Windscreen crack -acoustic windscreen

[Martha]

Driving home tonight heard a small noise then noticed crack on left of screen spreading.

The car is only a few weeks old and I feel devastated.

My insurance is with Aviva and I think they will repair the screen subject to paying an excess.

However, I am worried that the job will not be done properly.

Also, how will I guarantee that I get a proper acoustic windscreen fitted.

Or maybe if the crack is not too bad they can repair it but it look as if it is spreading.

I do n't want a poor quality windscreen fitted.

Grateful for any help.

 

[veeeight]

Have a read of these:
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s3-windscreen.234896/
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/grrrr-cracked-windscreen-on-my-s3.220611/
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/2-weeks-and-need-a-new-windscreen.186096/
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/acoustic-windscreen-or-not.211473/
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/scratched-chipped-windscreen.239701/
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/warped-windscreen.213042/



@Glassman is our resident glass expert - his blog is excellent:
http://www.glasstecpaul.com

 

[HawkeyeS3]

Had same happen to mine a while back, and "discussions" with insurance, as they would not fit an OEM screen (whether mine is acoustic or not I have no idea - it's the standard screen as fitted to an S3). Made enquiries of my dealer and was actually quite pleasantly surprised, as the OEM (standard) screen is not a silly price, fitting was also quite reasonable, only other thing you need is the gel pad (which goes between the mirror assembly and windscreen and is the sense material for wipers). All in from the dealer, it was about £430 fitted, of which insurance paid the first £125. One day to get the screen and pad, and was fitted the following day (they have a tame specialist fit it).

I know the screen from Autoglass, AutoWindscreens are exactly the same as OEM (just don't have the Audi logo (although probably I'll be "corrected" for that statement soon LOL), but I wanted OEM, so I got OEM.

So would suggest enquire of your dealer if your insurance won't do OEM, you might be pleasantly surprised at the fitted price!

 

[driver_tim]

I'm in a similar situation; got a chip in my screen recently which became a crack before I'd even finished that journey and is now over a foot long. @Glassman is hopefully replacing it this week. I decided to go with him because he gets very good reviews on this and other forums and the big boys seem to be hit and miss depending on who they send to do the job. I think in terms of dealing with your insurers check the small print before contacting them and be firm. Unfortunately I'm going to be out of pocket because my policy has a limit if you don't use their preferred contractor (Autoglass), however personally I feel it's a price worth paying.

You mention a repair, as far as I know if the screen is actually cracked as opposed to just chipped it can't be repaired and you are looking at a replacement.

 

[S3inSE21]

Cracked mine at the weekend. Called Elephant to claim on the insurance, who put me through to Autoglass.

Autoglass don't have any stock, and we're absolutely useless, so Elephant then put me through to National Windscreens. This morning I had a very helpful chap call me to confirm whether it was the standard screen or the acoustic glass with sun band and rain/light sensor screen that I needed. They ordered it today and it's being fitted either Wednesday or Thursday.

£75 excess to be paid. Lovely stuff.

 

[Wondering Soul]

Happened to me with just 200 miles on the clock! Needed a replacement done as it couldn't be rapaired. I was still on Audi's 7 day free insurance at the time and called them up, auto glass arranged same day replacement with an OEM screen (minus Audi logo) and it cost me the £50 excess. Had to take the car to the local shop and was done just before closing so picked the car up the morning after, taxis to and from all paid by autoglass!

Now 19k miles in and no issues at all!

 

[0B1001001]

Driving home tonight heard a small noise then noticed crack on left of screen spreading.

The car is only a few weeks old and I feel devastated.

My insurance is with Aviva and I think they will repair the screen subject to paying an excess.

However, I am worried that the job will not be done properly.

Also, how will I guarantee that I get a proper acoustic windscreen fitted.

Or maybe if the crack is not too bad they can repair it but it look as if it is spreading.

I do n't want a poor quality windscreen fitted.

