A Tale of Two Windshield Replacements - Service Center vs. Safelite

[CrazyOne]

This is not unusual for modern cars. Had to replace a 2021 Bronco windshield a few years back and I believe the cost was around $1100.

Rivian windshield replacements were approximately $4000 per several reports on the forum, if done by Rivian. If Safelite was doing it with Rivian part, it was around $2000. You misunderstood me. I am happy that it's cheaper now.

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[Ken Fields]

I had a second cracked windshield in 6 months. The first one, since only Rivian could recalibrate the safety features, I went with the Rivian SC for replacement. This involved a 4 hour drive one way, thus was an long day of travelling and waiting around and an $1800+ bill. The second time around Safellite assured me that they have been doing a lot of Rivian windshield replacements. So I investigated the recalibration issue further and found out that Rivian's mobile unit could do it. So I had Safelite do it and a week later the mobile guy Drew came out and recalibrated it. This saved me a trip to the SC. The cost for Safelite was $789 and the recalibration was only $40. This definitely the way to go.

Good to know!!!

 

[iansriv]

If it has this logo it's the same glass, same OE supplier: Fuyao America in Ohio. They are also OE supplier to Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, GM, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Fiat, Volvo, Land Rover, etc..

You had me at Bentley.

 

[HapticWagon]

I'm sure there are some external reference devices/objects required for the calibration.

I don’t think so? They mentioned just 2-3 15 mins calibration drives.

 

[Alanparkcity]

I had a second cracked windshield in 6 months. The first one, since only Rivian could recalibrate the safety features, I went with the Rivian SC for replacement. This involved a 4 hour drive one way, thus was an long day of travelling and waiting around and an $1800+ bill. The second time around Safellite assured me that they have been doing a lot of Rivian windshield replacements. So I investigated the recalibration issue further and found out that Rivian's mobile unit could do it. So I had Safelite do it and a week later the mobile guy Drew came out and recalibrated it. This saved me a trip to the SC. The cost for Safelite was $789 and the recalibration was only $40. This definitely the way to go.

My quote is $1421. I wonder why it’s so different?

 

[Dutch]

Rivian's mobile service is stationed in Grand Junction and cover western Colorado and I believe eastern Utah. Don't quote me on the Utah part.

 

[bbqdevil]

My quote is $1421. I wonder why it’s so different?

I’d reach out and have them confirm that is the *total* cost, it looks like it’s just for the windshield.
I had the opposite experience—I booked my appointment and asked for the estimate on the cost, and I got an email that said $561. A couple of days ago, I get the work order to sign and it’s over $1,700. I send them a note asking about where the jump came from and they responded that the $561 is for labor only, they added the parts later and the total cost with all-in with tax comes to $1,900.

Why in the world would they think I only wanted an estimate for labor? Especially when the message I sent was “Can I please get a cost estimate for the windshield replacement?"

 

[SparkyR1t]

I'm sure there are some external reference devices/objects required for the calibration.

Would agree in the Rivian shop they have special alignment targets they set up and calibrate to.

 

[JeremyP]

Rivian's mobile service is stationed in Grand Junction and cover western Colorado and I believe eastern Utah. Don't quote me on the Utah part.

That's what the mobile service guy told me too when I had my only service visit in 6 months of ownership (key cards needed to be reset). Good to know about safelite since I went with them in the past for other vehicles. Time for a western slope meet up/trail run?!

 

[DKM_R1S]

Not trying to pry into anyone’s personal affairs, but was windshield replacement not covered by your insurance policy’s comprehensive?

 

[Magicbus]

Not trying to pry into anyone’s personal affairs, but was windshield replacement not covered by your insurance policy’s comprehensive?

Mine was.

 

[Riviot]

Rivian windshield replacements were approximately $4000 per several reports on the forum, if done by Rivian. If Safelite was doing it with Rivian part, it was around $2000. You misunderstood me. I am happy that it's cheaper now.

Show me one report for $4k, it's never been that much. Rivian has been charging ~$1800+tax since at least Jan2023.

 

[NC-Rivian]

Show me one report for $4k, it's never been that much. Rivian has been charging ~$1800+tax since at least Jan2023.

$1800++ is what I paid recently

 

[bbqdevil]

Not trying to pry into anyone’s personal affairs, but was windshield replacement not covered by your insurance policy’s comprehensive?

My deductible is $1,000. With the original quote I got being $562, I was going out-of-pocket. Safelite is $704, so will still most likely go out of pocket.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Not trying to pry into anyone’s personal affairs, but was windshield replacement not covered by your insurance policy’s comprehensive?

And despite that two pre-existing conditions remain:
1. Some people have high deductibles.
2. It still take weeks to get an appointment at Rivian SC.

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