replacing windscreen .. Dealer? or RAC auto

[conman]

Hi
This is my first windscreen claim and i am completely noob about this. I wonder if i could get some advice from the experts here.

I have a large crack (about 10 iches long line) on the driver side. I need to replace the screen. I am insured with Mercesbenz Insurance. After i gave them a call, they put me to RAC auto windscreen.

1. I wonder if it is possible to get the screen change with the dealer in my area rather than RAC.

2. Does it matter if RAC or the dealer change the screen? it is the same factory screen?

As far as i know i have to pay 50 pounds access to RAC for the job.

please advice

 

[Blobcat]

Hi & Welcome,

As long as you get a genuine screen you should be ok. There have been issues with screen replacement. Pls have a search on the forum

Here's one http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=11551

 

[mioba]

i dont think it really matters who chhnages the windscreen, as long as its genuine MB screen. also if you have auto wipers, or UV glass make sure they fit the correct screen

 

[Benz-Lover]

yea its been sead allready but ill agree....Merc or RAC...who gives a $hit who does it just aslong as its a MB sereen

 

[stumpy]

I made a mistake years ago with my BMW. I agreed verbally with my insurer that I could get BMW to do it at a service, so BMW sent the insurer the bill and they refused to pay it. Only Autoglass were allowed to replace screens. So I had to pay the 400 quid for the new screen.

Standards of RAC fitter do vary so search for a good one, and ask for a MB screen, don't assume you will get one.

 

[jberks]

id have rac do in preference. Question: How many screens have the RAC done against how many has the dealer done? - always go with experience.

Anyway, it wouldn't surprise me if the dealer didn't simply call in the RAC. Few dealers have a bodyshop so they normally farm out this kind of work.

Whoever does it, as above, ensure the ins co is happy to foot the bill before you start. Also, assuming the rac are doing it, do you have a rain sensor?
If so, speak to the rac before they do the job as this may need calibrating by the dealer, in which case, arrange for it to be done at the dealer or have the dealer arrange everything with your ins co.

 

[conman]

Thanks for the advice
After read through the link and replies above
I now conclude that it should be ok with RAC autowindscreen
as long as these are done

1. genuien MB windscreen
2. got all the sensors
3. wiper calibration
4. the insert seal might be replaced

let me know if there is anything i miss

 

[M6AJJ]

Quote from a much earlier post

Insurance would only cover fitting by approved agents, Autowindscreen or RAC, when I mentioned that neither could carry out the recalibration of the wipers it was agreed that if this had to be done by the dealer, bill would be paid by insurance.

Back to the dealer who came up with the solution, leave the car with them for the day, RAC would fit the screen on their premises, they would check and carry out recalibration etc.

Result: New MB original windscreen, fitted and all working correctly including wipers etc, and all I had to pay was the £50 excess with no loss of NCD.

When I went to collect and fill in the paperwork, dealer told me that the fitter was there on a weekly basis and fitted nearly all their windscreens.

In other words had I opted for the original scenario and had it fitted by the dealer, the same man would have been called out to do the fitting, but I would have had a bill for £600 plus pounds minus £100.

I hope this experience helps someone else!
__________________
Conclusion, talk to the dealer, and RAC/Autoglass and I am sure you will come up with a satisfactory conclusion.
Good Luck!

 

[carabind]

On a Peugeot a few years ago, I had the RAC replace the screen. Though it had the tabs for the rain sensor, one came away after a few months. The Peugeot dealer insisted on a new windscreen to rectify, as they reckoned the RAC one was "suprious" - their words, not mine .

As mentioned already, MB probably call in a specialist to fit these - as long as it's a pukka MB screen, you'll be OK

 

[conman]

thanks for all the replies
Now here is the update...

The insurance company agrees that i could get my windscreen replace at my local MB dealer (640.40 quids). Because their RAC auto can not do the wiper calibration.
However, i have to pay to the dealer first and claim the expense back from the insurance company.

Is there anything i should be aware of?
For example
1. Time of the claim( how long would i get my money back)
2. The claim limitation (the insurance company only pay up to XXX)

any advice will do as i am so new to this.

 

[Blobcat]

ask them to confirm in writing would be my first caveat

 

[television]

Thanks for the advice
After read through the link and replies above
I now conclude that it should be ok with RAC autowindscreen
as long as these are done

1. genuien MB windscreen
2. got all the sensors
3. wiper calibration
4. the insert seal might be replaced

let me know if there is anything i miss

5. send a good guy who knows what he is doing and respects MB

Malcolm

 

[conman]

5. send a good guy who knows what he is doing and respects MB

Malcolm

thanks for the advice malcolm, i agree to get the work done with the stealer... and claim the expense back from the MB insurance.

 

[television]

thanks for the advice malcolm, i agree to get the work done with the stealer... and claim the expense back from the MB insurance.

Good, that way you do have some redress should things not go 100%


malcolm

 

[stumpy]

Get it in writing from your ins company! Not that I don't trust them of course............

 

[OlafMaxwell]

had the screen replaced by the dealer....who called in a specialist....who fitted the MB screen which the dealer supplied to him....sent the insurance co the bill and they gave me a cheque pronto. the screen was fitted as part of the service but the insurer paid the full cost, no excess.

But...check the screen is fully and properly bedded, including the loose inserts which go well down behind the front wings...otherwise you will get wind noise that was not there before.
__________________

 

[conman]

I talk to my insurance company and they seem to be happy about the work done by the stealer. The advisor seems to be really nice and confirm me that there should be on problem about claiming back the expense.

They advice me to send the invoice and policy number after the work has done. Unfortunely, they can not garrantee the time of claiming back to expense.

If i would like to request the writting from insurance company what shall i ask for besides the following
1. They agree that work is done by the dealer
2. They will give me back the expense (minus the excess)

 

[Shambolic]

I talk to my insurance company and they seem to be happy about the work done by the stealer. The advisor seems to be really nice and confirm me that there should be on problem about claiming back the expense.
Hope above is a typo
They advice me to send the invoice and policy number after the work has done. Unfortunely, they can not garrantee the time of claiming back to expense.

If i would like to request the writting from insurance company what shall i ask for besides the following
1. They agree that work is done by the dealer
2. They will give me back the expense (minus the excess)

Had mine replaced recently and Mercedes actually use the local autoglass to do the repair!!!
had it replaced drove out the garage and noticed the new screen was flawed. Had to get it re-replaced a week later and now when lights are on auto setting they are on all the time even in bright sunshine. I take it they have caused a sensor problem???
I havent been able to take it to dealer to ask about sensor ( I presume i shouldnt mention the replacement screen )
Would the dealer cover this or is it back to autoglass??
It is no major biggie at the moment as I just turn them right off during the day!!!:roll: :roll:

 

[conman]

Shambolic
thanks for the info.

My stealer will also arrange that the glass will be replaced by another supplier as well. However, since the dealer arrange everything, the dealer should be responsible for any errors or quality of work because it was the deal who get payment from the customer.

I will ask my dealer about the procedure and who would supply the windscreen later once i bring my car there.

For you case shambolic, i would bring the car back to dealer and have them fix your sensor problem, (IMO)it is their reposibility to you (they will have to take it with autoglass by themself on you behalf).

 

[Shambolic]

I had approache Merc to ask them to repair it and they advised me they used autoglass (as does my insurance (£60)) so I just took it straight to autoglass Mb had nothing to do with it but i will take it to dealer anyway to find out if sensor fault or windscreen repairer fault!!!