Windshield cracking

[88LTDCV351]

Hello everyone,

Its been hot here in California. Yesterday I noticed a crack on my windshield of my 03 Marauder. A little crack going from the driver side a few inches. This morning, it got longer and is about 1/4 across the windshield. Has this happened to anyone? How much does it cost to get fixed?

[jlm86fj1200]

hello at a recent BBQ my father in-law was complaining that his windshield cracked on the driver side about half way down headed towards the center on his 1999 Gran mark, just after a hand washing, I personally have had windshields replaced in other vehicles I have always went to the safe lite auto glass shop, not the mobile service, cost probably 200.00-400.00$ also try your comprehensive auto insurance/

[cyclopsram]

They break.... my 99 CV is on its fourth... always insist on genuine Ford OEM... the other stuff is bogus... In VT there is no deductible on glass insurance..

[sailsmen]

I used one of the Na'tl Co, it was an exact match and less than $300.

[Bluerauder]

Hello everyone,

Its been hot here in California. Yesterday I noticed a crack on my windshield of my 03 Marauder. A little crack going from the driver side a few inches. This morning, it got longer and is about 1/4 across the windshield. Has this happened to anyone? How much does it cost to get fixed?
Rapid change in temperature can aggravate a small crack. Had a small "star" on a windshield once and it was bitter cold out and snowing. When I hit the defroster and it started to pump up the heat along the windshield, I heard a "ripping" noise like paper. Then I noticed that it was the crack that was working its way across the whole length of the glass. By the time I got home about 30 minutes later it was across the entire window from A-Pillar to A-Pillar.

Had 3 windshields replaced on my T-Bird in one year. I hate Northern Virginia roads and the rocks that the big trucks throw up.

I have used Safe-Lite on all prior replacements since they come to work or home and do it in about 30 minutes. Generally, it has been in the $250 range each time.

So far, I haven't had to do the Marauder. Knock Wood. :D

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

My car has a very fine "cut" in the glass on the driver's side. It does not look to be a crack -- yet -- although it's a stress riser I'm sure. If it does crack it will start there. Safelite mobile scares me -- one of the guys was doing a windshield on someone's car in the parking lot out here and I went and looked at the finished product. The trim didn't fit quite right and there was pinchweld primer visible on the painted surfaces around the trim. It wasn't on a very nice car, but ... still scares me!

[fastblackmerc]

If you getting it replaced thru your insurance company ask them for referals.

[MENINBLK]

Most States mandate a ZERO DEDUCTIBLE on your glass coverage
so check with your insurance agent before you replace the glass.
They can usually suggest a reputable glass center that is not only
authorized by your insurance company, but is referred to by your agent.

This way if something goes wrong, you can complain to your agent,
and your insurance company will make it perfect for you.

[sailsmen]

I only use my insurance to mitigate the economic consequences of an unforseen fortuitous event.

In other words for the big claims you cannot pay for yourself.

[MENINBLK]

I only use my insurance to mitigate the economic consequences of an unforseen fortuitous event.

In other words for the big claims you cannot pay for yourself.

If your state says ITS FREE, you should be taking advantage of it.
There are very few things that your state government gives you FOR FREE !
There is no penalty for a glass claim that is government mandated zero deductible,
and you don't get cheaper rates for not putting in claims either...

If you have that much money, I got a bridge I want to sell you.

[Bluerauder]

They can usually suggest a reputable glass center that is not only authorized by your insurance company, but is referred to by your agent.
My insurance company (USAA) does all the legwork for me up to and including making the appointment for the windshield replacement. I don't have to deal with the glass company at all except to check their work. :D In 5 experiences with Safe-Lite through my insurance company, I have NO issues with them.

[sailsmen]

If your state says ITS FREE, you should be taking advantage of it.
There are very few things that your state government gives you FOR FREE !
There is no penalty for a glass claim that is government mandated zero deductible,
and you don't get cheaper rates for not putting in claims either...

If you have that much money, I got a bridge I want to sell you.

The above statement is naive beyond belief!

I have made my living in the insurance industry for 25 years, "nothings for nothing".

Please keep me posted of all the "Free" stuff, especially the government mandated "Free" stuff.

Every time I see ahelicopter I am waiting for it to land next to me and you to pop out in your human form to draft me into the MIB!

PS Is it a toll bridge or a "Free" bridge and do illegal Aliens corss it?

[88LTDCV351]

I'm finally thinking about getting this fixed finally. I see on Safe lite there are two windshields listed.
Front Windshield, Green Tinted Glass with Blue Shadeband at top, Painted on sun visor.
and
Front Windshield, Green Tinted Glass, Painted on sun visor.
The second one is actually more expensive. Which one is the stock one?
However, there is also a Lowest Price Auto glass near my house. I might try them also. What are the other large chains that specialize in this? There was also a body shop I went to when someone hit and run my car a few years back and they said they would do it. But I think they were expensive.

[fastblackmerc]

Did you check with your insurance company like everyone suggested?

[88LTDCV351]

Yes, I emailed them (Progressive) and they setup a claim number. They gave me a call right after and said they use Safe Lite. But since its a crack across more than half of the windshield and there are some other dings, it would need to be replaced and I have to pay since its less than my deductible. They said nothing about "free" at all. So anyway, I didn't get it done and finally have the money so I saw Safe Lite had two types of windshields listed for my car. One is a bit more expensive than the other.

