Seeking Recommendations and Advice for Car Windscreen Replacement

Tradiebyday on 03/07/2023 - 13:11
Last edited 05/07/2023 - 16:47

Hi everyone,

I recently had an unfortunate incident where I accidentally broke my rear windscreen while reversing in a council car park. There was an upper concrete structure that I didn't notice, despite warning signs being present. Now I'm in need of a windscreen replacement.

I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for a reliable windscreen replacer in the Campbelltown to Liverpool area. If you have had a positive experience with a particular service provider, please share their details.

Additionally, I would like to ask for some guidance on what to look out for and inquire about when replacing the windscreen. I've heard that warranty is an important factor to consider. Are there any other crucial aspects I should keep in mind during this process? I'm particularly concerned about ensuring a proper installation to avoid issues such as leaks and rusting in the future. If any of you have encountered such problems or have tips to ensure a proper installation, please share your insights.

During my search, one provider mentioned the possibility of a second-hand windscreen that could potentially be cheaper and even better since it would be the original part. I'm unsure if replacing it with a new windscreen or opting for a second-hand one would affect the warranty. If anyone has any insights or recommendations in this regard, I would be grateful for your input.

Thank you all in advance for your feedback and assistance.

Update: 5 July 2023

I would like to express my gratitude to everyone for their valuable feedback. I'm pleased to inform you that I have successfully repaired my rear heated windscreen, and the total cost came to $495 (incl. card fee). Thank you once again for your assistance.

Automotive

Comments

  • Hybroid on 03/07/2023 - 13:12
    +1

    Do you have comprehensive insurance? Check your PDS as sometimes windscren replacements are covered (or small excess).

    If not, unless you go to dealer, most windscreen replacements will be "OEM" which is not original but as close as can be. It shouldn't make any difference on regular cars unless your vehicle has some specific unique glass requirements (e.g. sensors or built-in layers).

    • Tradiebyday on 03/07/2023 - 13:22

      Yes, I do have comprehensive insurance. I will definitely check my Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to see if windscreen replacements are covered or if there is a small excess applicable. Thanks for the suggestion!

      If windscreen replacements are covered by my insurance, it could alleviate some of the financial burden. However, I am concerned about the potential impact on my future premium prices if I make a claim for the windscreen replacement.

      My car doesn't have unique glass requirements.

      I appreciate your input and advice. It has been helpful in guiding me through this process.

      • Hybroid on 03/07/2023 - 13:31

        No worries. I'm fairly certain windscreen replacements, particularly if just one a year, do not impact your insurance premium renewal but you can verify this with the agent when lodging a claim to confirm.

        They can generally get the windscreen replaced within 24 hours at your preferred location if it's in stock. Note will also likely be OEM glass but again, should not matter nor impact your car's warranty.

        An alternative is getting 20% off if you have NRMA membership: https://www.mynrma.com.au/membership/benefits/national-winds…

    • TheOtherLeft on 04/07/2023 - 09:06
      +1

      OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which means made to the manufacturers specs…not "as close as can be".

      To the OP, any reputable windscreen business will do. I would prefer an aftermarket new over factory second hand since it was probably from a wrecked car.

      • xylarr on 04/07/2023 - 12:05

        It's an interesting thing to compare after market new with 2nd hand OEM. This comparison turns up when you talk about replacement panels for cars. The original tooling doesn't exist so there's a market for third parties to take a mould of the original panel in order to make new versions of that panel. The problem is that it's never really like the OEM panel. Of course, the only source of the OEM panel for older cars is wrecks. Same thing goes for things like tail light clusters etc. In a front end collision, the tail lights will be completely fine, and by definition will be OEM and just fit better.

  • GG57 on 03/07/2023 - 13:48

    …broke the back of my windscreen while reversing…

    I don't understand what the back of a windscreen is.

    • Hybroid on 03/07/2023 - 13:59
      +2

      Rear windscreen is what I understood it to mean based on the "reversing into concrete structure".

