Several years ago I had a small chip on my car windshield. I repaired it with a do-it-yourself kit from the car parts store. The job was easy to do, but a bit of a hassle. That windshield bit the dust, and the current windshield has been in place for three years. Two weeks ago I noticed a chip on the passenger side with cracks radiating out from the center. From one edge to the other it was about two inches long. I thought that would be too big to repair, so I called my insurance company about having the windshield replaced again.
The insurance company uses a "preferred" provider for auto glass, so I got transferred to that office. Much to my surprise they told me I could have the chip repaired, and set an appointment for this afternoon. At 2:00 the doorbell rang and the technician introduced herself. I showed her the windshield imperfection, and she verified she could indeed take care of it. It would take her about 30 minutes to do the job.
It actually took closer to 20 minutes. She cleaned the windshield, then injected resin into the chip and set an ultra-violet light on top of the area to cure the resin. While it was curing she cleaned the exterior of the rest of the windows and vacuumed the front seat carpet of the car (which was a nice touch). Before I knew it she was knocking at the door again with my paperwork. Unlike my do-it-yourself job this one has a warranty. She showed me her work and I was amazed. All that was left of the chip was two pinhead sized dots. The rest had disappeared.
The best part? My insurance company waived the deductible because I had the windshield repaired instead of replaced.
Five years ago today: Jammies
Good to have the job done, with a warranty. Little crack become big in no time.
ReplyDeleteYes, little cracks can grow very quickly.
DeleteI've seen this done in tv commercials...it's amazing! The Mister had a rock his windshield yesterday....and got a chip!
ReplyDeleteMaybe YOU'LL be writing a post about windshield repair soon :-)
Deleteinteresting solution, I thought they had to replace the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it's cheaper for the insurance company to repair rather than replace
DeleteWhat? Oh how I wish I had done a similar thing when I first noticed that "bug" on my windshield several years ago. Bug turned out to be a chip which spread in the hot sun. Happily it stopped growing. But then we went through an automated car wash. Emerged with a longer hooked tail jobby that is now about 8" long. Must get it replaced. Thanks for the nudge. And the headsup that I simply call my insurance co. next time ... Glad your worked out so nicely!
ReplyDeleteYour experience sounds like mine last time I had the windshield replaced. Small chip with cold weather on outside of glass and heater on inside of glass turned into a crack that stretched almost all the way across.
DeleteTerry has had this done for his windshield, a number of years ago, and it's still just fine. We have AAAinsurance and they use Safelite. They come to your home and do all the work and there is no cost.
ReplyDeleteGood to know, since the same company did mine,
DeleteAmazing! Those windshield dings can happen so easily and lead to real trouble if not tended to. I love that the insurance company covered the cost!
ReplyDeleteYes, the whole experience was a win-win
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