Glasstec_Paul

This doesn't always apply to windscreens and glass products though. In fact, the only similarities the majority of aftermarket stuff has with their OE counterparts is that they are used in the same way (ie, in a car) and that they pass the same safety test. That's it.

It's a very complex subject and clouded by non-disclosure (OEMs will not commit to definitive facts, and will use words and terminology designed to keep their clients - in both sectors of the industry - happy). The OE contracts vary quite a bit now, especially since there are many manufacturers competing for the same deals. This is why you will see a lot of cars now with glass from up to four different manufacturers on some models. As for the erased logos/motifs... much of it will be for commercial reasons but that usually happens when the models (or facelifts) are new/recent. When those obligatory periods pass, the aftermarket copy production will emerge, and increase in number. A lot of the 'OE erased' examples can often be rejects (for a number of reasons). It's not that they cannot be sold as OE products, but given they are usually (in most cases) the best available products (all others are copied from them) and sit at the top of a tier, they cannot be seen as inferior in any way. This may be something as trivial as an imperfection in the silkprint for example. Generally speaking, if the glass does not feature the (car) manufacturer's logo, it will not be as good as one that does.

It is quite possible that I don't know him, but I did work for said organisation (and they're not franchised BTW) and still am in touch with a few of the (past and present) employees, some of whom are very good mates. I also lived in Gorse Hill for about 18 months and got to know some of the (uniformed, AG) lads (many of whom still are uninformed) in and around the area.

Bovine excrement, and typical of the misinformation regurgitated by the average uniformed employee.

An interesting read, and thank you for sharing your experience. It's a subject I look at from two vantage points: one, like yourself, as a consumer and the second as someone involved in the industry (as a repair and replacement service provider). It's frustrating on both counts as there is so much misleading going on; so much misinformation being spread and worst of all, most brokers/insurers/underwriters - as well as their nominated repairers - are getting away with it without being challenged. Over the quarter of a century I've been involved in the industry, I've arrived at a few conclusions. It can get quite tiring, but I will gladly converse with anyone who is facing these issues: the unwaivering insurance companies; the lying repairers; the misinformation etc. In the OP's case, there is actually a requirement BEFORE the insurance proposal is accepted: 'ICOBS 6.1.5' is a requirement: "A firm must take reasonable steps to ensure a customer is given appropriate information about a policy in good time and in a comprehensible form so that the customer can make an informed decision about the arrangements proposed". 6.1.7(2) is guidance (but usually followed) and "policy terms, including its main benefits, exclusions, limitations, conditions and its duration" should be shown. Annex 2 suggests a Policy Summary to be included (it must for a life policy), and to show :- Significant features and benefits. Significant or unusual exclusions or limitations, and cross-references to the relevant policy document provisions. They don't require the summary (i.e. not the small print) to show everything, just things that may not normally be found in comparable contracts. i.e. enough information to allow them to make a informed decision. All this should be made avaialble BEFORE inception. As a consumer, I've experienced this with my own policies, and they do not make those salient points known before you accept. Frankly speaking, who is going to read a 64 page booklet full of jargon and hard-to-understand, grammatically verbose 'terms' when there's a deal to be closed? http://www.glasstecpaul.com/motor-insurance-windscreen-cover/ MODS: it's a blog, and not a commercial link (it just helps to link rather than type it all out again).