      • GG57 on 03/07/2023 - 14:25

        If that is correct, does 'windscreen replacement' insurance cover the rear window?

        • Hybroid on 03/07/2023 - 14:36
          +2

          Yes it should cover all windows in the vehicle incl driver/passenger and rear seats.

          • kerfuffle on 03/07/2023 - 14:58
            +4

            @Hybroid: And sunroofs. It's why I take out the windscreen option.

    • Ocker on 03/07/2023 - 14:29
      +1

      on the other side of the front of the windscreen

      • GG57 on 03/07/2023 - 14:30

        Do you mean the inside?

    • Tradiebyday on 03/07/2023 - 16:01

      Rear windscreen

      • GG57 on 03/07/2023 - 16:06
        -1

        I thought the term was a 'rear window'. It has different properties to a windscreen.

  • Bid Sniper on 03/07/2023 - 14:39

    Such a Sydney problem, signs written in such gibberish

    • [Deactivated] on 03/07/2023 - 15:08

      Do you think OP should ask the council to foot the bill for the new rear window as the signage was inadequate?

      • Tradiebyday on 03/07/2023 - 16:03

        After reading the review of the car park, it appears that numerous individuals have encountered a similar problem.

        • [Deactivated] on 03/07/2023 - 16:05

          Do you drive a Hummer?

      • Tradiebyday on 05/07/2023 - 16:49

        I have recently contacted the council regarding the condition of the car park, and their response indicated that they are currently working towards its improvement. However, they advised me to address the matter through my insurance.

    • GG57 on 03/07/2023 - 16:08
      +1

      Perhaps partly caused by reversing into a car space?

  • Euphemistic on 03/07/2023 - 15:21
    +1

    Ring auto glass suppliers local to you. Do a google search to find some. O’brien is usually the top of list because they advertise, but they tend to be more expensive. Many will come to you.

    Pick one that has a good price and a reasonable presence. I’ve used a couple of local ones with no issues.

  • sam-1966 on 03/07/2023 - 16:01
    +1

    I had a shattered (but still together) back windscreen several years ago - no idea how… went downstairs to get my phone out of the car and noticed it.

    Rang Windscreens O'Brien and it was going to be around $550 to fix - admittedly would have been a Saturday morning, but had school starting on the Monday and was not taking kids in the car while it was like that.

    Rang a local company who quoted around $200, but didn't have the glass in stock. My husband worked on the other side of town and we worked out that he could collect the windscreen and the installer suggested leaving it with them overnight.

    Worked out perfectly - but the drive to them was scary, listening to the shattered glass bending back and forth. And not being able to see out of the back windscreen.

    Was much better to go with a small local company than a big national one.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/07/2023 - 16:08

      shattered glass bending back and forth.

      Why didn't you secure it?

  • jolee3 on 03/07/2023 - 16:12

    We had a few quotes last year at $600-800 to replace and we ended up going with a local repairer who cost much less. Only thing is turnaround is probably not as quick as the bigger companies so if you need it urgently then you may have to go the more expensive options. You can message me if you want his contact, I don't know if he does specifically Liverpool/Campbelltown area but he is Sydney based.

  • solidussnake on 03/07/2023 - 16:20
    +1

    We use Novus I believe they're Aus wide miles cheaper than the rest

  • kenzstar on 03/07/2023 - 16:25
    +1

    Avoid obrian windscreen, they are ripping you off. Obrian was charging me $700 for a new windscreen on a Toyota Corolla, so I went with a small business called ‘the windscreen man’ based in Melbourne and only charged me $300 to replace, the quality of the windscreen is nearly like OEM.

    • Tradiebyday on 05/07/2023 - 16:50

      Nice, that's much cheaper than what I paid. Is that the rear or front windscreen?

      • kenzstar on 05/07/2023 - 22:12

        That was for the front screen. So i would just call up and get quotes

  • Flying Ace on 03/07/2023 - 19:04

    I have windscreen cover with Budget Direct. Recently had it done - cost me $40 and won't increase my premiums next renewal either.

