That still doesn’t mean anything pertaining to OEM versus Like Quality. That’s denying or delaying a claim. It’s not a bad faith issue it’s a terms and conditions of a stated insurance policy. A policy that is always underwritten to protect the house (meaning company) not the consumer.
Safelite Glass
I've read through a bunch of posts regarding windshield replacement, though most centered around Subaru's defect/warranty extension etc. Since Safelite appears to control who makes the glass they use more secretly than the original formula for Pepsi 
I can't seem to get enough info to help me decide if OEM is worth $210 out of pocket vs. the OEE glass.
I have a '21 Touring, and normally I'd say OEM all the time, but since Safelite says they do a dual-calibration on Eyesight, is there real value in having the word Subaru on the windshield? I read something that suggested OEE cannot make the exact same glass due to licensing agreements/copyright (more than just stamping Subaru on the glass), but even that was (pun intended) unclear.
I did call my local (and trusted) retailer - they outsource the work, so not much value in using them in this case as their warranty is only 12 months and would actually cost me closer to $300 out-of-pocket.
In summary, I can pay $0 to get the OEE glass or $210 to get the OEM glass, both with lifetime warranties against defects/install issues and that's what I am trying to decide.
I can't seem to get enough info to help me decide if OEM is worth $210 out of pocket vs. the OEE glass.I have a '21 Touring, and normally I'd say OEM all the time, but since Safelite says they do a dual-calibration on Eyesight, is there real value in having the word Subaru on the windshield? I read something that suggested OEE cannot make the exact same glass due to licensing agreements/copyright (more than just stamping Subaru on the glass), but even that was (pun intended) unclear.
I did call my local (and trusted) retailer - they outsource the work, so not much value in using them in this case as their warranty is only 12 months and would actually cost me closer to $300 out-of-pocket.
In summary, I can pay $0 to get the OEE glass or $210 to get the OEM glass, both with lifetime warranties against defects/install issues and that's what I am trying to decide.
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You misunderstand the breadth of case law that goes along with this statute.That still doesn’t mean anything pertaining to OEM versus Like Quality. That’s denying or delaying a claim. It’s not a bad faith issue it’s a terms and conditions of a stated insurance policy. A policy that is always underwritten to protect the house (meaning company) not the consumer.
That is precisely the right argument. None of the folks you can talk with at insurance are the decision makers but you need to hold firm. Also look at your state laws and the state nsurance regulatory agency.So, got a call from Safelite and they are showing that my request for OEM was denied by USAA, and they will be installing aftermarket glass on Thursday.
Unhappy with USAA, I called and finally spoke with someone in their "corporate glass" department. I made my case and quoted all of the documents in this thread. I talked about the safety systems, the warranty, how USAA could potentially be held accountable ... yada yada.
The rep did a really good job of really doing nothing! He said "Well, lot's of dealerships have those letters .." I interrupted to tell him this wasn't a dealership requirement, it is the MANUFACTURER of the vehicle. He then said, "okay, most of the glass is all made in the same places and is actually the same stuff, just with different labeling." He even tried to bring up a class action lawsuit that is "in place" against Subaru and their windshield. I quickly told him that lawsuit was for Outback and Legacy vehicles and it was settled nearly 2 years ago, and completely irrelevant.
Anyway, he is going to push my case "up the chain" and try to determine what they can do. My "closing argument" was that USAA has an obligation, as my contracted insurance provider, to make me whole in accordance with my policy, and by using aftermarket parts that can potentially alter the functionality of a major safety system in my car does not meet that obligation.
What a pain!
So, got a call from Safelite and they are showing that my request for OEM was denied by USAA, and they will be installing aftermarket glass on Thursday.
Unhappy with USAA, I called and finally spoke with someone in their "corporate glass" department. I made my case and quoted all of the documents in this thread. I talked about the safety systems, the warranty, how USAA could potentially be held accountable ... yada yada.
