The kind of features you pay for more than once. Windshields are more of a consumable product with all the abuse they take, so you’d think maybe a redesign out of the windshield would be in order. Same issue with a $200 bumper cover with sensors in that increases the cost in a fender bender.
I think I would be questioning my insurance company about why they are not paying for the correct windshield when it is part of the safety of your vehicle and that you insured your vehicle as a whole and you gave them the VIN number so they should know that… Not sure if I am missing something here…
I don’t believe windshields are a consumable as they are a huge factor (on most vehicles) in your safety in a roll over situation (part of the structural integrity) … Take 2 normal automobiles and remove the windshield from one and then roll them both over and see which one you would prefer being in… Jeeps with flip down windshields don’t count as they have other means already built in for roll over protection…
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When I needed to have my windshield replaced last year, my insurance company immediately referred me to Safelite, and my co-pay was $100. When you renew your insurance policy, I suggest that you opt for only a $100 deductible on the “comprehensive” part of your policy. Believe it or not, it doesn’t cost very much more per year to designate a $100 deductible for “comprehensive” claims.
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Consumable? I have only had one windshield replaced, and that was because I was selling the car and the buyer wanted it replaced due to a crack. I seem to have bad luck with windshields, rock chips and cracks are quite common, but liveable. I have a pickup with the windshield cracked completely across. Been that way for years and I have no intention of replacing it.
I didn’t use car insurance. When I sent some pictures of my cracked windshield to my family’s agent at the insurance company (my insurance company was Progressive at the time), they admitted my damage was an “act of god”, but said that if I wanted them to cover, they would raise my insurance premiums. (Regardless of whether the damage was my fault or not). The damage wasn’t my fault actually, a tiny pebble hit my front glass on the highway.
So, the worst case scenario was to pay out of pocket.
Then I would have said no it wasn’t, it was hit and run where a Smart Car bounced off my windshield in a freak accident… And tell them to prove otherwise… 
I guess I’ve replaced 5 or 6 windshields. No one has ever mentioned it was an act of god or not. Just covered under the glass coverage. On m 59 Pontiac, I’m told the preious owner threw a bottle out the window and that’s what smashed the windshield. I bought a junkyard one for $25 and paid a guy another $25 to put it in. I suppose that was an act of god.
Here in Virginia, to pass a state inspection there cannot be almost any defect in the glass within the area covered by the windshield wiper. You must have very short windshield wipers… L 
L…
And when I researched this, I found this in the law, Quote:
“Any hood scoop installed on any motor vehicle manufactured for the year 1990 or earlier model year cannot exceed 2-1/4 inches high at its highest point measured from the junction of the dashboard and the windshield.”
So, I guess if you have a 1991 of later model, you can have a hood scoop sticking up to the roof line to protect your Super Charger… L 
L …
I have no reason to want to change my car insurance carrier, but if I did, your experience would convince me to NOT choose Progressive.
When I phoned my insurance company (NJM), they never asked the cause of the cracked windshield, and they didn’t attempt to weasel out of my claim with bizarre statements such as “it was an act of God”. In the space of ~15 minutes, my insurance people took the necessary info, asked if I was “okay” with Safelite (they assured me that they had alternate auto glass companies if I didn’t want Safelite), mentioned that my total cost ($100) would be payable to Safelite, and they then transferred me directly to Safelite.
I was astounded at how easy and almost effortless the process with NJM proved to be.
My kids newer car had the crack issue. I’m driving her older car which has 3 tiny chips on pass side. She attracts windshield damage it seems. My car has no cracks.
yes you’re right
I totally agree but apparently it depends on where you live and what type of driving you do. Around here, they use a lot of sand on the expressways and highways. If you do a lot of driving on those roads, your windshield gets sandblasted and over time (~3 years) becomes a hazard to look through. The sunlight reflects off the surface in ways that makes seeing difficult. Then there are the miscellaneous small stones in the sand that get kicked up and chip/crack the glass. You can’t pass safety inspection with a large chip or any crack in the swept area of the wipers. It is so prevalent, most reputable insurance companies have glass coverage as part of their package. I replaced 3 in one year once. When I lived in another state, I never replaced a windshield although probably should have on a couple cars
Same here with Liberty Mutual. No questions asked. You can use any company you choose but they have direct links to Safelite. Same as you, the insurance will even set up the appt with them if you choose or connect you with their customer service. They come do it at work in the lot or my driveway. Completely painless process and they always use OEM qualified glass for replacements.
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We replaced three windshields. The first two times Safelite waived the $50 deductible if I brought the car in rather than having the replacement in my driveway. The last time I had to take it in because the forward looking sensors had to be calibrated when switched to the new windshield. Odysseys can’t use a portable calibration system.