Windscreen Replacement "Calibrate?", "OEM?" and Insurance

Lkcome on 17/01/2023 - 20:48

Hi all

I have a 3yrs old Corolla with HUD feature (and also Lane Assistance in all models). During holiday trip I got a stone hitting top of windshield and large cracks start to appear. Lucky the cracks didn't get worse and I was able drive back to Sydney.

After all shops open this week, I get some quotes:
Aftermarket windshield around $1000.
OEM windshield around $1400-$1500.
Calibrate $400-500.

Given not a small spending, I'd better ask some advice before making a decision.

Is it worth using OEM one for extra 4-5 hundreds? What the difference will be?
For calibration of Lane Keeping feature, some say it's optional some say it's better to be done. Is this depend on the spot of hitting or something else? Thanks for providing any info if you have experiences on this.

And one final thing is insurance. I don't have no-excess glass add-on for this car, and my comprehensive excess is $1100 (what a number). I'm not sure how much premium will go up if I made a claim on this repair. I would assume all insurer will ask if I made any claims for insurance next year. So suggestions on this welcomed.

Cheers

Automotive

Comments

  • kerfuffle on 17/01/2023 - 21:00
    +1

    Your car is still under warranty, right? Go OEM.

    Is your car a ZR hatch or sedan? If the latter, bold move not to have windscreen insurance (as that covers sunroof as well for NRMA anyway)

    • kcome on 17/01/2023 - 21:35

      It’s ZR hatch. I had windscreen cover last year but this year I chose roadside assistance instead of glass cover :(

      • Manny Calavera on 20/01/2023 - 22:15

        Why on earth would you want roadside on a 3 year old toyota?

  • Mechz on 17/01/2023 - 21:00
    +1

    I wouldn't bother with insurance given your numbers.

    Ask if calibration can be done down the track if lane keeping plays up.

  • Aust on 17/01/2023 - 21:07
    +3

    I had O'Briens do a screen on my Escape with camera and it is perfect.
    Had a mate with an X3 and he was the same. BMW actually told him to ring O'Brien Glass.
    On the insurance side dont go factory. Plus the glass comes out of the same factory that the independants use.
    Plus if you do have insurance Insurer will only pay for glass which meets the Australian design rules, so Windscreens O'Brien, Novus etc.

  • kenzstar on 18/01/2023 - 01:19
    +1

    OBrians windscreen is a ripoff, go to a small company such as:

    https://www.instantwindscreens.com.au/

    I would recommend a company in melbourne i referred several times, but your in Sydney

  • lachhelix on 18/01/2023 - 03:49
    +1

    If your car is going to cost at a minimum $1400 for a new windshield why not just go through insurance and let them handle it?
    Your excess is $300 less and (for AAMI anyway) windshield claims don't impact the renewal price

  • Kremleen on 18/01/2023 - 12:12

    Add the excess-free windscreen cover on, wait a couple of weeks and claim it

    • bobbified on 18/01/2023 - 16:45

      cough

      fraud….!

      cough

  • Euphemistic on 18/01/2023 - 14:17

    I’ve never had windscreen cover before, but a windscreen used to cost under $500. These modern systems with cameras etc seem to cost well over $1k so will have windscreen cover on any car that has those features from now on and will recommend same to anyone.

    • kerfuffle on 18/01/2023 - 14:24
      +2

      In OP's case, they also have a Heads-Up Display (HUD).

      I always have windscreen cover but that's because my car has a sunroof, which is covered by windscreen cover.

  • bboyballsohard on 18/01/2023 - 19:54
    +1

    The oem and aftermarket windscreens are similar in function.

    One a windscreen is changed the cameras and sensors need to be recalibrated to ensure correct operation of the value add features. If re-calibration is not performed the systems may not work properly because of the slight position differences when the windscreen is changed.

    I doubt you will find someone that would change the windscreen and not the calibration that goes with it due to legal issues.

    • Euphemistic on 21/01/2023 - 07:30

      This is true. But I’m wondering what the calibration process is. Is it sending the apprentice to turn the car on and off a few times or does it require measurements with lasers or something.

      I suspect it’s a bit of a rort and we will find out in coming months/years it is simple to DIY.

      • bboyballsohard on 21/01/2023 - 16:37

        It’s a combination of both and it varies with the make and model. Usually it involves special measuring equipment and QR boards for the the cameras in the car to calibrate. Some also require driving the car ina special way and allowing the cameras to relearn objects in the road.

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