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Posted by: jkeyzer Aug 2 2004, 10:24 AM

Seems like us in Norcal are not immune to the low life population that would smash a car window and steal stuff on a busy street, all while the alarm is going off... My brand new Subaru got broken into on Sat night and a bunch of stuff stolen out of the trunk - digital camera, GPS, etc etc.

I need to get the window they smashed replaced. Does anyone have any glass shop recommendations? I am willing to spend a little more if necessary to make sure it gets done right. My insurance company is recommending SafeLite. They have that service where they will come out and fix it at your workplace. Is that generally a good idea?

Thanks!

Posted by: ! Aug 2 2004, 10:29 AM

They usually give a better deral as they are the insurance companies "prefered vendor"....go for it.

Can't beat onsite service either....

Posted by: Howard Aug 2 2004, 10:32 AM

We use a similar service in SoCal with good results. Check with your insurance company, but generally, if they recommend a shop, work is guaranteed as long as you own car. Personal property should be coverered on you home policy, but yet another deductible

Posted by: jkeyzer Aug 2 2004, 10:51 AM

I called SafeLite. It's interesting that they make their own glass (or have a subcon they are tied to at least). When I asked about getting OEM glass they had to call around and get prices. I expect the OEM glass will be a lot more but the car is 3 weeks old, I might as well make the windows all match.

Posted by: tdgray Aug 2 2004, 10:55 AM

Not sure if this applies to Glass or the left coast in general but here in the OH if the car is less than three years old and invloved in a collision (read not sure about vandalism) the INS co has to out OEM parts on your car.

How do you like your Subbie? I am thinking about getting a Turbo Baja.

Posted by: jkeyzer Aug 2 2004, 12:18 PM

It's great. It drives well and handles even better than I was expecting given the comfortable ride quality. I am normally biased against new cars but this one made me change my mind.

If I had the money and didn't have to park in SF occasionally I'd spring for the Legacy GT like Fiid just got. That car is AWESOME.

Posted by: aircooledboy Aug 2 2004, 12:18 PM

When it comes door glasses, mobile (on site) is usually your best move. No advantges to taking the car to the shop, and plenty of disadvantages (ie broken glass moves around, settling farther down into tighter spaces).

As far as OEM v. Safelite glass, Safelite IS OEM glass in many cars, but your desire to have factory piece in a new car is legit also. The only noticable diference will be the tiny emblem on the glass. Size, fit and color between the OEM and Safelite will be identical. You would not be able to tell them apart. The price difference may not be as much as you think. Normally on a new car, the insurance company won't carp too much about that type of preference either.

Posted by: djm914-6 Aug 2 2004, 12:36 PM

Many Maine-iacs have a saying that locks are for the honest people.

Kinda make you wonder if it's worth locking a car these days. You're going to loos your stuff anyway, so why add the agrivation of having to repair the damage too.

My first car was stolen once and broken into at least two times... and it was only a stock, middle line VW Golf. But hey, just think that if these guys are caught by the man in blue, the courts will slap them on the wrist and make them promise not to to it again. They'll be sorry then.

Posted by: Jenny Aug 2 2004, 12:58 PM

Jeff, sorry to hear about what happened. You have a wagon, right? Word of advice: TINT YOUR WINDOWS. I keep bugging Brian to get his done as well. It definitelywon't keep the thieves from breaking in if their heart's set on it, but it does make your car less enticing when they don't see all the expensive stuff you've got in the back. Another (cheaper) alternative is to throw an old, dirty looking sleeping bag over all your stuff. Makes you look like a bum, who can't afford GPS/MP3 player stuff. Or get an NRA sticker.

Any leads on who did it, or do you just have to eat the cost of the stolen stuff?

Geez, lots of bad car karma for you recently. I hope things get better for you soon.

Jen

Posted by: jkeyzer Aug 2 2004, 01:13 PM

Seriously. I have sh!t luck right now.

The glass place wants $500 to replace with OEM glass. They are saying aftermarket glass probably isn't even available even if I did want it. OUCH!

Jenny, I have been thinking about tinting the windows. I am thinking more seriously about it now. I am used to driving cars with trunks so this whole exposed cargo area thing is new to me. And no I didn't use the stupid thing you pull over to hide your stuff.

Posted by: bondo Aug 2 2004, 01:25 PM

Are you sure the alarm went off? Alot of OEM alarms only go off if you open or try to open something (no motion sensors or glass break detectors)

Posted by: jkeyzer Aug 2 2004, 01:50 PM

Mine has a motion sensor. I found that out the first time I slammed the hood shut while it was on... It is fairly sensitive. The alarm beeped to let me know it had been going off when I got back to the car.

Posted by: Jenny Aug 2 2004, 02:31 PM

Nobody uses that. It's just there to get in your way when you're loading large objects into the back. That's all.

Jen