Windshield replacement

[Pete Masterson]

Glass is covered under most vehicle policies as "comprehensive" -- it does not count against you as a collision. In normal circumstances, it won't affect your rates. For example, one year I had 3 broken windshields on my automobile -- truly bad luck -- and there was no common pattern -- rock from truck on freeway, rock tossed out of a water-filled (it was raining) pot hole by an oncoming automobile, bolt that fell from a construction site and bounced into my car... With the third incident within 12 months, I did get a call from the insurance adjuster (to determine if there was something that put my car at unusual risk) but after the conversation, they just chalked it up to "random chance."

It's interesting to note that I've now had 4 or 5 cars (between my wife and self) since that bad year, 25 years ago, with nary a significant chip in any glass.

Last year, I did get a chip in the windshield on my coach -- but it was repaired and it's quite difficult to even find it, now. So, smaller (and even some moderate size) cracks are often easily fixed. If you decide to try a do it yourself repair, keep in mind that the kits tend to work best with the sharply raked windshield on an auto. The near-vertical bus glass makes it hard to let gravity help, as some of the kits require. (Read the instructions carefully and look at the included tools.

Again, the commercial glass shops usually have professional repair machines that don't have the limitations of the auto-store kits -- fixing a crack is much less expensive than replacing the glass -- and insurance companies will pay the charge and, if paying for a repair, many will even waive any deductible.

Pete Masterson

(former) '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Nov 23, 2009, at 2:37 PM, Bluebird Bob wrote:

I can't help on finding a replacement, but have other info that may help others in the future.

I own a bird, I drive a big truck, and yes, it is a gravel truck. Yes, sometimes rocks fall of the gravel hauler and sometimes it comes up from the road, either way, here is what you do, if possible. Even if it isn't a gravel truck, do the same.

If you run with a cb, then tell them on the radio about the incident. He may or may not answer. If they do answer (in a polite way) ask if he would pull over and offer his insurance info. Most likely the answer will be NO. DOT regs says he has to post certain info on the truck, they actually say it is located on the door, but truckers put this everywhere on the truck. Look for TXDOT (or USDOT if out of state) numbers and they will be on the truck. The name of the trucking company and city should be posted. Get any or all tag numbers. On big trucks (Semi Trailers) the truck (Tractor) tag is only on the front, but you should be able to get the trailer tag number. Get ALL this info and also make note of the date and time, and exactly where it happened, hwy#, mile post#, exit#, or the mileage to the next city. The hard part is going to be "getting" the info off the truck. If he is "hauling ass", you may not be able to get beside him. But safely try to get this info.

You can go online (I don't have the link handy) and look up the TXDOT number and it will provide you the name, address, and their insurance company. The insurance company info is what you want. You call them and file a claim and most likely they will pay for your damage. If you have the date/time, where's, how's, and truck info, they won't argue with you much, just pay.

I know this didn't replace your windshield, but maybe next time you can get the insurance to pay.

Glenn

I tried this when a gravel truck dropped gravel and cracked my new car's windshield.
Got the name of the company,called them and was told "That's your insurance company's problem. It falls under "Road Hazard" and a normal part of driving.
Paid for the windshield myself instead of filing a claim.

Bob Lawrence
84 PT36
Skidaway Island State Park, Ga.