I hadn’t posted this thread. My insurance company deals with Safelite so I am good to go. Thanks!</p>