WINDSCREEN CRACKED, whats cheapest to replace?

love_more_live_more

had a chip in windscreen (from a refuse vehicle, stone chip) about 3 months ago.

driving to work 2 days ago and it cracked, all the way across the bottom.
just checked insurance and it doesnt cover (im 3rd party F&T).
RAC priced at £170.
i need it doing cheap as poss. (5month old and spent alot on car .
any ideas.
does anyone know anyone that replaces windscreens cheap.
was thinking of getting of scrapyard and getting someone to fit.
(im in manchester)

thanks in advance

anewman

Ouch, that's making me think of getting my chip repaired. if you can find a scrappy with the appropriate windscreen my guess is they'll be able to recommend someone who can do it cheaply.

Only other thing you can do really is pick up the phone book and call around asking for quotes.

colin79666

I found the local garage where you purchased the car from (if it is a dealer for the same make) is often very competitive compared to autoglass etc

harveybobbles

Autoglass
A1 Windscreens
Shatterscreen

Think A1 are based in Manc. Used them a few times.

custardy

what car is it? never bonded windscreens need pro fitting.
older style nes can be DIY fitted

calisto

Older cars you can buy a windscreen from a scrappy and fit it using a bit of string.

The modern bonded windscreens are a much more difficult job, indeed they are part of the rigid structure of the car. DIY replacement will probably cost more, in tools and materials, as getting it done professionally.

Having said that, I repaired a stone chip that was an advisory in the MOT for my dads Hyundai Accent for a lot cheaper than the likes of Autoglass, etc, charge the general public.

My advice:

If you have a Fully Comp and get a stone chip then get it repaired for free. If the windscreen does crack, be happy to pay a £40-£60 excess. If you have a few chips and are just about to renew insurance down to TPFT (due to age and condition), then why not make use of the free windscreen repair cover of COMP before you downgrade to TP? It will not affect your NCB/NCD.

If on a budget and TPFT - repair the chip yourself ASAP using a cheap repair kit from ebay (£10-£20 inc P&P) - its the same as the Autoglass job, using a vacuum to suck the air out from the resin. The important point is get it done ASAP and certainly before winter, or road dirt sets in.

I would then consider getting a fully comp policy in the next year, especially if you have a more expensive windscreen such as a Ford Quickclear like me!

calisto

Another trick I recall insurers used to use before the likes of Autoglass using resin repair, was simply to tape over the stone chip.

The problem is if water gets into the chip and then freezes, the expansion/contraction causes the windscreen to crack.

If you tape over a chip then its nearly as good as a resin repair. Of course you need a waterproof tape. You also need to make sure the repair doesnt exceed the limit in the MOT area of the drivers windscreen "swept" view.

love_more_live_more

hi it a x reg 2001 toyota corrolla

seggy1

hello my son used to work for auto glass and there rip off the insurance companies my son is now free lance and the glass cost £35 and £20 to fit its a pity you are in manchester we are in great yarmouth norfolk im sure if you ring round you will get it cheaper if not go to scrap heap and fit it yourself

vansboy

Ask your local used car independent dealer, who the nearest TRADE glass company is. Give them a try.

You'll be pleasently surprised at the discount compared to the big names.

VB