After only 200 miles, my 2011 XF had a rock hit the windshield which has caused a crack that's about a foot long.

The dealer is telling me that it will be >$1,000 to replace the heated windshield with rain sensor while local windshield replacement places in Houston are quoting $295 to $500.

What would you do>

Appreciate the help!

 

I'd make sure that the windshield place is giving you a top quality screen (all screens are not equal) and go there.
I doubt that the dealer will actually do the job themselves. Cut out the middle man.

 

Rain sensor is in the rear view mirror mounting plate, not the windshield itself.

Heated windshield is v expensive because the internal plastic lamination layer has all those heater wires embedded in it.

Whether a heated windshield is useful in Houston I can't say. Up here in Canada I like this feature.

Those cheaper prices cannot be for a good quality heated windshield.

 

If it were my car, with only 200 miles on it, I'd go with a factory replacement, but deal with the installer directly. As noted above, most dealers farm out windshield work.

Also, most comprehensive insurance policies have glass coverage. You have to decide for yourself, however, if it's worth making the claim.

Also, make sure you get any tech service bulletins and that they are followed for the installation. For example, 1997-2003 BMW 5 series windshields have a special procedure using tension and spacer blocks to install windshields. While they can just be glued in place w/o following that protocol and still not leak, you will get excessive wind noise.

XFs are carefully engineered to be very quiet at highway speeds, so you definitely want the windshield installed correctly.

 

There's no downside to making the insurance claim. I have replaced several windshields via insurance with no problem. The only benefit of going with a insurance recommended service facility is that the carrier will waive the deductible and guarantee the installation for the life of your ownership of the vehicle. And the carrier will be responsive to any subsequent complaints. At least that has been my experience with Farmers Ins. with claims in Los Angeles. And a windshield replacement service will use OEM windshields upon request. I would definitely insist on that.

 

Good advice, but I suggest you check your policy, as they all vary somewhat. You don't want any nasty surprises.