Cracked Windshield

I believe the dots are just something Toyota uses in the automated assembly of the vehicle. So the robotic arms know how to place the glass.

I don't know if there is anything "special" about the glass. On such a new vehicle if Insurance was covering it, I think I'd be leaning towards OEM replacement. Not a lot of stories of cracking windshields so if you were otherwise happy? Why not replace with the same?

 

your insurance will provide you with an auto glass specialist. Mostly of them will drive to your location and replace the windshield at your convenience.
I went through 3 windshields in few years, different Prius

 

I had an incident like this and the original glass from Toyota will probably cost more than what your insurance will cover. I had a $500 coverage on my glass, it came out to over $750 from the factory. I had to pay $250 out of pocket. If you choose another glass that's not Toyota, then your insurance coverage should be able to cover the entire cost. I don't think there's much difference in glass quality (as long as it's not china), I just wanted everything to remain Toyota original.

The dots next to the rearview mirror is something many aftermarket glass companies provide. It's just there to shield the sun from your eyes, there is no sunshade in that area.

 

This very thing happened to me last week too. The stone hit my windshield on the passenger side right where my wife looks through it. I took it over to the Safelight shop to be repaired. Repair was complete is 1/2 hour and it looks very good. If however you are not happy they can replace it with Toyota glass. You'll have to pay whatever your dedeutable is on your insurance policy. Give Safelight a try first your insurance will cover it 100%.

 

Based on the issues that several people, including myself, have had with Toyota windshields, I would lean towards a Safelight replacement over OEM.

Also, even if you take it to a dealer, they may use OEM glass but Safelight will probably come in and install it. That's what happened when Toyota replaced my windshield due to optical issues.

 

I could be wrong. But I was told those dots were just an "aid" during assembly of the vehicle. Maybe as far as placing the rear view mirror.

If you look on the glass on the hatch, in the corner there are "dots". They don't functionally provide any benefit.

I like the dots...they do help block out the sun, but I wasn't under the impression that was why they were put there.

 

I actually don't know the true purpose, I was under the impression it shades the sun. All my cars, the windshield shade/visor reaches up to the point where the dots begin. Like a continuation of a sun blocker/shade.

 

Wanna know the Toyota price of a Prius windshield? ....

$1,282 with tax, quoted today at Fremont Toyota, windshield. shop quote to fix with Toyota glass $1,495

I'll be looking around for good aftermarket. Can't upload the photo right now, but came out of work to find an 18" crack in mine.

 

Got my aftermarket windshield at Ace auto glass for four something, including installation.

SCH-I535

 

If you have full coverage insurance, your insurance company will be able to take car of it. Just tell them you were driving and a rock kicked up and hit it. This shouldn't be an out of pocket expense, unless the glass you choose exceeds the coverage amount

 

Less the deductible, then you have to worry whether your premium payments will be affected. That's why I paid out of pocket, since I have a $500 deductible anyway.

SCH-I535

 

Most insurance policy have a special allowance for windshield breakage, doesn't cost you a dime and it won't affect your premium. They normally have an allowance, say $500, if the glass exceeds that amount, then you have to pay out of pocket for the difference.

 

That's been my experience as well. They just sent someone out to fix it, nothing out of my pocket, and it did not affect my rate at all.

 

I've talked to a couple shops. One quoted $250 + tax parts and labor. I'm not going to jump at the lowest price. If I go aftermarket, I want the good stuff, not the cheapest and I'll seek a shop that uses good windshields and does good work.

I'll talk the AAA and see if I'm covered for windshields. Maybe that falls under All Risks coverage which I don't have. My comp. deductible is $250 if I recall.

Still can't upload photo files right now.

 

I would not get a glass made in China, no matter what cost, get oem if possible just so the glass says Toyota on it. Even if you have to pay a deductible, it should not affect future premium.

SM-N900P ?

 

Most insurance has glass coverage, unless you are carrying liability only. I would consult your agent first before you make any decisions or purchases. I too recommend you go with the OEM glass. All automotive glass is not the same.

Ron (dorunron)

 

Well I was originally replying to the OP of this thread on January 7th, and you'll notice I say " If Insurance Was Covering It"...key phrase.

Today is April 14th.

I might change my opinion since January 7th. I've read a few threads about "some" Toyota Windshields having a ghosting or multiple images issue.

2011 Prius - Windshield triples light source images | PriusChat

Mine doesn't have this problem and I don't know if Toyota is still having this issue. Maybe Toyota has resolved it.

But it would give me pause to consider a Top Quality aftermarket that wasn't OEM.

Good Luck with the windshield replacement whether you go OEM or otherwise.