Originally Posted By: SirTanon
Windshield damage is rampant in Arizona.. so I've gone through quite a few windshield replacements. My insurance is USAA, and they own (or at least have stake in) Safelite Insurance, so I only go through them now. Whenever I've set up a replacement with them, I always request OEM glass if it is possible, and many times, they ended up using OEM at no extra cost. Even when they have not used OEM, they have clearly stated that all installed windshield glass must meet OEM quality requirements, as per their policy, and I have not been disappointed.
To top it off, Safelite is a mobile replacement company, and they're just about everywhere. Give them a try.
Safelite/Belron also operate the biggest glass claims administrator besides LKQ/PGW(Lynx) - and I know AAA NorCal does use Safelite as their glass shop of choice. Most insurance companies will have Safelite process the glass claim or handle it from claim to replacement.
I've stayed away from Safelite when I needed a windshield as they had a bad rap with installation and glass quality - but they don't make their own glass anymore. I had Safelite replace my parent's windshield and the guy that came out told me a few things about the business. They also installed a Pilkington as well, well I do admit the installer had me help out.
If you have the space for the installer to work either by pulling up to your car and using a Lil' Buddy jig to make it a one-person job or the old school way, have them come out. Crack your windows open(so the cabin doesn't hold pressure) and let the installer do their thing but watch them. There are too many hack jobs in AGR that use universal moldings, carelessly use a long knive, don't follow the urethane system instructions or don't take the time to take off the wipers/cowl/trim. Safelite uses a Sika urethane with a 1-hour safe drive away time, which means the time needed for the urethane to set to meet DOT strength requirements to ensure the windshield doesn't fly out of its open if the airbags deploy. Better glass installers use Dow or Sika's better urethanes. The less the car moves while the urethane kicks, the better.