The rep did a really good job of really doing nothing! He said "Well, lot's of dealerships have those letters .." I interrupted to tell him this wasn't a dealership requirement, it is the MANUFACTURER of the vehicle. He then said, "okay, most of the glass is all made in the same places and is actually the same stuff, just with different labeling." He even tried to bring up a class action lawsuit that is "in place" against Subaru and their windshield. I quickly told him that lawsuit was for Outback and Legacy vehicles and it was settled nearly 2 years ago, and completely irrelevant.
Anyway, he is going to push my case "up the chain" and try to determine what they can do. My "closing argument" was that USAA has an obligation, as my contracted insurance provider, to make me whole in accordance with my policy, and by using aftermarket parts that can potentially alter the functionality of a major safety system in my car does not meet that obligation.
What a pain!
Part of the problem in this case appears to be Subaru - we can't show a sticker that may have been on the vehicle before it was delivered to us, and SOA, as I posted their reply says aftermarket is OK, though they recommend. It's more of that gray area that doesn't help us as customers.My point has always been that since Subaru requires OEM glass replacement per the sticker I posted in this thread, the Like Quality or Equivalent does not meet that standard for replacement. Just because the insurance company wants Like Quality or Equivalent does not allow them to install a product that does not meet manufacturer standards. All glass is not the same. It did not matter as much pre ADAS. Now it is critical to the system functioning properly which is why Subaru and other manufacturers make that stipulation. This is not a comfort element but safety component.
The other problems I have with Safelite is that they won't tell you who's made the windshield before you make the decision, and since they have a financial relationship with the insurance companies (in my case Liberty, which is clearly stated), there's little incentive nor options to go elsewhere. It's unfortunate that something as simple as a windshield replacement should become such a complex issue.
The sticker reflects other SOA documentation that has been referenced. The dealer has nothing to do withit. As i noted you are not required to use Safelite. You can go anywhere to have the glass replaced.Part of the problem in this case appears to be Subaru - we can't show a sticker that may have been on the vehicle before it was delivered to us, and SOA, as I posted their reply says aftermarket is OK, though they recommend. It's more of that gray area that doesn't help us as customers.
The other problems I have with Safelite is that they won't tell you who's made the windshield before you make the decision, and since they have a financial relationship with the insurance companies (in my case Liberty, which is clearly stated), there's little incentive nor options to go elsewhere. It's unfortunate that something as simple as a windshield replacement should become such a complex issue.
As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I had an ongoing six-month battle with State Farm when they refused to pay a very "cut and dried" boat theft claim. When I finally filed a complaint with the State Insurance Commissioner, things were quickly resolved in my favor.Part of the problem in this case appears to be Subaru - we can't show a sticker that may have been on the vehicle before it was delivered to us, and SOA, as I posted their reply says aftermarket is OK, though they recommend. It's more of that gray area that doesn't help us as customers.
The other problems I have with Safelite is that they won't tell you who's made the windshield before you make the decision, and since they have a financial relationship with the insurance companies (in my case Liberty, which is clearly stated), there's little incentive nor options to go elsewhere. It's unfortunate that something as simple as a windshield replacement should become such a complex issue.
Insurance company claims agents are paid to grind you down, deny and delay until you succumb and give up in frustration. State Insurance Commission Investigators are paid to investigate claims and if a claim is legitimate, rule in the claimant's favor.
from Subaru: "If windshield glass other than the glass specially designed for EyeSight is used, visibility of the camera may be compromised or any distortion in the glass may prevent the correct measurement of an object, either of which would result in improper or incorrect EyeSight operation." Just because Safelyte states the glass they used is designed for eyesite doesn't mean it was. What testing do you think Safelite, the insurance comany or even the glass company complete with eyesight? None. Subaru develops the specs and contracts with a glass manufaturer and then tests it on their cars. Subaru does not test aftermarket glass.Part of the problem in this case appears to be Subaru - we can't show a sticker that may have been on the vehicle before it was delivered to us, and SOA, as I posted their reply says aftermarket is OK, though they recommend. It's more of that gray area that doesn't help us as customers.