[LeoVampire]

Yes, I emailed them (Progressive) and they setup a claim number. They gave me a call right after and said they use Safe Lite. But since its a crack across more than half of the windshield and there are some other dings, it would need to be replaced and I have to pay since its less than my deductible. They said nothing about "free" at all. So anyway, I didn't get it done and finally have the money so I saw Safe Lite had two types of windshields listed for my car. One is a bit more expensive than the other.


It's the same windshield as stock it just has an added sun shader at the top of it that most of our car's didn't come with in the first place.

With progressive you have to pic the no deductable glass coverage when making changes to your policy. The cost is very little for that option.

[fastblackmerc]

Yes, I emailed them (Progressive) and they setup a claim number. They gave me a call right after and said they use Safe Lite. But since its a crack across more than half of the windshield and there are some other dings, it would need to be replaced and I have to pay since its less than my deductible. They said nothing about "free" at all. So anyway, I didn't get it done and finally have the money so I saw Safe Lite had two types of windshields listed for my car. One is a bit more expensive than the other.

Like is was stated in a previous post, go with the exact factory replacement. Look at the windshield before it's installed.... check at the top.... does it look the same? Also make sure the safety markings are the same (lower left or right hand corner).

[88LTDCV351]

I don't recall seeing that option with Progressive but that is good to know. I'll definately check that option in the future.

[fastblackmerc]

My mistake.... there should be a Ford oval and "Carlite" Logo on the bottom center of the glass. Only accept a Carlite windshield replacement.

[LeoVampire]

I don't recall seeing that option with Progressive but that is good to know. I'll definately check that option in the future.

Each state has a hand in what has to be offerd and or made available to the public on a policy.

So it is possable it dosn't exist in your area.

[88LTDCV351]

So just FYI, Safelite does not use Carlite nor does Low Price Auto Glass. Safelite said they manufacture their own so I cancelled with them. I did a search on Carlite's website and found a place and got my Carlite. Carlite is the way to go.

[88LTDCV351]

OK, its only been two years and now my replacement Carlite is cracking. Got to get another windshield again. It wasn't even a sunny or hot day this time. The crack got bigger and bigger as I drove in to work today. Now its about just under a fourth across and then curves upward. Very similiar to how the previous crack developed except this one is on the other side.

[TooManyFords]

I just had this happen to my car this winter. My agent said just call someone and have it replaced. I have $0 deductable so it didn't matter. But like others said, I prefer factory glass to look through.

[gdsqdcr]

Use safelite glass repair. I have not had any issues with it cracking until it got hit by a rock again ...

[RoyLPita]

I just had this happen to my car this winter. My agent said just call someone and have it replaced. I have $0 deductable so it didn't matter. But like others said, I prefer factory glass to look through.

I had my windshield replaced. I asked for the factory one and got it with no questions asked.

[Hg M75]

Had mine replaced with a Carlite in September, no issues so far. Maybe is something to do with California, you should move!

[88LTDCV351]

Unfortunately, a rock hit my windshield and a small crack keeps getting larger. Off to find another mobile windshield service that carries the Carlite windshields. Seems like I've gone through maybe three or four windshields now. lol

[RF Overlord]

We used Safelite when the w/s in Phoebe cracked. Not sure what the brand was but looked identical to the factory glass. Did have to ask for Marauder glass specifically, but they had no problem with that.

[Mr. Man]

You might have to pay a little extra for Carlite as most insurance co will pay for cheaper "equivalent" glass like Safelite, you make up the difference. Make sure to get the correct glass as early 03's didn't come with the full dot matrix surround glass.

[88LTDCV351]

Safelite does Carlite by special request. The price goes up significantly. I'm not sure if they are giving me early 03 glass or not but I do think my car is an early 03 model, but then again, its the pre-decontented or whatever so I have a mix of options (map pockets, traction control, mini spare, fuel door release, clock in dash, no heated seats, etc.). So not sure which glass would be appropriate.

[Mr. Man]

Safelite does Carlite by special request. The price goes up significantly. I'm not sure if they are giving me early 03 glass or not but I do think my car is an early 03 model, but then again, its the pre-decontented or whatever so I have a mix of options (map pockets, traction control, mini spare, fuel door release, clock in dash, no heated seats, etc.). So not sure which glass would be appropriate.
I'm not sure when Mercury went to the full dot-matrix glass. I know our '04 came with it, my early '03 has the matrix only around the mirror area. I wonder what the GM's came with? Was the MM glass specific or was it the same as what the GM's got? I don't know.

[RF Overlord]

Was the MM glass specific or was it the same as what the GM's got?The combination of shade band and dot-matrix makes the windscreen MM-specific.

[Ms. Denmark]

The combination of shade band and dot-matrix makes the windscreen MM-specific.
Is that true for both styles of windshield dot matrix or just the full surround style?

[ShadyLurker]

The above statement is naive beyond belief!

I have made my living in the insurance industry for 25 years, "nothings for nothing".

Please keep me posted of all the "Free" stuff, especially the government mandated "Free" stuff.

Every time I see ahelicopter I am waiting for it to land next to me and you to pop out in your human form to draft me into the MIB!

PS Is it a toll bridge or a "Free" bridge and do illegal Aliens corss it?

Had two windscreens replaced two years apart. While it didn't cost me a penny out of pocket there are now two "comprehensive for under a 1000 dollar" claims that show on my clue report. I can assure you i'm paying for them now.