Driving in to work this morning on 495 by Tyson's I see this big rock come flying from way over in the slow lane to the fast lane and hit my MINI in the windshield

The spot is about the size of my fist.

Glass is still smooth on the inside, so I think I can drive around for a bit with no problems.
I have a pic that I took with my camera that I will post later on today.

Question is fix or replace and where to go?

I would rather replace it after reading all the MINI windshield threads.

 

Just checked safelite from browsing around on the forums:

Since I have the Rain Sensor:

To get it replaced at a
VA Safelite location - $495 - 15% = $419
MD Safelite location = $495 - 41% = $292.xx

(+ $20 for parts)

What's goin on here?

 

Where do the percentage discount numbers come from?

 

Some summer blow-out savings they have on their website.

 

crap, are you saying that the rain sensor adds to the cost of a windshield replacement? I know Geico always had their $250 deductable on glass and every time I've had windows replaced on my Saturn and Toyota, the glass shops would just charge me that much to avoid making an insurance claim.

 

Yep - take a close look... there's a specially designed area of the windshield for the rain sensor... which means that it will be more expensive.

Of course, over time, as more and more new cars start to have this kind of feature, the cost will come down... but as for now it is still a "luxury" feature.

 

Got an appointment scheduled for saturday morning.

Looks like it's gonna be about $310.

 

Sounds like it's time to get that comprehensive coverage in place.

...Les

 

Wouldn't you know it - on my way to Annapolis yesterday a rock hit my windshield, coming off the tires of a semi truck on Rt 50. By the time I got home last night, a crack developed running away from the impact spot/star pattern and right across the driver's view, about 12 inches long.

My insurance paired me up with SafeLite for replacement, but I've heard that PPG glass is the best choice (stronger, more durable, takes a beating, keeps on ticking, and all that).

Any thoughts? This glass replacement will be out of my pocket (deductible is $1000).

 

Originally Posted by ravana
Got an appointment scheduled for saturday morning.
Looks like it's gonna be about $310.

I get 2 crack on my windshield and i need to replace it. How your replacement from safelite, is it good?

 

I have the Safelite windscreen, but I do not have the rain-sensor. My Safelite guy out here on the left coast said that they do not have their own make of windscreen for the MINI, and therefore, source it from PPG. From looking at my windscreen I cannot identify any PPG markings, but I can tell you it is a lot stronger than the OEM glass ( rocks that would have cracked OEM glass have left only a tiny dot, or no dot at all on the repacement glass).

 

From my past dealings with Insurance in VA, it is against state law for insurance companies to limit you. I'm pretty sure if you prefer PPG, your insurance company will have to honor that.

 

I was just quoted $650.00 from MoT. And I dont have the rain sensor. I have to get it replaced since I want to get as much for the trade in as possible.

Got hit by a rock during MTTS. Good thing for insurance.

 

I feel ya, I've got a nice chip from MTTS as well. Haven't decided if/what I'm doing about it, as it's a minor chip at this point.

 

I had mine replaced just before MTTS for about $320 at the Safelight in Arlington - they did a great job and the window looks just like OEM, with the black portions, the dots, the little VIN view box, etc. And, I took another rock during MTTS and it didn't leave a mark (yay!).

john

 

PPG glass truly "rocks"!

 

Thanks for the info John I will take it into consideration especially for Mia2.. but Ive already got the appointment set up and my deductable is $250, so Im going with OEM glass for Mia the first.

How long did it take for the safelight install?

 

Am I the only one who seems to have glass coverage on their insurance?
With my last car I went through 2 windshields in about 3 months and didn't have to pay a penny out of pocket. I just called up my agent (State Farm guy) and told them my windshield was cracked. They sent out a guy next day or so to my job and he replaced it right there in the parking lot. I don't even have anything special on my insurance either, it was just covered.

 

Just got into the office from dropping Mia off at MoT... I requested a Manual Loaner!!!
SO MUCH FUN!! Even in rush hour traffic!

I cannot WAIT for Mia2!!!!!!!!!

 

That's awesome, Sally... and a huge leap of faith & confidence on your part - I'm impressed that you decided to do that, especially WITH rush hour traffic!

 

I have a $250 deductable through GEICO, but my premium is so good, I wouldn't want to change the coverage. I had to replace a windshield and a driver's side lite on my saturn and also a windshield on our camry. Each time, GEICO would recommend a couple of local shops and the shops would discount the price to just at the deductable.


Now that I have the rain sensor, I'm curious to see what happens when (IF...knock on wood) my OEM glass cracks.

 

It took about 90 minutes total, so I wandered over to Ballston Mall and sat outside Panera Bread, had a pastry and used the wireless (free) to get some work done in the morning sunshine. All in all, very painless.

 

Nothing like having to worry too much about damaging your own car, eh?
Although I imagine it was a nerve-racking experience just like my first time actually driving to work was. Well, the first month actually.

 

Thanks! And in Baltimore traffic AND DC traffic!! I figured I'd better get used to it, and needed the practice anyways.
I'm kinda surprised they actually gave me the manual loaner, to be honest.. no questions asked!
I didnt do too bad actually...and may even take Sylvester. its an all pure silver MCS, out later tonight to practice starting from first.
First gear is my nemesis. :impatient

Love the power though. I was able to kick it into 6th gear a few times, down shifted to pass some slow cars, heheh.

 

You'll love being parked / stopped on an incline and having to start from a standstill! Once you can do that easily then you know you've learned stickshift!