Cracked Windshield

It's hard to say with the Prius. I had to replace the windshield on my last car (long after the warranty was gone). The cost was way below the deductable so I paid for it myself. My insurance company recommended a place which did the repair in the parking lot where I worked. They did have a warranty.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ Apr 3 2006, 03:25 PM) [snapback]234355[/snapback]</div>

As long as the glass is not cracked more than 3 or 4 inches it most likely can be repaired. And if that is the case, most insurance comapnies will do it for free, no deductible, even if you only have liability(Cheaper to repair than to pay for an accident caused by the crack)

 

Yep, first try repair.

But if repair isn't possible, call one of the outfits that come to your place. I find they are the cheapest as well as being convenient. One decision you want to make is whether to get a faded tint on the top. I didn't want it but got it anyway on my last car and grew to like it alot for the way it blocks the sun.

And don't move the car for 24 hours after the install so the glue can dry well. This is important because if you move it and weaken the glue that might make the car not as strong in an accident. Another good reason to have it done at your place.

 

there are 2 "dam's" used on the Prius windshield when it's replaced. An upper and and a outer. Part #56118-63010 and the outer Part #56117-63010 These go behind the glass when it's replace. Just make sure if your using an aftermarket "NAGS" windshield that the glass shop replaces the dams. I'd quote prices but my price list is too old now.

 

I once had a Toyota Corolla which needed a new windscreen. I also had aftermarket glass been put in instead of an original windscreen an I regretted it! With the original windscreen the image was sharp from edge to edge, and the lines on the road were straight, even in the edges. With the aftermarket glass, the image near the edge of the winscreen was unsharp, and lines on the road were bent.

 

I just had my windshield replaced in my 06 #8 by All Star Glass in San Diego. A car threw a large bolt into the window on Monday. They took an hour and did a great job. Cost my insurance company $ 395.00 because the guy that did it did not have insurance (he got a ticket from the cops instead). Don't try and do it yourself, it's just too hard.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(scarlet0314 @ Apr 6 2006, 01:15 PM) [snapback]235950[/snapback]</div>

the dams keep the ureathane adhesive from flowing into the interior of the car while it's curing. It also spaces the windshield the proper distance from the structure so the trim fit properly. NAGS if memory serves me stands for National Auto Glass Shop meaning after market.

 

I live in MA and our insurance covers all glass replacement 100%. Also if the weather is cold you want to take the car to the shop otherwise the adhesive might not cure properly and yes they should replace the moulding around the windshield. If your insurance covers it make sure you get Toyota glass

 

You didn't give your locale. Beside MA, FL state law dictates insurance have no deductable on windshield glass. I now live in the NW and have had to replace an Explorer windshield 3 times. The glass place told me that the life expectancy of a windwhield in our area is 2 yrs and I had to pay the deductable of $200. I asked how much he was going to bill my insurance company. He said $25! I called my insurance and asked how much it would increase my premiums to lower the deductable from $200 to $100. They quoted me a $9 increase in premiums. I said to do it. That was after the first windshield replacement. I have the same coverage on the Prius so would definitely go for Toyota glass.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Frank Hudon @ Apr 4 2006, 07:01 PM) [snapback]235013[/snapback]</div>

What happens if they don't repace the dams? I had one of those mobile parking lot replacements and I noticed that he attached a rubber strip all the way around the perimeter of the windshield before setting it into place on top of a half inch bead of black rubber cement type compound. Although, 4 days later, it seems to be water tight, I notice more engine compartment noise on the passenger side that with the original windshield. Do you suspect improper installation or cheap aftermarket glass? These guys were only half the price of the one that mentioned a windshield with tinting and soundproofing.

 

I live in Southern California, and with the traffic here and the all of the ongoing consruction (read:gravel trucks everywhere), I lowered my glass deductible to $50 years ago. I understand that in many states a $0 glass deductible is standard.

Personally, I would not settle for anything less than factory glass and a complete replacement of all associated parts with Toyota parts.

The last windshield I replaced (a Toyota, not my Prius), I had done at the Toyota dealership by their recommended contractor. If there is a problem later, or collateral damage incurred during the installation (and in this instance there unfortunately was, albeit minor), I want to have a Toyota dealer there to stand behind the work (and they did).

 

I went with a high deductible and do most stuff like this out of pocket. I don't know if auto insurance is still like house insurance where they track your claims, but we did have our rates raised, then our policy cancelled, for too many claims (by Pemco in 1990: we had 2 thefts and an accident where the other guy was 100% at fault in a span of 3 years).

I'd sooner pay $600 to replace the windshield out of pocket than file an insurance claim. Also I find most glass/body/etc places - including the folks that fixed a crack in one windshield - have a lower price list and a cash discount if you're not doing the insurance thing.

 

Pretty standard in Australia to be able to claim 1 windscreen per year with no excess payment and no affect on premiums. I have never broken one.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bobdavisnpf @ Sep 3 2007, 06:40 PM) [snapback]506553[/snapback]</div>

In my experience, most insurance companies will not penalize you for glass-only claims. This is supported by the many states that mandate $0 deductible glass policies.

The windshield replacement I did was $1,700, so paying it out of pocket was not the prudent option. I filed a claim; the process was relatively painless, involving a ten-minute phone call and the mailing in of my receipt. I received a reimbursement check in two weeks and the claim did not affect my policy.

Like another poster wrote, the cost of lowering my deductible was minimal; I believe the adjustment to my premium for lowering my deductible to $50 was around $14 for the year.

Everyone's experiences are different, whatever has and is working for you is likely best

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Frank Hudon @ Apr 4 2006, 10:01 PM) [snapback]235013[/snapback]</div>

Can you confirm if the dams are needed for a 2007 if it is just a craked windshield or if it was from an accident. I called Toyota parts to inquire and they said the dams were hidden and didn't need to be replaced unless they are dammaged. I mentioned the dams and part numbers that you mention and neither the insurance co, glass co or parts dept know about them.
Thanks

 

I had my windshield replaced on my Chevy pick-up a couple years ago. I used a company that comes to my house. I watched them replace the gaskets etc. A coupon I received in the mail covered the deductible.($250) My insurance company didn't raise my rates.

 

I just got a quote from Master Auto Glass in southern California. They quoted me $339.00 for OEM and $239.00 for after market. I went with the OEM because the customer rep told me the after market glass is made in China. My deductible is $500 so I guess this is coming out of pocket. I called around and Master was cheapest. Is this a reasonable price?

 

It may not be the case there but most insurance companies here will pay for up to 1 windscreen replacement per year for nil excess and does not affect premiums. Best to check your policy.