Windscreen Chip = Fix/Replacement?

Viper² · 30 Mar 2013 at 20:46

My screen got chipped back in November and I chose a full replacement instead of "fixing" (filling) it. The cost was an £80 excess fee (rather than £25 for the fix). The windscreen company (Auto Windscreen) tried their best, the rubber seal around the screen kept coming off and it took them another 3 trips and a second new screen to sort it but I wasn't charged and they were apologetic.

Now my screen has another chip (quite small), I'm in two minds whether to go for the new screen again (if it's offered) or to just fill it in and save the hassle. It's on the passenger side so not really in my eye line.

Anyone had a similar issue?

Engram · 30 Mar 2013 at 21:04

Why would you not fill it? It's usually free (your insurance company will pay for it).

Iamzod · 30 Mar 2013 at 22:29

Had a chip on my screen filled on the passenger side, it wasn't a small one either but it's now almost invisible.

Viper² · 30 Mar 2013 at 23:08

Engram said:
Why would you not fill it? It's usually free (your insurance company will pay for it).

It was £25 to fill it and the guy from the windscreen company said it'd look exactly the same, the filler would just stop the screen from cracking. The car is in perfect condition and I didn't want any visible damage to the windscreen so I got the whole thing replaced.

Theophany · 30 Mar 2013 at 23:16

How much does it cost outright to get these kinds of chips filled out? If you don't involve your insurance company at all, that is.

Marvin · 31 Mar 2013 at 00:37

Theophany said:
How much does it cost outright to get these kinds of chips filled out? If you don't involve your insurance company at all, that is.

When I looked into it, Autoglass charged in the region of £80 for a chip repair. The problem for me is that Elephant etc don't buy into the "free" repairs, and charge ~£30 excess.