So i sustained about a dime sized chip/crack from a rock on the front wind shield. The car is leased and I have about 27 more months left. I obviously have insurance and a $500 deductible. I called jag and asked their opinion of what I should do, waiting to hear back. I have an appt with safe lite in the next couple days. Should I patch it? replace it with safe lite? Use insurance and go through jag and a body shop? Just wanted peoples opinions.

Personally i figure if i replace it and pay 500 (assuming the actual cost is more than 500), then this **** happens again in another year, down another 500 and so on. Maybe just the patch for now?? I have a panoramic roof if that matter. Thanks.

 

Most insurance companies have a much lower deductible on windshield repair, usually $100 or less. The good ones contract with Safelite. I would trust them far more than any body shop or dealer. In fact, many dealers send out their windshield replacement work because it is so specialized. Safelite will actually come to your location and use some fairly impressive equipment to do the work. For a dime sized chip that is not in the driver's line of sight, they will repair it within minutes and your insurance company will likely wave any deductible. If it is in the line of sight or the crack is larger than a dollar bill, the windshield will need to be replaced. Get it fixed TODAY. If the car goes over a bump or goes through a substantial change in temperature overnight, the crack will travel instantaneously. Call your insurance company first. These claims do not affect your insurance rate.

 

I have sold and traded cars with a Safelite minor repair and there was never any concern, although I never turned in a lease with that. My last trade had a repair and you really had to look hard to find it. I agree, get it repaired right away. Oh, and my insurance company, USAA, used to be great, not so much now. They do not waive the deductible but Safelite offers a "discounted" price if you insure with USAA.
Larry

 

yeah i guess the biggest thing is if its acceptable to turn it in after my lease expires (if its only repaired). If its not i'd rather just pay for the full replacement now, as opposed to having to do it later and wasting whatever money i would now having it "repaired" instead of replaced. Called my dealer and they gave me a companys number that does it usually for no cost through insurance, so we'll see.

 

One thing I learned a while back when it comes to glass is ask the repair people for two numbers- cost using insurance and cost if you pay it out of pocket. As with medical care, there are often two very different numbers.

 

My insurance has specific provisions for glass. The deductible is lower and if a repair is possible, I'm zero out of pocket.

I got some rock damage I thought too big to repair but the technician said it was possible and attempted it, at no charge to me. Later (maybe a month?) it cracked from that point across to the two nearest edges and my insurance company added it to the same incident and I was only out my $200 deductible.

Replacement will be well over your $500 deductible. I think the total was about $1200 for mine.

EDIT: The repair cost is usually low enough it'd be worth the attempt. I think the times I've paid out of pocket it was under $100. I got a kit to do it myself after the last chip repair because it looked easy and I had an old car that needed it. It is easy if you have a quality kit and work carefully. I think the one I liked is Rain-X, and is good for multiple repairs. I tried a different one and didn't like it.

 

Get it done. Safelite is great.

 

I would personally pay for the quick repair myself and never even mention it to the insurance. The reason is that I had a very minor chip fixed from safelite for something like $75 total with insurance paying for it thinking it didn't matter. About 6 months later when I went to renew my insurance they stated that I had filed a "CLAIM" and wanted $250 more a year on the policy. I tried to point out that was not logical. Why would I pay $250/year more for a $75 one-time repair and I got nowhere with those Idiots. This is the very definition of insanity so I went to a different insurance company... obviously.

 

Checked my records when mine was replaced: My glass deductible was $100 and the Safelite bill was $1484.

I think the last time I paid for a chip repair myself it was about $70. I agree with ndabunka. I'd just get it fixed on your own. If the chip is repairable and they do a good job, it's virtually undetectable.

 

Called Jag and they gave me a number of someone they used. Came to my house and repaired it in about 30 min. You can still see the crack a little bit but its ok. It will cost me nothing with my insurance. I'll have to check with my insurance (geico) to check up on any special deductible specifically for glass. If its only $100 or so for a replacement, i think i may end up doing that later.

 

It's understandable to feel uncertain about how to proceed with the windshield damage on your leased car. If you are looking for a cost-effective option that can potentially save you money in the long run, you may want to consider repairing the windshield using a professional windshield repair kit. Crack Eraser's windshield repair professional kit is designed to repair chips and cracks in a fast and effective manner, providing a clear finish and preventing the damage from spreading. Plus, this option could potentially prevent the need for a more costly replacement in the future. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, and it may be helpful to discuss your options with your insurance provider or the dealership.

 

I had a rock chip with some 'spider veins' on my Golf. My insurance would cover completely the cost of the 'injection' repair by Safelight, but I'd be in for my deductible if I went with a new windshield. Then there's the concern that the 'new' windshield may not seal itself and be the source of potential leaking. I have to say the injection repair is just OK. It looks like a bug splat, but is not in my direct vision, so it's a minor annoyance. The car is 10 years old, I may keep it for a few more years and if I get another chip like this, I'll put in the new WS. I think the injection repair is dependent on the skill of the tech. IMO.

 

Get it fixed, and sooner rather than later. I had a rock chip 2 weeks ago, about an inch long. It was repairable. It is now over 20" long and growing and I need a new windshield... Thankfully I will be getting rid of the factory heated window with the repair, I don't like all the wires in the glass. Unfortunately I looked at my insurance and there is the option to get a glass rider to lower the deductible for glass, but I didn't have it. I'll be adding to all three cars next week.

 

My state requires that insurance companies provide windshield replacement at no cost to the policy holder. However, when I availed myself of this after a rock incident, and not knowing or even thinking about the possibility that it would impact my insurance premiums, was shocked when my rates increased due to the claim. It turned out that there is a maximum replacement cost my carrier covers before it affects the rate..

 

In MA windshield repair/replacement is included as free insurance claim.
But SassySarah makes a good point.
When we have had replacements in the past, they have been on more basic vehicles such as my Jeep.
I have no idea what it would cost to replace an F-Type windshield, especially a heated one.
It might well exceed any insurance coverage even in MA.

 

A lot of spambots in this thread.

 

That's a tough spot to be in! 🚗🪟 If you're worried about the long-term costs, going for a patch might make sense for now, especially if it's not obstructing your vision. You might also want to consider using a high-quality DIY kit like the ones from Crack Eraser (check them out at crackeraser.com) to try and reduce the damage. And hey, with a panoramic roof, every bit helps, right? If it ever gets worse, you can always revisit the replacement or insurance route. Best of luck with your decision! 🌟🔧👍

 

I would say be VERY careful if you have Safelite replace your windshield, had them replace the windshield on 2 cars and both had issues.
First one was a Fiero that was heavily modified and they broke my custom rearview mirror and tried to give a stock replacement, after several calls all the way up to their regional manager I got my mirror replaced.
Second was my DB9 and the windshield leaked afterwards, windshield was replaced at St Pete Aston dealer but by Safelite, took a lawsuit for them to correct and they only fixed a portion of the electrical damage they caused.

 

And it continues to deliver more. What is it about windshield repair that generates the one-post user ads?

 

It does impact your insurance rates if you ever change insurance companies. I learned that this past year. Each insurance company I looked at said I had "X" amount of claims. I said no I don't. Each sent me my claims and every windshield claim comes up as a claim paid out and it does impact the rates. In AZ it is common to replace your windshield at least once a year with all the flying rocks.