Autoglass Windscreen Replacement

[korsikoff]

Has anyone in the UK used Autoglass for a windscreen replacement? I am reluctant to use them and would prefer to go through Porsche, but the insurance company will only cover if use Autoglass.

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[tutis]

If you use AutoGlass, ask first what is the make of the glass they use, should be the same as OEM (e.g. St Gobain IIRC), and you need to ask AutoGlass if they have the technical means to recalibrate the car's cameras etc. If you go to Porsche, with non-OEM glass they may refuse calibration. Porsche may also refuse to trade-in the car in the future as the non-OEM windshield would not be covered by warranty etc (Porsche grumbled on my 911's defective PDK from that needed replacement under warranty because the tyres were not N0 rated.. ffs).

If I were you, I would only use AutoGlass for either a glass crack repair, or OEM manufacturer glass. Otherwise bite the bullet and go to Porsche, and negotiate for insurance to pay up to the value quotes from AutoGlass, and you pay the difference to Porsche.

 

[korsikoff]

If you use AutoGlass, ask first what is the make of the glass they use, should be the same as OEM (e.g. St Gobain IIRC), and you need to ask AutoGlass if they have the technical means to recalibrate the car's cameras etc. If you go to Porsche, with non-OEM glass they may refuse calibration. Porsche may also refuse to trade-in the car in the future as the non-OEM windshield would not be covered by warranty etc (Porsche grumbled on my 911's defective PDK from that needed replacement under warranty because the tyres were not N0 rated.. ffs).

If I were you, I would only use AutoGlass for either a glass crack repair, or OEM manufacturer glass. Otherwise bite the bullet and go to Porsche, and negotiate for insurance to pay up to the value quotes from AutoGlass, and you pay the difference to Porsche.

Thanks, this is super helpful.

 

[jontybutts]

Twice, no issues it just a windscreen on a car

 

[korsikoff]

Twice, no issues it just a windscreen on a car

Thanks. Did they do the recalibration for the various cameras? And ensure the HUD worked (if you have one)?

 

[jontybutts]

Thanks. Did they do the recalibration for the various cameras? And ensure the HUD worked (if you have one)?

Even reattached the rear view mirror and parking permit for the Yacht club

 

[bn8959]

My experience is only with an Audi (Taycan on order) but its not 'just a windscreen'. OEM parts (glass) are very specific to model and features. Have a HUD? Different Glass. Have ACC? Different Glass. Have noise insulated glass? Different again. Any combinations? Different yet again.

Only Audi (and presumably Porsche) can calibrate the systems. I have night vision too on my RS6, and all components have to be recalibrated together. Bristol Audi dont even have the kit to do it (when you have a car with every option) - they have to rent it in on demand!

I wouldnt accept Autoglass ever (unless just for a chip repair) - ask the insurance company if they are willing to accept liability for ACC or ALK causing an accident because it wasnt officially calibrated by Porsche - thats usually enough for them to accept paying for the OEM to do the work!

 

[korsikoff]

My experience is only with an Audi (Taycan on order) but its not 'just a windscreen'. OEM parts (glass) are very specific to model and features. Have a HUD? Different Glass. Have ACC? Different Glass. Have noise insulated glass? Different again. Any combinations? Different yet again.

Only Audi (and presumably Porsche) can calibrate the systems. I have night vision too on my RS6, and all components have to be recalibrated together. Bristol Audi dont even have the kit to do it (when you have a car with every option) - they have to rent it in on demand!

I wouldnt accept Autoglass ever (unless just for a chip repair) - ask the insurance company if they are willing to accept liability for ACC or ALK causing an accident because it wasnt officially calibrated by Porsche - thats usually enough for them to accept paying for the OEM to do the work!

Thanks Ben, appreciate the response.

 

[tigerbalm]

One of the reasons I went with my current insurance provider – is they explicitly mention in their policy that you can take your car back to dealer for OEM glass replacement.

As @bn8959 mentioned – the days of a windscreen just being a bit of glass are over. For example, I had insulated glass on my first Taycan and just went with the default option on my current one (mostly due to phone signal issues on insulated) and I was surprised to see a totally different "dot" pattern near the rear view mirror between the two glass types.

 

[Porsche-Guru]

Has anyone in the UK used Autoglass for a windscreen replacement? I am reluctant to use them and would prefer to go through Porsche, but the insurance company will only cover if use Autoglass.

Not used it for Porsche... but have used AutoGlass for all my BMWs.
These cars (over the years) have had all the tech, HUD, Lane Assist, Adaptive Headlights, Night Vision, etc...... and Autoglass were always able to calibrate the system. They have a tablet that connects to the OBD port... and they run a script of some sort.

Have done this with AutoGlass at least 5 or 6 times with BMW 3 series, 5 series, 7 Series and M4. Never an issue and all these cars had all the complicated tech options.

I am not sure whether AutoGlass have the necessary calibration tools for Porsche Taycan. Best is to check with AutoGlass if they have the calibration tools.

My guess would be that they do have the tools... as each manufacturer does make such tools available to 3rd parties for repairs - at least that is how it has worked historically.
I don't see any reason for electric cars to be any different for glass replacements... as the underlying technology (cameras, lane assist, adaptive lights, etc...) is the same as ICE.

-----------------
Update:
The HUD has been the issue (if ever), as the windscreen is usually not in stock and they had to order HUD compatible ones specifically.... but other than that, never an issue on the BMWs.

 

[Speuk]

I had Autoglass refuse to replace a bmw windscreen because of HUD and different glass required..... it might be helpful if they say they can't do it?

 

[Porsche-Guru]

I had Autoglass refuse to replace a bmw windscreen because of HUD and different glass required..... it might be helpful if they say they can't do it?

A refusal to do a job could actually be a good result

 

[Speuk]

A refusal to do a job could actually be a good result

Yep, I had to go to BMW dealer and insurance accepted that. Autoglass said they had so many problems with hud as calibration required dash to be dismantled they would not touch another one

 

[Porsche-Guru]

Yep, I had to go to BMW dealer and insurance accepted that. Autoglass said they had so many problems with hud as calibration required dash to be dismantled they would not touch another one

How long ago was this?

I still have my M4.... so would be useful to know in case I ever need a replacement.

I had the M4 windscreen (with HUD) replaced by AutoGlass about 2 years back.. and it was super smooth experience. Works perfectly, calibration did not require any dashboard work. Maybe I was just lucky !

 

[Speuk]

How long ago was this?

I still have my M4.... so would be useful to know in case I ever need a replacement.

I had the M4 windscreen (with HUD) replaced by AutoGlass about 2 years back.. and it was super smooth experience. Works perfectly, calibration did not require any dashboard work. Maybe I was just lucky !

A few years ago now and on a E60 5 series, of course it may just have been the Autoglass branch manager being difficult and exaggerating re calibration

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