[rgilkes]

Hey guys,

I was driving on 85N tonight and a rock (I think) came off the top of a truck and hit my windshield. The crack is about 4in in diameter, but I'm 98% sure the windshield has to be replaced and won't be repairable. Had a few questions on that:

1. Should I file a claim with my insurance? Or just pay out of pocket to have a shop replace it?
2. If I file a claim, will my insurance go up?
3. Should I get it done through the dealership, Safelite or another shop in the area? (shop suggestions)
4. What am I looking at paying?

Thanks for the help!

[rgilkes]

Anyone?

[bavaddict]

I am in the same situation....subscribed..

[ans1215]

if your deductible is 500 or less go through insurance, safelite carries the same glass just without the logo but the installation materials are not as good as the dealer, and the quality of work really depends on if you were lucky enough to get one of their good techs. the urethane used at the dealer is designed specifically for the amount of energy the chassis aborbs during impact, the safelite stuff is universal and not much better than the cheap stuff used on a $12k econobox. your insurance company will battle with you over paying the dealer prices but if you have it in you to spend the time to argue back they will eventually cave in. safelite does not remove the interior a-pillars or the cowl panel, they work around it and ive seen the a-pillars get dirty or messed up during install and windnoise from not removing the cowl out of the way. to be more specific, safelite will apply the urethane and then slide the glass under the cowl panel into place, this smudges the urethane and if there is an air bubble in the urethane it can create a small opening causing windnoise. the dealer will apply the urethane and set the glass directly down into its final resting place. insurance should not go up as this falls under your comprehensive coverage and not collision. a safelite job runs around 600-700. depending on the options the car has the dealer job runs a thousand more. good luck

[The Bowler]

Call your Insurance Agent and ask about the coverage and chance of increased rates. Every Insurance company is different. They will probably call someone in underwriting to make sure.

I just had my windshield replaced a few months ago at United BMW in Gwinnett. Their quote was about $1,200 and it was BMW glass. They contracted Safelite to do the work at the dealership, probably for the reasons listed by ans1215. They did a good job with the work. Had to get a loaner for the day.

Good luck.

[kinze]

If you have a low deductible run it thru your insurance, and I'm pretty sure your rate won't go up in the future but just to make sure call them!

[JNic335i]

I was an insurance agent. this would fall as a Comp claim and it will not move your rate. Call your agent.

[guribeng1]

I paid $500 deductible to replace my windshield, but I regret. It only cost $600-700 for replacement.