New car, chipped windshield. Replace or fill in? NGC

[dee g]

Spouse owns an auto glass shop.  His advice would probably be to get the chip repaired and keep that stock windshield as long as you can.  But, if you do decide to get it replaced, wait until spring when all the gravel/sand is swept off the road

[drlapo]

i've had 2 windshield replaced, both insured, both aftermarket suppliers
both no cost and no problems
no raised premiums

[ibis1]

Why pay out of pocket? Doesn't it depend on HIS insurance policy?

With Allstate, in PA at least, all our chip repairs were free and had no effect on rates.

At under $100. I would rather not bring my insurance company into it, plus they may require you to use a certain shop. I have always tried to avoid any insurance claims that are really low cost. Not saying this is the right way, just me. :BEER:

[Kev m]

At under $100. I would rather not bring my insurance company into it, plus they may require you to use a certain shop. I have always tried to avoid any insurance claims that are really low cost. Not saying this is the right way, just me. :BEER:

I get that, but IF it doesn't cost you a dime up front OR after the fact (like on my policy).

AND if you're ok with the service they choose (it's all pretty much a network of experienced glass repair guys), why wouldn't you use them?

I'm still a little puzzled, but that's cool.

I do understand wanting to pick a high quality shop for important things, but a glass chip repair ranks up there with who cuts my grass (or would if I had any grass).

[youcanrunnaked]

Check your insurance.  GEICO will waive the deductible and send someone to your door to do a repair at no charge if you elect to do that over a windshield replacement.  I might lean toward a replacement if it was in the driver's field of vision, but if not, a repair should be sufficient.  I think GEICO also guarantees the repair so that if you are not satisfied with it, you can still elect a replacement.

[cruzziguzzi]

Spouse owns an auto glass shop.  His advice would probably be to get the chip repaired and keep that stock windshield as long as you can.  But, if you do decide to get it replaced, wait until spring when all the gravel/sand is swept off the road

There's some great advice. Moving through windshields as we do - like so many things on automobiles - nothing has usually lasted as long as the original. They have seemed to chip less, though that is completely subjective, and sure do hold up to erosion damage longer than replacements. More a desert concern I guess.

Todd.

[Tony/CT]

Thank you for your input. I called my insurance company and told them I would like it filled. They sent me down the road to Safelite where it was repaired in twenty minutes. I've had repairs done in the past, so was familiar with the process. All that is seen below the mirror is a small blemish. The work is guaranteed so if it were to crack, it would be replaced. My insurance has never been affected by a repair. I had a side window replaced on my old Forester and when I got home from work it was so obvious that the window was not OEM. Different tint, waves in the tint. I refused to accept it and called the insurance company back and told them I wanted original Subaru glass. It was replaced again. The second time it came out fine. With that in mind I decided I would live with the blemish on my new car with 120 miles on it. Living in New England and driving back and forth from southern CT. to northern VT. we experience lots of sand and gravel during the winter. It's a matter of time before something hits the windshield.