State Farm is asking its National Glass Program participants to provide a recalibration failure report when requesting authorization for OEM glass if the installed non-OEM windshield can’t be recalibrated.  

A notice from the insurance company dated Feb. 21 says LYNX Services will send a preliminary authorization confirmation stating a proof of purchase (POP) is required prior to submitting an invoice. It says a recalibration failure report will serve as a POP. 

After receiving the POP, State Farm will issue a final authorization and shops can then submit an invoice, the notice says. 

“State Farm instructs shops that the preferred method for OEM authorization requests is to select an OEM/Dealer Glass Part Form online, provide the part number to be authorized, and provide an explanation for the request which explains the recalibration failure after the non-OEM glass installation. Shops are then asked to upload the failure report and email it to fieldsupport@lynxservices.com. 

Shops can also email their authorization request to the above email or call 239-479-6000. 

The National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) Property & Casualty Insurance Committee recently adopted a Motor Vehicle Glass Act Model that prohibits benefit assignment and requires shops to notify consumers of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) calibrations needed for the windshield repair or replacement.

The Model Act says insurance policies shall not either, prior to or after, a claimed or covered loss assign, delegate, or otherwise transfer, in whole or in part, to any other person the insured’s duties under the policy or their rights or benefits under the policy.

In addition to notifying customers of ADAS system calibration needs, shops are also required to inform consumers if they intend to calibrate or recalibrate the ADAS in a manner that meets OEM specifications.

Shops that are not capable of performing or do not intend to perform a calibration or recalibration should inform the consumer that the motor vehicle should be taken to the vehicle’s OEM-certified dealership or a qualified specialist capable of performing the calibration or recalibration.

Multiple OEMs have issued position statements on glass replacement in recent years. 

In October, Volvo released a statement saying that Volvo glass is an integral part of their vehicles. 

Volvo Car USA LLC requires all windshields and panoramic roof glass replacement on Volvo vehicles to be performed according to Volvo standards at an authorized Volvo facility, using only Volvo Genuine glass and adhesives.

Volvo glass also requires proper calibrations as well as operation of glass-dependent safety systems. Volvo-specific adhesives ensure proper bonding of the glass to the vehicle’s body, providing the same strength qualities as if assembled at the factory and providing a minimal safe drive-away time once installed. 

“Volvo Genuine glass is crafted to the same exacting standards as the original glass installed during assembly,” the statement says. “This precision engineering ensures perfect fit, exact tolerances, and maximum safety, instilling confidence in the quality of your Volvo vehicle.” 

Repairers are warned that polyurethane (PU) adhesive and PUR adhesive can cause asthma-like symptoms if inhaled. Isocyanate vapor from primer, PU adhesive, or non-cured primer can also cause allergies in the respiratory tract. Anyone with a respiratory allergy may have an allergic reaction. Risk remains until the material is fully cured. 

Volvo also warns that PU and fully cured PUR adhesives can degrade if subjected to high temperatures. Isocyanide compounds can be released when grinding or welding near cured PU adhesive. Repairers are warned to ensure good ventilation, use a fresh air mask or carbon filter mask, and never touch the adhesive surface with fingers, always wear gloves.

“The windshield is part of the vehicle’s collision protection. Always use genuine PUR adhesive kits,” the statement says. “These are selected and tested by Volvo and are the only ones for which Volvo Cars will take responsibility for the result.”

Porsche released a statement in September saying camera-based driving assistance is one of many features that can be impacted by improperly repairing a Porsche windshield.

“The original glass used on Porsche vehicles as well as the adhesives system and expertise in the workshop guarantee optimum fit, function, safety, and structural integrity,” the statement says. “The quality, performance, and safety of aftermarket replacement windshield and side glass may not meet Porsche exacting specifications. Only by using Porsche-approved replacement glass you can be assured of the fit, function, safety, and structural integrity of the repair.” 

The statement says that not following Porsche’s requirements on windshield replacement can result in poor performance of key safety features and reduced customer satisfaction. 

Key features include: 

• • Camera-based driver assistance systems require complex calibration. In case of deviations, function impairments or threat to the driver can occur.
  • Crash/Stiffness: The windshield significantly contributes to the stiffness of the vehicle and also plays an essential role in case of a crash. Certain legal crash requirements can only be met with a correctly bonded windshield meeting the strength requirements.
  • HUD: The visibility of displays in the HUD depends largely on the coating of the screen.
  • Acoustics: Special acoustic glazing offers increased comfort, especially for our BEV buyers. Special LSG glasses ensure the corresponding acoustic damping.
  • Cold and heat protection: Coatings and films within the LSG glazing provide protection from both heat and cold. Replacement with non-OEM glazing that does not meet specifications can result in loss of comfort.
  • Antenna functions/antenna transparency: The windows serve to connect the vehicle with the outside world by means of integrated antennas. Also, coatings must provide a certain degree of antenna transparency in order for private smartphones to still have sufficient reception.
  • Tint level/color matching: The tint level, e.g., for privacy glazing, must match the rest of the panes. A different appearance would quickly be noticed by the customer. In worst case, over-tinted windows could also exceed legal limits.
  • Replacement of panes: Unlike, for example, bolted joints, there is no possibility of quality control for bonded joints after repair. Therefore, it is crucial for the work to be carried out in accordance with the repair process prescribed by Porsche and for the personnel carrying out the work to be appropriately trained.
  • Use of OEM adhesive: Adhesive systems are precisely matched to the corresponding adhesion substrates and the conditions of the workshop environment. Adhesive systems not approved by Porsche might lead to a non-functioning bond, which in turn poses a potential risk to the customer. In addition to the previously described rigidity and contribution to crash safety, the windshield also supports the front passenger airbag. Improperly executed bonding thus poses a potential risk of injury, especially to the front Passenger. 

GM released a statement in 2023 related to the use of aftermarket glass in its vehicles. 

“GM vehicles, safety systems, and components are designed, engineered, tested, and validated to protect vehicle occupants based upon both government mandated and internal corporate requirements,” GM said in the position statement. “The overall integrity of a vehicle’s Advanced Driver Assist System is dependent on maintaining the design specifications of each component of the safety system.”

GM Genuine branded glass is designed, engineered, tested, and validated to internal and government-mandated standards and is the only equivalent to the original equipment glass.

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