Windscreen Chips!

[dchuraman]

Ive never had a stone hit my car windows before, that i can remember, but ive had 2 in the space of 2 weeks inthe roc. First one wasnt too bad, autoglass guy said it was just a scuff that didnt need repairing, but the one today has put a massive chip nearly all the way through the glass, right in the line of vision. Looks like a replacement job which is annoying.
Anyone have any idea what sort of cost that is, if i dont go through the insurance? I think my excess is higher that the cost of the replacement but not sure

[JaseW]

That's really bad luck.. I dont know what a new screen costs, but I would estimate no less than £300 based upon parts these days.

On a slightly different note, is your unfortunate experience a one off, or highlighting a possible issue with the Roc in general I wonder?

As strange as it sounds, My runabout MK3 GTI has a perfect screen, no marks or chips, and it's the original. The cars done 117000 mile now, but my previous 3-series (55 plate company car) had a few marks and scratches from almost new. Does this imply that they 'don't make em like they used to...' just a thought!

[iAmbu]

A new windscreen through your insurance (I presume you have fully comp insurance) should cost you an excess of around £60-£80, through AutoGlass or RAC AutoWindscreens (whoever your insurance uses I guess).

I had a screen replaced last year when it was smashed due to vandalism, cost £80 I think, certainly no more.

I think you can get the screen replaced by who you like, and claim reimbursement, but only up to £80 or so. RAC replaced mine, very quick and professional job.

[rehmondo]

I had a small nick a few weeks ago luckily since then nothing else has hit me. I would put it through the insurance as well, as a replacement windscreen shouldn't affect your premium.

I found when I spoke with Autoglass, I submitted a form online within 2 minutes my mobile was ringing, so I'd call them for a quote and advice on how to proceed with a replacement windscreen.

Are you sure it’s something that can't be filled? - Again speak to Autoglass about it.

[adamj]

I can't see it being a problem with the Scirocco screen, just one of those unfortunate things.

Just like the 3 stone chips I have picked up on my bonnet

I have had one screen replaced on a previous car which was ok and cost £60 excess.

I managed to smash the screen on my Dads 5 Series a couple of weeks ago swapping the gear stick to the one from my Z4 before I traded it for the Scirocco cost £80 on my Dads excess (naturally I paid) and the replacement job was perfect.

[albertz33]

Just like the 3 stone chips I have picked up on my bonnet
.

Are you going to get them repaired? the reason i ask is i have my Mk 5 GTI for sale, but there are quite alot of stonechips on the bonnet, is it easy / expensive to respray body panels?

[adamj]

Just like the 3 stone chips I have picked up on my bonnet
.

Are you going to get them repaired? the reason i ask is i have my Mk 5 GTI for sale, but there are quite alot of stonechips on the bonnet, is it easy / expensive to respray body panels?

No not at the moment, I will ony pick up more!

I have touched them in and polished the "touch in blob" down so only the chip is filled with paint. Not great but looks ok.

When I have a load I will look to get the bonnet resprayed. I've seen very bad results from company's like chips away.

I had the whole side of my Honda Accord resprayed by an excellent loacal body shop for £450 so I can't see the bonnet being too bad.

[dchuraman]

Hi guys, thanks for the replys. As for it being filled, it may be possible, but looking at it and using the autoglass online tool, they suggest it will probably have to be replaced. I will ring up insurance and find out what it will cost. My insurance excess is fairly high, so are you saying that the glass replacement excess is usually lower than your full excess?
Thanks

[martdy]

Usually between 60 - 80 quid as long as you use the company your insurance recommends

[adamj]

Just to add, I have also had screenchips repaired, all they do is fill them and they look rubbish!

I'd go for the new screen option.

[iroc]

My insurance excess is fairly high, so are you saying that the glass replacement excess is usually lower than your full excess?
Thanks

Just check your insurance schedule and it will tell you the windscreen excess. {this doesn't affect you NCB} It should also say somewhere which company they recommend.