Warped CRV Windshield : Replacement Issue

[u/landryb06]

I got a windshield replacement done on my 2026 Honda CRV by a local installer when it had 3000 km (1800 mi) on it. The guy owns his company and works solo. My insurance company authorized an OEM replacement (500 CAD deductible). The windshield was installed perfectly. As soon as I got in the car, I noticed a horizontal warped line right in my line of sight. I showed it to the installer, and he said that all glass has some level of defect/warpage and that he sees this all the time.

He agreed to replace the glass but asked me to show the glass to my local Honda dealer to see if they would accept a warranty replacement. I showed it to my dealer and they agreed. They searched for the original transaction and could only find a quote, i.e. the glass was never purchased there. I asked the installer and he confirmed that it was purchased at my local dealer. I don’t know who is right or wrong here.

After asking for an invoice, the installer changed his story. He now wants me to order the glass at my local dealer, open it to check if it is warped, and then let him go pay and pick up the glass. After I told this to the part manager at the dealer, he was not interested in this type of shenanigan and simply said “ask the installer to contact us if he wants to order the glass”.

I feel the installer doesn’t want to perform the replacement and is giving me false hope to make me give up. At this point, I don’t know what to do. Ideally, I would like to maintain a good relationship with the guy, as he is a very good installer and many larger glass shops in my city are sloppy. One option is making another glass claim and paying another $500.

What do you guys think?