New technology makes busted windshields a real pain. Here's why

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Your windshield is so much more than a piece of glass on new cars. Gone are the days when all it had to do was keep out the elements. Unfortunately, as tech finds its way into the windshield, it's becoming much more difficult and costly to repair. We'll dive into all of that below.

First is the integration of cameras or other sensors in the windshield, looking out at the road with you. "They're becoming really common on a wide range of vehicles," says Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, the trade group for collision repair technicians. "What were once really simple operations now require complex diagnostic and calibration work."

That process isn't trivial during a windshield repair, lest the driver have a false sense of security when they get their car back. Scroll through this Honda presentation to get a feel for the number of systems and calibration processes involved. In some cases carmakers advise against reusing a windshield any time it's been removed. And this is spreading to other parts of the car: Ford recently advised that bumper covers on its cars that have advanced driver-assistance systems be replaced any time they need more than a paint job.

A modern car's windshield may also have a special display area for a head-up projector, and technology related to automatic wipers or self-dimming high beams. As cars have become more complex, repair shops frequently turn to good quality aftermarket parts to keep costs down, but Ford, Honda and FCA all advise against using aftermarket windshields. BMW goes so far as to request that special electromagnetic compatibility screws be used in repairs so as not to interfere with ADAS features.

Sufficient insurance should cover such procedures, but that doesn't mean your insurance company likes it. "A lot of these technologies have been driven by ... the insurance industry, looking to reduce accident frequency," says Schulenburg. "Unfortunately, it also can be a challenge because the insurance companies are behind the curve on understanding and underwriting these repair processes." Yesterday's $500 windshield replacement can run into thousands of dollars today.

Not that it isn't worth it. A recent Reuters analysis of the adoption of various forms of ADAS tech shows how much it can reduce accident rates and how widely it's spreading through car makes and models as a result. Just get ready for a more complex repair that may no longer be done in 45 minutes without leaving your driveway.

 

My neighbor wrecked his new Buick. The car looked slightly damaged, but all the airbags deployed. Insurance company totaled the car and told him that with new cars technology, if all the air bags deploy, it's cheaper to just total the car.

 

Glad I purposely avoid that extra crap when I buy a vehicle. Last windshield I had replaced was under $300 installed. Last I checked no insurance company out here has windshield coverage. Or windshield coverage at a reasonable price anyways.

 

Like you, if in need of a new windshield, i pay for it cash. Rocks on the hwy thrown up break windshields regularly. RC Adams glass shop in town, small independent shop, $400 cash installed, he does it while I sit and wait, drinking his coffee, reading his magazines. Since his dog comes to work with him, i also get cuddles.

 

I'd pay that just for dog time lol.

I think BC glass shops grossly inflate their prices since ICBC has a $200 deductable for windshields. I paid $450 in BC for a windshield. Same truck I paid $250 for a windshield in Fort Mac of all places.

 

Have a coworker bought a new F150 a couple weeks ago. Was driving home and a rock hit the windshield and cracked it.
Over $1,000 to replace the glass and$150 to program the glass to the truck. Yes a windshield needs to be programmed to the truck....

 

I had the windshield in my Cascadia replaced recently. A pain in the butt. Luckily I don't have all the new technological voodoo in mine, just a forward facing camera. When I called up to arrange an appointment, the thousands of questions they asked about the gizmos that could be associated with it blew my mind. I stupidly thought it was a piece of glass.

 

BMW x7 windshield if you have driving assist, with head up display little over $1500 just for the glass add $400 for side seals etc... with labor and recalibration of the new sensors and tax easy $4k.
Genuine BMW 51-31-7-440-767 | Front Windshield | FREE Shipping on Most Orders $499+ OEMG! | getBMWparts

 

Anyone who owns a Subaru with the Eyesight technology has the same problem-if the windshield has to be replaced it can be prohibitively expensive.

However if you live in Massachusetts like I do you’re in luck. ZERO DEDUCTIBLE on windshield claims-regardless of the insurance company involved(mandated under state law).

 

Couple weeks ago, replaced the windshield on the wife’s 2009 Ford Explorer, $340.00 ish. Small independent shop in Midland TX.