Cracked windscreen. What's the best procedure to getting it replaced? Others on here have had issues

Glassman · 31 Dec 2015 at 12:36

paradigm said:
Not quite sure what any of the above has to do with the utter ineptness of the fitter, I watched him force the rear view mirror housing off the old windscreen, no amount of parts (expensive or otherwise) brought by the "technician" would have negated his ham-fistedness and "can't be bothered" attitude, which resulted in broken housings and sensors.

My insurance company, nor its smallprint have anything to do with the undertrained monkeys that get sent out, regardless of glass company.

I was generalising; didn't realise you had such a buffoon work on your car.

paradigm · 31 Dec 2015 at 12:43

But that's kind of my point. My experiences would lead me to the conclusion that 90% of the trade are "buffoons".

You have to complain many times, and then be incredibly lucky to finally receive a technician who doesn't rival a lemon slice for IQ.

Glassman · 31 Dec 2015 at 12:49

paradigm said:
But that's kind of my point. My experiences would lead me to the conclusion that 90% of the trade are "buffoons".

You have to complain many times, and then be incredibly lucky to finally receive a technician who doesn't rival a lemon slice for IQ.

I've worked the automotive glass repair and replacement industry for over a quarter of century now (11 of which have been as a business owner) and I have to agree with the estimate; nine out of 10 are dimwits.

As much as it seems harsh to label 90% as idiots, it really is about 10% of the trade that is competent. The rest are glorified tyre fitters.

The problem is that a) it is too easy to get into; any idiot can do it, and b) it's price driven. The vast majority are slitting each others throats to win the work, from corporate insurance deals all the way down to localised one man bands.

Tute · 31 Dec 2015 at 13:35

Autoglass do the repairs on mine and luckily they've been absolutely fine.

I do seem to get chips with alarming regularity though. Third windscreen in two and a half years.

Mr-White · 31 Dec 2015 at 13:42

craig_t said:
Be careful, if you go through insurance you may not loose your no claims but it WILL have to go down as you have made a claim in the last 5 years. I know a few who have been stung by this.

I'm with Admiral, they said I didn't need to mention it when I renewed my policy

MW

Glassman · 31 Dec 2015 at 13:47

Tute said:
I do seem to get chips with alarming regularity though.

First and foremost, the condition of roads in the UK are worsening, but there is also an argument on the quality of glass (aftermarket brands versus OE). The only facts available to us are the differences in manufacturing processes, and individual opinions of those who make the claim.

Tute · 1 Jan 2016 at 13:17

I did wonder about glass quality as the missus' Skoda hasn't had this many replacements in ten years.

Frozennova · 1 Jan 2016 at 13:21

Tute said:
I did wonder about glass quality as the missus' Skoda hasn't had this many replacements in ten years.

How old is your Leon vs the Skoda?

Glass is VAG cars is noticeably thinner than it was on their cars 10-15 years ago (Before any says anything I'm comparing OEM glass to OEM glass)

norm · 1 Jan 2016 at 14:55

Had great service from Autoglass. Replaced windscreen on my Mk6 Fiesta twice. First time round the guy did a great job but I later found the screen only heated up on one side. They came back on a sunday and fitted a Pilkington branded screen no quesrions asked.

Cost me £75 with Directline but I imagine the glass cost nearer £400.

Ricochet J · 1 Jan 2016 at 21:35

I'll call the insurers on Monday and request a genuine Renault part. I'm hoping the process will be smooth with no hiccups.

Frozennova · 1 Jan 2016 at 21:51

Ricochet J said:
I'll call the insurers on Monday and request a genuine Renault part. I'm hoping the process will be smooth with no hiccups.

What car and how old is it?

Most insurance companies are very difficult to get dealer glass out of.

I had a customer with a 2.5 year old A6 whose insurer flat out refused to pay for Audi glass

norm · 2 Jan 2016 at 17:26

Frozennova said:
What car and how old is it?

Most insurance companies are very difficult to get dealer glass out of.

I had a customer with a 2.5 year old A6 whose insurer flat out refused to pay for Audi glass

You might have more of a case if your glass is tinted a certain colour. Like mine is slightly green tinted, which matches the windows, if they put a non-specific make in it would look out of place.

Frozennova · 2 Jan 2016 at 17:35

norm said:
You might have more of a case if your glass is tinted a certain colour. Like mine is slightly green tinted, which matches the windows, if they put a non-specific make in it would look out of place.

99% of glass fitted in cars is green tinted. There are some odd exceptions

Bronze (Mostly Japanese Imports or classics)
Blue ( Mostly Mercedes)
Solar Reflective ( Looks purple in sunlight)
and then the odd few are clear

shadow_boxer · 2 Jan 2016 at 17:37

norm said:
Had great service from Autoglass. Replaced windscreen on my Mk6 Fiesta twice. First time round the guy did a great job but I later found the screen only heated up on one side. They came back on a sunday and fitted a Pilkington branded screen no quesrions asked.

Cost me £75 with Directline but I imagine the glass cost nearer £400.

Same. Twice had a great service from AG.

DampCat · 3 Jan 2016 at 02:33

Esure did my windscreen through autoglass, auto wipers/lights/mirror pilkington brand glass no questions asked. The rear view mirror fell off (some excuse about bonding) but they came and replaced it next day with Audi glass after barely a hint of a moan.

paradigm · 3 Jan 2016 at 10:51

Getting manufacturer branded glass is actually one of the things I've never had a problem with. Getting it fitted right was the problem.