Driving down M25 when "BANG!" massive stone (I presume) hits the car. Get home but can't see any damage initially. Later notice large bullet hole at bottom of screen which has subsequently turned into a 8 inch crack and is growing.

I've got normal windowscreen cover (£50.00 excess I think) but if I claim on my insurance, will this screw up my 5 years (hard earned) no claims?

Also, what are the quick fix type companies that insurers use like, any good? I doubt it, can I insist on local subaru dealer replacing screen?

Apologies for so many questions but never had this problem before and don't know what to do next.

Thanks in advance for any help

Cheers

Chris


Edited to add e-mail notification

[Edited by chris singleton - 11/11/2002 2:04:47 PM]

 

Shouldn't affect NCB ata all. If the car is an import it may take some time to get a screen to match. I've got a months wait for a rear screen...
I think that the companies used have to be approved (not sure if it is the Guild of auto glaziers or what) so they should be OK. Think thgat htey guarantee works as well so if your not happy it has to be redone.

 

You may find that your insurer has a pool of approved widscreen fitting companies and they may not pay the whole cost if you use someone who isn't on the list.

G

 

Car is U.K. so hopefully no problems with getting the screen.

Thanks for your comments

Chris

 

I had to have a windscreen on a Cat (MY97) replaced under insurance by Autoglass. The NCB is not affected by windscreen claims. The job was done pretty quickly and the finished result was quite good form the windscreen point of view, the first screen they brought was not good round the edges (chipped in transit) so they came back with another. That fitted OK but the biggest problem was the trims. The side trim has to come right off (the whole length of the car) and the fitter broke nearly all the clips (you slide it to release them not yank it off like he did). It took them a while to get more clips so I had to drive around trimless. The top trim has never fitted back well even though they got a complete new trim, I had to work pretty hard to get it flush so it doesn't vibrate at motorway speeds. Lastly, the guy scratched the roof trying to put the trim back on along the sides!

 

It may be a waste of time trying to have the screen fitted at your local Subaru dealer as they no doubt use Autowindscreens or another national company to do the job.
I recently had a replacement screen fitted by Totton windscreens near Southampton who are independant and really care about what they are doing to minimise damage to paintwork and trim.
I used Autowindsceens once on my last car and they damaged the paint under the front trim which bubbled with rust and the bill to rectify was £200!!which I ended up having to pay .
Best to use a local Windscreen specialist company who have experience in careful trim and glass removal and watch them do the job....

 

Doh, horror stories, just what I didn't want to hear

Haven't got round to doing anything yet, car is in garage feeling sorry for itself.

Will hopefully get it sorted for weekend.

Will watch work being done like an eagle as suggested.

Cheers

Chris

 

Having had extremely bad experiences with RAC windscreens I
would suggest the following:
Ring up your subara dealer and ask them who fits their windscreens.
Silver screen does the ones up here and know all about the trims
and clips on scoobies.
Also if you can make sure you get a proper subaru windscreen. They
are the same price or cheaper than the quick fit lot and they
are made to the standard as original and have the FHI logo on it
where the tax disc goes.
Alot of the quick fit lot buy windscreens from a large manufacturer
in Europe and have their own logo put on. I know RAC windscreens
have a hideous logo on theirs with really detracts.
Make sure they dont scratch the paint when taking the old screen
out - if they do they have to use a special quick drying primer,
if they dont put it on the rust will be through in a couple of
years and it is a nightmare after that.

Chris