Grateful for any help.

I'm with Aviva, got my acoustic screen replaced with a genuine Audi one last year without any fuss. I asked for it and they went away to check and said no problems.

 

[Richy_C]

As per everyone else they will try and fit the cheapest screen, I've had this three times now and the bottom of the screen bends the road and they don't fit acoustic, always ends in me having them replace it and one one occasion I made them swap it 3 times until they caved an fit a genuine screen. Just stand by your guns and they will replace like for like, which is what you pay your insurance for!

 

[a3_phil]

I've had Autoglass out three times now for mine. First time they replaced due to the crack (as expected) but with a non-OE screen that warps the road (as above). A week later the rear-view falls off so they replace the whole screen again. Two weeks later it falls off again so they come back and glue the thing on... lovely.

 

[martin_s3]

I chipped mine the other week.. seems to be alot of this, windscreens must not be very strong!

 

[Daveotto]

I chipped mine the other week.. seems to be alot of this, windscreens must not be very strong!

IMHO Expect it might be more to do with the cheap way UK roads are repaired these days leaving lots of loose chippings and a rough surface for the resultant traffic to smooth with time. End result is lots of bits of flying gravel

 

[leosayer1]

Was there any obvious cause eg. stone hitting the windscreen?

If not then I would take it back to Audi.

 

[veeeight]

IMHO Expect it might be more to do with the cheap way UK roads are repaired these days leaving lots of loose chippings and a rough surface for the resultant traffic to smooth with time. End result is lots of bits of flying gravel

Scroll back 10-15 years, most cars had rear mud flaps fitted.

These days, virtually none. Definitely contributed to the increase in stone chips for the cars behind.

 

[Daveotto]

Most annoying on a newly laid road is the car/van/lorry flying past at 60-70 mph firing a machine gun of chippings in your direction and absolutely nothing you can do about it apart from hope and pray.

 

[martin_s3]

IMHO Expect it might be more to do with the cheap way UK roads are repaired these days leaving lots of loose chippings and a rough surface for the resultant traffic to smooth with time. End result is lots of bits of flying gravel

Very true!!

 

[S3inSE21]

Ended up getting my replacement screen fitted today. Had to go to CrappyCroydon™ to get it done as it was raining, but thoroughly pleased with the result. Fitted with exactly the same brand and model of screen that was being replaced, complete with acousticness, sun band and the gap for the rain/light sensors.

My insurers (elephant) sent me to Nationwide Windscreens. They were excellent.

 

[Glassman]

Driving home tonight heard a small noise then noticed crack on left of screen spreading.

The car is only a few weeks old and I feel devastated.

My insurance is with Aviva and I think they will repair the screen subject to paying an excess.

However, I am worried that the job will not be done properly.

Also, how will I guarantee that I get a proper acoustic windscreen fitted.

Or maybe if the crack is not too bad they can repair it but it look as if it is spreading.

I do n't want a poor quality windscreen fitted.

Grateful for any help.

What size is the damage? I would look at repair before replacement, for a couple of reasons.

Had same happen to mine a while back, and "discussions" with insurance, as they would not fit an OEM screen (whether mine is acoustic or not I have no idea - it's the standard screen as fitted to an S3). Made enquiries of my dealer and was actually quite pleasantly surprised, as the OEM (standard) screen is not a silly price, fitting was also quite reasonable, only other thing you need is the gel pad (which goes between the mirror assembly and windscreen and is the sense material for wipers). All in from the dealer, it was about £430 fitted, of which insurance paid the first £125. One day to get the screen and pad, and was fitted the following day (they have a tame specialist fit it).

I know the screen from Autoglass, AutoWindscreens are exactly the same as OEM (just don't have the Audi logo (although probably I'll be "corrected" for that statement soon LOL), but I wanted OEM, so I got OEM.

So would suggest enquire of your dealer if your insurance won't do OEM, you might be pleasantly surprised at the fitted price!

