So I was driving to work today and a large dump truck was in the middle lane. I got in the left lane and started to pass the truck when a bunch of rocks flew out of the truck and hit my car. One of the bigger ones chipped my windshield in about 5 places right in my line of sight (of course).

I called the state police and gave the woman there the liscense plate of the truck, the name of the trucking company and my information. She was going to send a trooper out to do a report but said I could stop by within 5 days to get a report.

Question for you guys is, I know this is common, but since I know it was this truck if I file a report, what are my options after that. Do I call the trucking company and ask them to pay for a replacement without going to insurance, do I file a claim with insurance? I just wish this was anywhere else on the windshield because I would just repair it and be done with it. But the fact is with all these tiny chips in my line of sight your eye focuses on them as you are driving and that is not good.

Questions: What is my recourse? Will my insurance cover this at no cost? or do you think I'll have to pay deductible ($500). Will insurance companies let you go to an MB dealer? I know I can order one of the Mercedes "stickers" in the corner of the window but what about the inspection sticker in the other corner? Since my car is only two years old I have one that allows me not to go to inspection for 4 years (that is how it is in NJ now). Will I be able to get a replacement for this or will I have to get a new inspection sticker?

Thanks for the advice, I've never filed any claim so I'm really not sure what is the best way to handle all of this. I live in NJ by the way, in case that changes anything.

 

it depends on your policy, but insurance should cover it most of the time.

 

unless you have full glass, why pay a $500 deductible for a replacement window that is about $500. They'll count it against you as a claim. I know it sucks but it happens.

 

I called the dealership and they said that a replacement is about $900ish total (parts and labor). You think it is that much lower?

 

yeah, i had mine replaced a couple months ago. Genuine MB replacement (PPG Solextra) w/ rain sensor was $500 installed by a glass company that specializes in MB's.

 

Same thing happened to me on the turnpike a couple years ago. Car was just a few months old. Didnt get the truck's plate. Paid for new glass out of my pocket. Was about 4-500. dealer wanted $1200

 

check out www.safelite.com

 

If the policy includes full glass, then wait for a very, very cold morning, with the car parked outside overnight, drive with the HVAC off until the vehicle is warm, then turn the defroster on full hot.

That will ensure the crack cannot be concealed by a dollar bill, which is the cutoff for crack repair.

The crack repair prevents the crack from progressing, but it will always be visible.

 

If you have any rock chips on the front on the bumper, I would tell insurance that the truck caused them too. Then maybe they will fix it or repaint it.

 

and she continues to get rock hits on the car and windshield, just hasn't busted another windshield yet.

As for Insurance, Comprehensive loss, no fault, and your rates should not increase. Most insurance companies have windshield replacement services too...

Good luck!

 

Ok good news. I called our insurance company because we have never filed a claim in all the years I have been alive, so I figured f it. After I calmed down a bit, I realize we could just fix these chips and it will probably be fine. The insurance company was very nice, said it wouldn't raise rates (they also confirmed that rates will not increase even with an accident or violation). They gave me a list of glass places and then got one on the phone for me and the guy is coming to my house at no cost to me. I will let you guys know what happens.

 

I could only trust the Dealership to replace my windshield. That way I know that I got an original one with the sig on the bottom. This also happened to me, who didn't this happen to.

 

Yeah I know this is the most common damage to a car. I am surprised that after all these years they haven't developed something to prevent this.

 

Yeah like putting a clear bra over the windshield so that when rocks hit it they would just bounce off and get the car behind you, saving you 1k for a new windshield.