The other problems I have with Safelite is that they won't tell you who's made the windshield before you make the decision, and since they have a financial relationship with the insurance companies (in my case Liberty, which is clearly stated), there's little incentive nor options to go elsewhere. It's unfortunate that something as simple as a windshield replacement should become such a complex issue.
the state insurance commission is not going to go along with forcing you to use untested equipment on your vehicle that is part of critical safety features. It is so much more than fit. In court we are entitled to discovery. do you think Safelite and the insurance company would like their internal memos made public? Do you thhink they would like their documentation showing the percentage of windshields that do not work properly with Subaru eyesight. What percent of OEM windshields do not work with eyesight? Zero.
They would never allow the case to go that far for discovery.
The manager at my Safelite shop lets me choose the brand of glass I want.Part of the problem in this case appears to be Subaru - we can't show a sticker that may have been on the vehicle before it was delivered to us, and SOA, as I posted their reply says aftermarket is OK, though they recommend. It's more of that gray area that doesn't help us as customers.
The other problems I have with Safelite is that they won't tell you who's made the windshield before you make the decision, and since they have a financial relationship with the insurance companies (in my case Liberty, which is clearly stated), there's little incentive nor options to go elsewhere. It's unfortunate that something as simple as a windshield replacement should become such a complex issue.
A lot of the issues brought up here is why I had my dealer replace my windshield. If there are any issues it is entirely up to them to sort out and fix. Also they were cheaper than the other guys.
then it becomes an issue of insurance claim payments for OEM if you choose OEM windshields.The manager at my Safelite shop lets me choose the brand of glass I want.
Also depends on the state and the coverage.then it becomes an issue of insurance claim payments for OEM if you choose OEM windshields.
Just to update - I am still awaiting Subaru's reply to my questioning OEE is OK as well. With the long weekend, I doubt I'll hear back before mid next week. Liberty so far won't budge on getting the OEM covered, and of course Safelite (who is in bed with most insurance companies) keeps saying "the only difference is that it doesn't have the Subaru name on it".
Safelite is wrong. All glass isn't created equal. On my 2010 Outback, we had to change out the side window twice, until Safelite gave up and got OEM when bothJust to update - I am still awaiting Subaru's reply to my questioning OEE is OK as well. With the long weekend, I doubt I'll hear back before mid next week. Liberty so far won't budge on getting the OEM covered, and of course Safelite (who is in bed with most insurance companies) keeps saying "the only difference is that it doesn't have the Subaru name on it".
"OEE" windows were distorted and the wrong tint color.
As for SoA, I am very sure they won't ever endorse an aftermarket glass, for one major reason, and a number of sub-reasons. Specifically, they have not tested it for clarity, refraction index, UV rating (ours allow 0% UVA and UVB transmittal), and structural strength (the windshield is actually part of the car structure on new cars).
That doesn't mean there isn't an OEE panel out there that meets or exceeds the requirements - it means that since Subaru hasn't tested them, they won't say that any particular one (or any at all) meet their requirements.
Hi all,
2021 Ascent Touring ... got hit by a bunch of pebbles and rocks from truck spewing them. I couldn't escape or pull over -- it was just east of the Mario Cuomo Bridge. State Farm paid for the proper front window without any hassles at Safelite. A good experience.
2021 Ascent Touring ... got hit by a bunch of pebbles and rocks from truck spewing them. I couldn't escape or pull over -- it was just east of the Mario Cuomo Bridge. State Farm paid for the proper front window without any hassles at Safelite. A good experience.
What does "proper" mean? Aftermarket or OEM?Hi all,
2021 Ascent Touring ... got hit by a bunch of pebbles and rocks from truck spewing them. I couldn't escape or pull over -- it was just east of the Mario Cuomo Bridge. State Farm paid for the proper front window without any hassles at Safelite. A good experience.
I believe it's OEM, not aftermarket. The glass is marked "SUBARU" (which might not mean anything) and there's a comment at the bottom of the bill: OE dealer part only available part; OEM approved [with an authorization code and a note that the part requires recalibration]
81 - 97 of 97 Posts
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