If the car is less than three years old you can insist on OE parts (fitted by your own preferred supplier). Not all insurers are as difficult to deal with but - and TBF - this discussion [of parts and indemnity] should be had before the policy is incepted; IOW, what they're enforcing is what you have agreed to in the first place.

If the glass does not bear the four rings, it is NOT an OE part.

Happened to me with just 200 miles on the clock! Needed a replacement done as it couldn't be rapaired. I was still on Audi's 7 day free insurance at the time and called them up, auto glass arranged same day replacement with an OEM screen (minus Audi logo) and it cost me the £50 excess. Had to take the car to the local shop and was done just before closing so picked the car up the morning after, taxis to and from all paid by autoglass!

Now 19k miles in and no issues at all!

No Audi logo = NOT a genuine part.

 

[Martha]

Cheers. CrACK IS ABOUT 12 INCHES LONG BUT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE SPREADING, SO HOPE OK FOR NEXT WEEK OR SO.

Called my insurance Aviva and they use National Windscreens, based some 80 miles away. I asked for an Audi windscreen, and he said he'll do it but will have to wait a bit longer to get in stock - no problem. He said if I hadn't asked it would have been a cheaper windscreen as insurance don't want to pay the extra unless they have to.

They now have windscreen in stock and will call soon to fit.

Anything I should know as to fitting - heard some horror stories. Should I take pictures of car before? Is there a risk of them damaging the car? Cheers,

Martha

 

[Glassman]

Unless it's an Aviva Direct policy, you can choose/nominate your own preferred repairer. And this thing about insurance companies not paying for OE parts - they will. Unless there is something in writing within the policy agreement, all the fitting company needs to do is authorise it with the insurer as it will be over their agreed value.

Ask them where they're getting their Audi screens from; you can either go direct to an Audi parts counter, or TPS. Both usually deliver next day. The delay will be in admin and getting the 'special request' authorised.

A wee thought for you all to ponder on. Most policies will require that an equal, like-for-like part is fitted. In other words, the best available parts. Dunno about anyone else, the best available will be OE, Audi branded glass. Unless the policy explicitly states otherwise, you should always push for genuine parts.

 

[gamegenie]

I recently got through a cracked windshield.

I insure with Geico and they will offer window service of SafeLite Auto to do the repair but you are welcome to pick any repair shop of your own. You can even select the dealer. The insurance companies don't recommend it because they say dealers don't typically accept payments via insurance and that dealers would want the money direct. But you should check with your auto dealer's service center first. I checked with my local Audi dealer and they do accept payment via Insurance but I found this out after I already accepted Geico's SafeLite recommendation.

But here's the kicker. I checked with the dealers Parts department and they told me that they don't actually do the window repairs they rent that service out to SafeLite Auto. So even the dealer goes through SafeLite Auto.
Since the A3 8V is new, there is no generic SafeLite Auto windshield glass, so they had no choice but to go OEM and had to order right through the dealer. The very same dealer that quoted me $730 for windshield repair.

Dealer repair price = $730
Geico insurance full coverage = $50 deductable
Safelite Auto without insurrance = $??? who knows, I wouldn't bother going this route.

This experience has taught me to always go through your auto insurer in a case of a Windshield crack or replacement.


THE END

 

[Martha]

I hope i'm ok then if I get a windscreen fitted by National Windscreens, and it is an AUdi one - they seems toi say they would need to get the screen form Audi and took a week.

I heard about someone local employing a local windscreen supplier to change their windscreen - he pushed the window out using his legs!!!

I HOPE nATIONAL wINDSCREENS ARE OK, BUT ANY THING i SHOULD WATCH FOR - SHOULD i TAKE PHOTOS OF THE SCREEN BEFORE HAND? shOULD THE QUALITY BE AS GOOD AS THE ORIGINAL WINDSCREEN FOIT I.E. IT SHOULD LOOK AS GOOD AS NEW?