What’s the difference between a branded and aftermarket windscreen? This is a question often asked of our AA Insurance motor claims team. Here's some useful information about windscreens.
How are windscreens made?
All windscreens are made by glass manufacturers, not car manufacturers, and these are often the same manufacturers who produce glass for both the OEM and the aftermarket markets.
What are genuine or OEM windscreens?
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.
What are aftermarket windscreens?
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.
What's the difference between genuine and aftermarket windscreens?
Most of the windscreens are the same, apart from the logo. There is no difference in safety or fit. So when our 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.
Does using aftermarket windscreen affect my insurance costs and the quality of the repair?
Insurance will cover the cost of your windscreen, and, if you’ve taken the optional glass cover benefit, you 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, we're saving money on repair costs, and passing these savings onto our customers. If our suppliers always used genuine or OEM windscreens, this cost would be reflected in higher insurance premiums.
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.
Any questions?
Now’s a great time to review your insurance. We recommend checking your details are up to date and ensuring the policy and cover you’ve chosen is right for you and your insurance needs.
If you have any questions about your insurance, need to update your AA Insurance policies or would like a quote, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can find our opening hours and ways to get in touch with us on our contact page.
This blog provides general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation or personalised financial advice. Excesses, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply to AA Insurance Limited’s policies. Please check the policy wording for details of cover. The provision of cover is subject to the underwriting criteria that apply at the time.