    • Geoff01 on 04/07/2023 - 09:12

      Being that premiums go up nearly every year how can you be sure .

    • geekcohen on 04/07/2023 - 10:09

      and won't increase my premiums next renewal either

      Do let us know when your renewal comes in and whether it has gone up. I am betting it'll go up regardless.

  • azero on 03/07/2023 - 19:46

    Yeah stay away from Obriens if you are paying, they were more expensive by about a 1000 than the dealership for me

  • nige0090 on 03/07/2023 - 22:46

    I've had 2 or 3 free windshield replacements by O'Brien's via my Shannons Comprehensive insurance (who I have always found excellent).
    It was easy, quick and free to me, via Shannons.
    iirc, O'Brien's said the genuine replacements they provided would cost about $1000, whereas the non genuine replacements would be $300ish?

    Check that the installer transfers any stickers/badges (parks passes & rego .no longer a thing, but disability blue badges? etc) from the old windshield to the new.

    • Tradiebyday on 05/07/2023 - 16:51

      Great tip on the transfer of stickers/badges. Appreciated.

  • Muffinman01 on 04/07/2023 - 08:50

    Admittedly a few years ago, but you could try your RAC if you're a member. I had my windscreen replaced by RACQ a few years ago - they came to me, did it all in my work carpark and was about $350

    • miwahni on 04/07/2023 - 21:14

      That's interesting. Was your car insurance with RACQ or just roadside assist?

      • Muffinman01 on 05/07/2023 - 08:32

        I had both at the time, but it was just a roadside assist perk

    • Tradiebyday on 05/07/2023 - 16:53

      After reaching out to NRMA and their affiliated company, I was informed that they charge approximately $700 for their services. This amount is significantly higher than RAC.

  • PeterSnoot on 04/07/2023 - 10:04

    A few years ago my rear windscreen was smashed by a vandal, so I had it repaired under insurance.

    The replacement was installed by a well known glass company. There was no problem with their workmanship but the glass was not the same quality as the original (Mazda) one. The view through the window was distorted in some parts (e.g. a line on the street did not appear straight when viewed through the rear view mirror).

    I had it replaced and again had a similar problem. The insurance company was reluctant but finally agreed on a further replacement with a genuine part from Mazda. There was some delay to obtain this but it was perfect once installed.

    So as I experienced, not all glass is the same. If you are not using a genuine part, be careful to check the clarity of the glass before accepting the job.

    • Tradiebyday on 05/07/2023 - 16:55

      I noticed that the heated lines on my window are oriented horizontally, except for one vertical line that runs through the window. This vertical line is different from the original pattern. There was another installer that recommended second hand original part but I wasn't sure about the warranty.

  • imnotgoingtopayrrp on 04/07/2023 - 10:21
    +1

    I use Bingle online with a windscreen cover. I've got a car with cameras and active safety (like almost all cars these days). I get unlimited windscreen replacements if O'Briens deem it worthy of replacement. At one point I was getting a new screen every 3 months (I do a heap of commuting for work on roads with mine trucks). On my other little buzz box car (with no fancy stuff at all, I just would replace at a shop when required and only have third-party insurance on it.

    As a guide, the fancy screens go for over $1K and can be a hassle to order (as some have to come from the manufacturer of the car). Otherwise, I've paid $265 for a "dumb" screen on a small car (Sydney city prices).

    • GG57 on 04/07/2023 - 10:42

      OP has damaged the rear window, not the windscreen.

  • geekcohen on 04/07/2023 - 10:44
    +1

    Recently had my Wife's Tucson front windscreen replaced due to a rock chip. Got it done through insurance (AAMI) as we have the Glass Protection, it was approved within 2 hours of submitting the claim (which was about 2 hours after the incident occurred). Yes insurance has gone up recently as we got the renewal but so did the value of the car by $1500 a year.

    It was done through O'Brien at the Hyundai dealership since it need the safety camera/technology calibration again.

    Very happy with the outcome and the installation process. I know I got the windscreen done and not the rear, but still my 2 cents.

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