Insurance and cracked windscreen!

[spaceman]

Hi All

Just a quick rant about RAC Windscreen and Norwich Union.

Driving along the motorway a couple of weeks back and got hit by two stonechips which left a couple of 5 inch long cracks on either side of the windscreen.

Phoned up Norwich Union (goes through direct to RAC Windsceens) and put in a claim stating that i want Original Mercedes Glass. No problem says the women; although it may take a week longer to order.

This morning i get a call from RAC telling me to get authorisation from Norwich Union because they do not fit windscreens with ''that silly little 3 pointed star on the windscreen'' without approval.

So i call Norwich Union who say the same thing. ''Sir, they've refused to carry out the claim due to the ''silly little 3 pointed star!!!!!... Why dont you just have the RAC replacement?''

IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE?? IF I DIDNT WANT THE 3 POINTED STAR I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT A FLIPPING SKODA!!!!!!:!:

 

[Blobcat]

What is the outcome?

 

[turnipsock]

It should be like for like you would think. I bet if you read your policy there will be some small print somewhere that lets them replace your MB screen with a bit of cling film or provide you with a pair of goggles.

I think I'll phone up my insurance company and tell them that my windscreen has been stolen. That'll confuse them. "I didn't notice it had gone until the rain came on and I switched on the wiper".

 

[spaceman]

I called up the RAC again and had a bit of a go at them. It is comon for them to replace like for like but they are a bit reluctant incase Norwich Union refuse to foot the whole bill.

I am expecting a call today from the RAC, Will let you know the outcome.

PS. Is the glass on the pre facelift W203 prone to cracking? I've done a few google searches and many seem to think it is.

 

[SLinKyjoe]

i had mine windscreen repaired by autoglass. my car is insured by direct line, and according to the autoglass print out, the maximum fee for windscreen replacment on my insurance policy is £9000.

this is why they can offer a proper manufacturers wisndscreen. The RAC should know better and contact your insurance and ask.

 

[nialler]

I had a bit of a strange one last week, front windscreen year 2000 S320, big chip in the centre. Needed to get a quote for the East Link Toll Bridge who's barrrier damaged the window and door spar. Anyway phoned Autoglass, window replacer to all insurance companies in Ireland and for the 320 they gave me a quote of:

€1300.00 euro he said that if I paid by (a) Cash, (b) Credit Card or (c) Cheque he'd give me a 57% discount so the price would be €540 I asked could he quote me the €1,300 he said he couldn't and I asked him to explain what other form of payment was there to get to the €1,300 figure (I presume that price goes to your insurance company, which I wasn't claiming off) he couldn't answer that question.

So it would be interesting to see what the cost to your insurance company is being quoted and would it be better for you to pay cash yourself for a genuine MB window and get your insurance company to reimburse you for the expense.

Strange but true.

 

[jberks]

PS. Is the glass on the pre facelift W203 prone to cracking? I've done a few google searches and many seem to think it is.

I don't think it's prone to cracking as such, but as with all bonded windscreens, it does form part of the car's structure so if weakened could crack more easilt than you may expect.

 

[Retired]

My car is insured with NU through the MB scheme. I needed a new screen and was offered Autoglass. I too wanted a proper MB screen and was told that was fine, take it to the dealer, have it fitted, pay the bill and then reclaim from NU. This worked well and I got my money back within a couple of weeks. I think I had to pay a £50 excess for not using Autoglass, was a couple of years ago so don't remember precisely.

 

[spaceman]

UPDATE:

After 3 weeks the windscreen has finally been replaced. This is how events unfolded:

1. Phoned Norwich Union and asked for an original windscreen replacement

2. Received a call from RAC Windscreen saying that all was fine and the repair should be completed within a week

3. No further communication from NU or RAC

4. I called RAC Windscreens who said that NU had not authorised an original mercedes windscreen.

5. Called NU who said it is up to RAC to ask for authorisation

6. Called RAC who asked me to get written authorisation from NU!!!!!

7. Called NU who said they do not do written authorisations.

8. GOT VERY ANGRY AT NU & RAC AT THIS STAGE

9. Spoke to a manager at NU and complained about the service. She said it was best i get the windscreen repaired and then claim back the cost from NU.

10. Called Autoglass who were great. Much much much better than RAC Windscreens. They dealt with the insurance company directly and constantly kept me up to date with the status of my claim.

11. Today had Autoglass come round for the repair. The standard of work is amazing.... there is no sign at all that the glass has been replaced (apart of course from the new screen !!!)

MORAL OF THE STORY: Autoglass over RAC anytime!!!!!

p.s. any idea how much recalibrating the auto wipers costs? my car is due for an A service so i'll ask the stealer then. Also, should the insurance pay for the recalibrating or does their liability stop once the new windscreen is in place?

 

[jberks]

should the insurance pay for the recalibrating or does their liability stop once the new windscreen is in place?

As its a necessary cost directly incurred in the replacement of the screen, I would expect the ins co to pick up the tab.

 

[hawk20]

Why do you have to recalibrate the wipers when you have a new screen, please? Not one I've heard of.

 

[jberks]

New to me too but I guess the ran sensor could need refocusing or something after a new screen.