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Well it finally happened after 22kmi. While cruising down the interstate I heard a big bang from the windshield. Within a few miles the impact spider cracks grew and extended the entire height of the windshield. The next day, I filed a claim with USAA. SafeLite came out to the house five days later with a replacement windshield. Fortunately the glass tech noticed the plastic electronic connection was cracked, so I had to wait three more days for another windshield. The list price on the MB branded windshield was $2,680. USAA's reimbursable pricing was $211.85 for the windshield, $120 for labor, and $3.95 for a kit of some sort. I guess SafeLite lost money on my truck. My total out of pocket was $50. I still need to have the safety sensors recalibrated by an MB dealer, but USAA will reimburse 100% of that cost. Not a bad experience thus far.
Yikes! I’m sorry to read this.... Guys, in addition to insurance, get a windshield film like EXOSHIELD. We have 13,000 km on the G now and the windshield has not cracked. At least 5,000km have been on the highway.
From the USAA website, the following people are eligible: Active, retired and honorably separated officers and enlisted personnel of the U.S. military. Officer candidates in commissioning programs (Academy, ROTC, OCS/OTS). Adult children (18+) of USAA members who have or had a USAA auto or property insurance policy.
How is the clarity with Exoshield? And can you scrub it to remove bugs?
If applied correctly, it’s perfectly clear with no distortion. You can’t even tell it’s there, and I’m picky about this type of thing.
Bug removal- I have Ceramic Pro applied to the EXOSHIELD so bug removal is easy.
Now, I was told that the EXOSHIELD does not last more than 1-2 seasons in winter environments- the road salt ends up scratching the film when the wipers are used. I’ve only had 1 winter season and the film seems like new.
I spoke to EXOSHIELD and they claim to have strengthened the film and that it should last longer than a couple of winters. We’ll see. But even if it doesn’t, it’s $100 to apply, so I’d rather do that every 2 years then replace the windshield. Even with insurance, it’s a pain and can take a while before the glass arrives.