Auto Insurance Claims: using aftermarket windshield on auto claim, auto insurance company, auto insurance companies

Question
it was a long and hard fight but finally I was able to force Geico to install a OEM windshield on my new car.  I spoke to sveral different service reps and got no where. They seemed to be siding with the repair shop. I thought everybody was against me.

i was very disappointed with Geico in giving me such a difficult time in getting it repaired. Like all other auto insurance companies they wanted to do the repairs cheaply and quickly.  The repair shop they send their clients to does sloppy repair work.  The repair shop does not seem to do any quality control.  Once the repairs are done they are returned to the customer without proper inspection of the repair work.

I am considering dropping Geico and find a better auto insurance company.


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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
hi

i have a new Toyota with only 1900 miles on it. The Toyota comes with 5 year limited "corrosion perforation warranty".

Few days ago, while driving on the freeway, a rock or something similar cracked my windshield on the left bottom corner.  The crack is the size of a backetball and it radiates all the way horizontally across the windshield.

After reporting it to the insurance companay, I took it to the windows repair shop recommended by Geico.  The reapir shop replaced it with a afteremarket windshield. They proceed with the repairs even after noticing a issue with the part. the top rubber molding doesn't properly fit so it creates ruffles and small pockets are formed where water can accumulate.  The molding does not look similar to the original windshield. The The technician and the shop manager is aware of the problem and I pointed it out to them as well. I expressed my concern for rust by the improperly fitting molding.  The shop tells me that the molding is for cosmetic purposes only and if left under the sunlight it should settle and conform to the body of the car.  My car has been sitting outside for 3 days now and the molding is still warped and ruffles and pockets are still there.  I am planning to follow up with the shop manager and the insurance company on mOnday.

My Limits of liability of glass repair/replacement is as follows:

For glass repair or replacement, not to exceed the prevailing competitive price.  Although you have the right to choose any glass reapir facility or location, the limit of liability for loss to windows glass is the cost to:
(a) repair; or
(b) replace

...such glass but will not exceed the prevailing compettitive price.  this is the price we can secure from a competent and conveniently located glass repair facility. At your request, we will identify a glass repair facility the will perform the repairs at the prevailing competitive price.

The limits of liabilty does not modify your rights under the Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts section of this coverage.


The OEM coverage is as follows:

You may elect to have the original equipment manufactuer parts in the repair of your vehicle. We will pay any additional cost for such parts in excess of parts of like kind and quality only if OEM parts are required by the vehicle manufacturer's warranty.




here is my qeustion:

For winshields repairs and replacements are the insurance company required to install OEM parts for NEW vehicles?  My concern is that if they are not preperly installed corrosion can start from inside out. I could understand installing aftermarket windshields for older cars but not brand new cars.

i am planning to take the car to the dealer and show them the repair work that was done and ask them if it will void the corrosion or other warranty.

any feedbcak would be greatly appreciated.  How do I need to approach this? Am i being too overly worried about nothing or it this a valid concern I need to resolve?

-----Answer-----
Hi Peter,

Insurance companies will often push the use of JUNK aftermarket parts, including glass. This should never have been done on a brand nwe vehicle.  You should object strongly with Geico and insist that the glass and the molding be replaced with new OEM parts.  If the dealer can give you any information on how or why this may effect your warrantee, you should be able to get them to do this.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh

Answer
HI Peter,

Congratulations!  Education and persistance do pay off.

If you are shopping for another insurance company, you may want to look into Amica Mutual Insurance.  I don't know if they're available in your state but you can find out at their website www.amica.com.  The are ranked by consumer reports as the best of the best.

Good Luck
Richard Hixenbaugh