Branded vs aftermarket windscreens

What’s the difference between a branded and aftermarket windscreen? This is a question often asked of our AA Insurance motor claims team. And the simple truth is that there is no difference. Most come out of the same factory. Let me explain.

All windscreens are made by glass manufacturers, not car manufacturers. When a car manufacturer brings out a new model, they’ll give the windscreen specifications to a glass manufacturer to produce the screens with the car’s logo. These particular windscreens are called genuine or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass.

At the same time, the glass manufacturer will also make more of these windscreens but without the car’s logo. These are known as aftermarket windscreens. They’re supplied direct to other glass companies, at wholesale rates, so are often less expensive than genuine or OEM screens that pass through many hands before ending up with the glass companies. As the repairer pays less for aftermarket screens, they’re able to pass on the savings to their customers.

Most of the windscreens are exactly the same, apart from the logo. There is no difference in safety or fit. So when AA Insurance customers have their windscreens replaced by one of our approved suppliers, their cars will generally be fitted with aftermarket screens and will have all the correct features. If there isn’t an aftermarket screen available, as is sometimes the case with some of the later model high-spec cars, then an OEM screen will be fitted.

But how is the customer saving money, I hear you ask? Insurance will cover the cost of their screen, and if they’ve taken the optional glass cover benefit, they won’t even have to pay the excess. The cost of the windscreen, like all repairs, has been factored into the cost of every car insurance premium.

By using aftermarket windscreens, AA Insurance is saving money on repair costs, and passing these savings onto its customers. If our suppliers always used genuine or OEM windscreens, this cost would be reflected in higher insurance premiums.

But while the cost is less, the quality isn’t compromised. All glass supplied through AA Insurance’s suppliers is compliant with Australasian’s safety standards and comes with a lifetime repair guarantee on the quality of workmanship, parts and materials used.