Has anyone had to replace their windshield? Who did you use (dealer v.s., commercial provider), what was your experience?

I got struck by a rock on the way to work this morning. I now have an inch-wide (2.54 cm our world-wide friends ... star pattern on the right center about 15 cm (6 inches for our unit-retrograde US friends ...) above the dash.
It's out of my direct line of sight (left-hand steering car), so that's not a concern, but it will annoy the bejesus me for quite some time.

However, I'm mainly concerned about my much loved heated windshield, and I worry about electrical discontinuities on that side. The car lives outside and has to sit through New England (kind of like Old England, but people here talk normal ...) winters so the ice clearing windshield is soooo nice to have.

Anyway, I realize that it would be pretty expensive to replace (likely wouldn't be covered by my auto insurance), so I just wanted to start preparing myself.

Thanks
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Jaguar - it's not an automobile, it's a Motorcar
Current: '15 XF (X250) Portfolio AWD 3.0 (it's aubergine...)
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2018 JCNA Class M Slalom 2nd-Place
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2015 JCNA Class M Slalom Champion
Past A: '05 X-Type 3.0/AWD Jaguar Racing Green

 

I have windshield insurance coverage so when I have to replace the glass, I use the automotive glass repair shop.

I have had an issue with a poor connection behind the rear view mirror before for the heated glass but once identified on the cooler months, it was replaced without charge because they carry a 1 year warranty on their work.

I have over the years used body shops, dealerships and specialized glass shops and I found the best experience was the glass shops as this is their bread and butter and quickly correct found issues. Sometimes I do worry going into them as the appearance of the workers are questionable but I learnt many years ago looks are deceiving at times. I have only had good experiences at a few dealerships, most of the time once the car is sold, it seems they think they have you and the care/concern is gone. I find this confusing as wouldn't the most profit for them be the continuing maintenance?

Kevin

 

I had mine replaced by Safelite, chose to get the acoustic shielding etc. Glass was made by "Fuyao" I think (as expected) but honestly it looks great, and the acoustic coating made a surprising difference. Can't think I'd have noticed any different going to the dealer at N times the cost.

 

Pab - I thought here in MA car insurance covers it without the usual deductible and without affecting your claims history. Worth a check

I haven't had to replace the XF windscreen, but did have to do it in the Land Rover with fully heated, cameras and sensors etc and all works perfectly afterwards. Dealer did it. But safelite or equivalent do this all the time too
Just make sure they use the right part with the heating and whatever other features you have.

 

Also had mine replaced by safelite. No issues here.

 

>I thought here in MA car insurance covers it without the usual deductible
I thought that was only the case if a crack impeded the driver's view. But, thanks I'll check.
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Current Hers: '13 Lexus ES350
Current Mine: '15 Jaguar XF (X250) Portfolio AWD
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