Driving round the M25 on Tuesday I picked up a really nice stone chip to the windscreen. I’m insured with AON so rang their glass hotline and got through to Autoglass. They’re coming round tomorrow to attempt a repair which they’re not sure they can do as the chip is very nearly the size of a 5p piece and is only about half an inch from the frame. The latter seems to be more of a problem as they think there will be insufficient room to get their “machine” on it.
Assuming the worst case scenario and it can’t be repaired, and the crack spreads, I’m more than a bit nervous about Autoglass fitting a replacement. Anyone had experience with them?
As you are probably aware, the front clam should be moved away from the screen, if a new screen is being fitted. From what you say, that looks like being necessary in your case too
Ideally you should agree with your insurers, that you can take your car to a garage (probably a dealer!) who knows how to move/remove the clam, & Autoglass should carry out the repair/replacement there. At the end of the day, it’s in everyone’s interests to do the job properly - badly fitted screens tend to crack!
As you are probably aware, the front clam should be moved away from the screen, if a new screen is being fitted. From what you say, that looks like being necessary in your case too
Ideally you should agree with your insurers, that you can take your car to a garage (probably a dealer!) who knows how to move/remove the clam, & Autoglass should carry out the repair/replacement there. At the end of the day, it’s in everyone’s interests to do the job properly - badly fitted screens tend to crack!
Good luck.
Thanks for that. I hadn’t thought about having the job done at a dealership to ensure the clam bit is done properly. They could also keep an eye on what Autoglass do to ensure the replacement screen is fitted 100% correctly. I’d probably see if the insurers would accept it being done at Plans as they’ve looked after my Exige and my previous VXs although I would understand if the insurers insisted on a Lotus dealership.
I’m really hoping they can repair it tomorrow. Firstly because I’d rather not have the screen replaced with all the potential hassle that could go with it and secondly I’m at Goodwood on Saturday and I’d prefer not to do the day with a dodgy screen.
I had the windscreen done on my old s2 elise a few years back. The insurance wanted rac windscreens to do it, I rang the local branch to see if they had done one previously (they hadnt) who then transfered it to a neighbouring branch that had. I left it with them for a day and they did a fine job. I doubt they did the clam thing.
Gav
Just check what the total bill would be if you use an additional party to move the clam. My policy has a �60 excess but also a upper limit of �500.
The guy from Autoglass came this morning but as I suspected, the chip is too close to the frame to do a proper repair. He’s done what he could to strengthen it with resin so it’s a case of wait and see if it spreads.
He did say they had replaced an Exige screen earlier this year at their premises and had a complete nightmare with it. I got the impression they wouldn’t be in a hurry to do another one.
So I rang my insurers, AON, and advised what had happened and asked what the score would be if it requires replacement at a later date. They were more than helpful and said they were aware there were difficulties with Lotus screen replacement and would be happy for the work to be done by any Lotus dealership or Lotus specialist. The only difference would be I’d have to pay initially and claim back the cost less the �50 excess. No upper limit and no limit on the number of claims for glass in any one year.