Your Rights: How to Demand OEM Glass Under SB 1429

Know your rights Austin Windshields

New Texas laws protect the safety and value of your vehicle.

As of January 1, 2026, Texas Senate Bill 1429 has changed the landscape for windshield replacements in Austin. For years, insurance companies often pushed for the cheapest possible aftermarket glass to save on costs. Now, the law stands on the side of the consumer, particularly for those driving newer vehicles.

At Austin Windshields, we believe you should never have to compromise on the structural integrity of your vehicle. Here is how the new insurance law works for you.

What is SB 1429?

Senate Bill 1429 was designed to ensure that modern vehicles are repaired using parts that meet the original manufacturer specifications. This is especially vital for vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Under this law, if your vehicle is 36 months old or newer, insurance providers are generally required to authorize Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass. They cannot force you to accept “Like Kind and Quality” (LKQ) or aftermarket alternatives without meeting very specific legal hurdles. Sometimes, in fact more often than not aftermarket is perfectly fine like when we also use good quality OEE (Original Equipment Equivalent) there is no problem but on some vehicles OEM is the only correct choice.

The Disclosure Requirement

If an insurance company wants to use a non-OEM windshield on a vehicle covered by this law, they must provide a written disclosure to you. This document must be in at least 12 point font and explicitly state that the part is not from the original manufacturer. You must sign this disclosure before the work begins. Without your signed consent, they must provide the OEM glass.

Why OEM Glass Matters for 2026 Safety

The windshield is no longer just a piece of glass; it is a critical safety component.