Original specifications carry more weight.
Major automakers have published increasingly specific windshield-replacement and OEM-glass positions.
For Auto Glass Professionals
Turn Windshield Replacement Into OEM Windshield Preservation™
Modern windshields are becoming more expensive, more technologically integrated and more closely governed by OEM procedures. Add a professionally installed exterior protection system that helps customers preserve sound original glass and helps protect the replacement glass your shop has already installed.
A complementary service for professional auto-glass repair and replacement businesses.
The industry has changed
The windshield is no longer just glass.
A modern windshield can be an optical, structural and technology-dependent vehicle component. Replacement may involve cameras, sensors, diagnostic scans, calibration, exact glass specifications, documentation and customer downtime. Requirements are vehicle-specific and must be confirmed through current OEM documentation.
The transaction asks for more.
Glass programs are placing greater emphasis on documentation, scans, images, authorizations and program compliance.
Time and coordination matter.
Replacement work can carry added administrative burden, calibration coordination and margin pressure.
Industry update
Effective September 1, 2026
State Farm’s 2026 agreement makes prevention more relevant.
The Independent Glass Association has alerted shops to State Farm’s new Offer & Acceptance Agreement effective September 1, 2026. The IGA reports that the agreement continues pre- and post-work scan and vehicle-image requirements while not establishing separate compensation to glass shops for performing those scans. For independent shops, the broader message is clear: windshield replacement is becoming a more documentation-intensive and operationally demanding transaction.
Impact Defense does not replace proper repair, replacement, scanning or calibration. It gives shops a preventive service to offer before another replacement event becomes necessary.
State Farm Auto Glass B2B information ↗OEM context
Automakers are strengthening the case for preserving original glass.
General Motors
GM’s updated position prohibits aftermarket or non-GM OE windshields and identifies potential material, dimensional and optical differences that may affect GM vehicles and ADAS.
View GM source ↗Volvo
Volvo states that replacement should use Volvo Genuine windshields and installation materials to preserve structural performance and windshield-dependent safety systems.
View Volvo source ↗Ford and Lincoln
Ford and Lincoln position statements emphasize OEM glass, diagnostic procedures and ADAS recalibration following applicable windshield replacement work.
View Ford and Lincoln sources ↗When automakers place this much importance on the windshield, helping customers preserve sound original glass becomes a logical professional service.
A complementary service
Add protection without walking away from your core business.
Impact Defense gives your shop another reason to remain connected to the customer after the glass work is complete. It can be presented with a new windshield, during a follow-up inspection or to customers who want to preserve undamaged original factory glass.
- 1Repair
Repair appropriate damage according to accepted professional standards.
- 2Replace
Install the correct glass and complete vehicle-specific procedures when replacement is necessary.
- 3Protect
After confirming that the glass is sound and compatible, offer Impact Defense as an exterior protective layer.
Why it fits
A new revenue category built around expertise you already have.
- Complementary revenue without abandoning repair or replacement
- Differentiation beyond insurance-program pricing
- A preventive option for customers who value OEM glass
- Professional exterior installation, with no heat shrinking required
- No interior slip-solution exposure
- CLEAR, IR and Charcoal options for appropriate applications
- Training, installation support and warranty-registration workflow
- Regional distributor support where established
- A customer follow-up and film-inspection opportunity
Product overview
Protection designed for professional exterior installation.
Exterior-applied windshield protection system
8-mil single-ply construction
Proprietary Memory Polymer Technology™
Heat-activated self-healing surface
Hydrophobic exterior surface
Designed for optical clarity
CLEAR, IR and Charcoal Series options
Professional installation required
Coverage that stays in its lane.
Lifetime Limited Warranty for qualifying film defects, plus a Three-Year No-Fault benefit that provides up to a $250 credit toward replacement Impact Defense film under the applicable terms.
Neither coverage applies to the windshield, vehicle damage, insurance deductible or other losses.
Select Glass experience
A real complementary auto-glass service experience.
Select Glass has offered Impact Defense alongside its auto-glass services for approximately two years, including protection for newly installed and replacement windshields. The existing customer-experience video documents an RV and Jeep owner’s reported gravel-road experience, including more than 200 reported gravel impacts.
This is a customer-reported experience, not controlled laboratory testing or a guarantee of future results.
Watch the Customer Experience →
Industry perspective
The Windshield Is No Longer Just Glass
Michael Tortorella, National Director of Dealer Development, Impact Defense USA, authored “The Windshield Is No Longer Just Glass: Why Dealerships Should Consider Preservation Before Replacement Becomes Necessary,” published by Digital Dealer on August 27, 2026.
As windshields become more deeply integrated with vehicle technology, preservation deserves a place alongside proper repair and replacement. The goal is not to overstate what protection can do, it is to recognize the operational, technological and customer-experience value of keeping sound factory glass in service when possible.
Read the full article on Digital Dealer ↗Authorized shops
A professional program, not just a roll of film.
Product and application training
Installation guidance
Sales and customer-education materials
Access to approved brand assets
Warranty-registration support
Distributor and technical-support routing
Potential customer-lead referrals based on service area and verified authorization
Inclusion in the authorized installer system when the shop remains active and verified
Authorized dealer and installer program
Make preservation the service customers hear about before the next crack.
If your company professionally repairs or replaces automotive glass, Impact Defense can help you add a focused exterior-glass protection category that complements the work you already perform.
Frequently asked questions
Does Impact Defense replace windshield repair or replacement?
No. Repair and replacement remain essential professional services. Impact Defense is a preventive exterior protection option for sound, compatible original or replacement glass.
Can Impact Defense be installed after a windshield replacement?
Yes, after the replacement glass is confirmed sound and compatible. Your shop should complete the correct vehicle-specific procedures before discussing protection.
Does Impact Defense eliminate ADAS calibration?
No. Calibration requirements are vehicle-specific and must be confirmed through current OEM documentation and the applicable repair procedure.
Is Impact Defense approved by every automaker?
No. Impact Defense does not claim approval by every automaker. Compatibility should be confirmed for the specific vehicle and application.
Does the film guarantee that a windshield will not crack?
No. It does not make glass indestructible or guarantee against chips, cracks, breakage, exposed-edge impacts or replacement.
Which Impact Defense series can an auto-glass shop offer?
CLEAR, IR and Charcoal Series options may be offered for appropriate applications. The right option depends on the vehicle, glass, local requirements and customer needs.
What training and support are available?
Authorized shops receive product and application training, installation guidance, customer-education materials, warranty-registration support and technical-support routing.
How are warranty registrations handled?
Authorized shops follow the warranty-registration workflow with the installation details, selected product and customer record required for qualifying coverage.
How does a shop become listed as an authorized installer?
A shop applies, completes the applicable authorization steps and remains active and verified in the authorized installer system.
Can Impact Defense route customers to our shop?
Potential customer-lead referrals may be available based on service area and verified authorization. Referrals are not guaranteed.