So for the first time in my car ownership lifetime, I have a cracked windshield. Not sure how it happened, but went on a four hour trip Friday drove the car on Saturday, then when I went to go home this morning, there it was. You can see the evidence of where a rock or something hit near the passenger side edge. There is a ~10" crack from the edge of the glass horizontally inward in the center of the windshield.

I am looking for some do's and dont's including dealing with insurance and repair companies or whatever advice anyone has out there. Do I take to the dealer body shop or use one of those companies that comes to your house? I am most concerned about issues after the swap out like leaks; squeaks; rattles; etc.

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

 

Sorry to hear it, but it happens. You likely had a rock hit go unnoticed and then as temperature changes occurred, the crack spread to the point that you could see it.

Since it is not in your driver's line of sight, it likely can be repaired; usually if in your line of sight or longer than a dollar bill, it has to be replaced. Do you have glass coverage on your insurance? If you do, then just contact your insurer and tell them that you have a crack and they likely have a company that they contract with to do the repairs.

The glass company can drill the crack to stop its expansion and then fill with clear epoxy.

The insurance company will guarantee the repair and if something happens, they will likely replace.

If you have no glass coverage then call Safelite. They are mobile, they are good and a national company should be better than Billy-Bob's Broken Glass Wizards.

 

Yup, that sucks! I have a 2011 R/T and believe it or not I've had to replace the windshield twice, yes two times!!! Both from small rocks resulting in a crack across the entire windshield.

I went to NOVUS since I have a good relationship with the local one and they did a great job..... I've used mobile guys before on other vehicles but recommend taking it into a shop. Depending on your insurance deductible, you need to decide whats more advantageous.

I avoid the dealership at all costs (when at all possible)! Prices are fricken RIDICULOUS!!! On something like a windshield, go elsewhere. Not even sure dealers have them but I don't care if they did. The cheap coffee in the waiting room is not worth it to me IMO.....

 

I just had a new windshield installed on my D last week! Small rock kicked up by a truck on the freeway left a divot and 1/2" crack. West Bend Mutual insurance. They sent out a glass repair company (Abra of Madison WI) which tried doing the filler first. That fixed the divot but not the crack. I called the insurance company and told them I was not happy with the repair, so they had the same company come out and replace it. It's not Mopar OEM glass, or at least the ID tag on the glass is not exactly the same. But they did a fine job and everything is just like new. Both times the glass company came and did the repair in my employer's parking lot. Chip repair was free and windshield replace was $100 deductible. If I had to pay cash I think it would have been around $350.

I would not worry about leaks and such. That's more of a problem with old vehicles that have rust around the window seal. I would think with a crack of 10" on such a new vehicle you want a new windshield. Based on the first repair attempt, I can't imagine they can fix that. Plus, the glass is actually part of the structural integrity of the roof, you don't want to mess with that.

 

Sorry to hear bro!

 

i always use safelite auto glass - no issues with any of the replacement windshields on 3 different vehicles

they will come to your job or house and take care or it

depends on your insurance policy & deductible if you need to pay out of pocket or not, and If you have glass coverage or not

 

It's covered under comp insurance, unless it's covered in another area of your insurance (mn had free glass with full coverage) Windows are around 300 so take that into consideration before claiming it on your insurance. Ive had 4 or 5 Windows replaced in the last 12 years, no problems with any of them, just bad luck with rocks (all but 2 on different vehicles) get it fixed asap as it is a structural part of your vehicle. I haven't had any issues with leaks and safelite warrantys their work for life (if I remember that brochure right)

 

Also ask for a mopar windshield. The glass company will typically use a cheaper glass supplier unless genuine parts are requested. It will be no additional cost to you. It's just another way insurance company's try to save money.

 

Thanks for all the input guys!! Getting ready to talk with my agent. I will let you know how it goes.

 

I work for an insurance company and have used Safelite many times without any complaints. I'd suggest filing the claim unless you have a higher deductible then it's probably not worth it. If you file the claim, usually you will get the insurance company cost and that can save you a few $$.