RAC/ D4 Windscreen

[DJC]

Got a nice crack running all the way across the windscreen last night after getting a stone thrown up off the freeway.

I do get one free windscreen a year with RAC but following discussion with them, they wont pay for an OEM screen. They will only pay for glass that meets Australian standards.

The costings were $370 for the aftermarket one (apparently called "FY"?, definitley wasnt XYG) and $1,040 for the OEM one. I can always make a claim but would need to pay the $450 excess. They did also say I could pay for it myself and then send them the invoice and they would refund what they would normally pay, but wouldnt tell me what that would be!!

Is it worth me shelling out for the OEM screen or does anyone have any tips for getting RAC to come to the party?

Other posts seem to indicate that other insurers are happy to pay for OEM. I think the difference is that RAC treat this as an added 'benefit' to the policy rather something that you pay extra for. Hopefully a warning to others.

Cheers
Darren

[discotwinturbo]

Well that's crap.

Going to check with my insurer now!

Brett....

[SWH]

My insurer paid for an OE replacement by the dealer even though the dealer quote was $400 more than the national windscreen supplier's. But I did have to argue a little.

[101RRS]

The original screen has Opticool in the glass - does the RAC suggested replacement have OPticool? If not then you insurer is not returning your car to original. The problem is that if you insure your car with another insurer later and you break a windscreen they only replace it with the same standard - eg cheap.

I had mine replaced and had no issues with my insurer (Allianz) replacing it with an OEM screen- even included all new clips for the trim around the windscreen.

I would be taking your insurer to task aver this and if necessary making it clear that this is a deal breaker and taking your business elsewhere in renewal.

Garry

[DJC]

The original screen has Opticool in the glass - does the RAC suggested replacement have OPticool? If not then you insurer is not returning your car to original. The problem is that if you insure your car with another insurer later and you break a windscreen they only replace it with the same standard - eg cheap.

I had mine replaced and had no issues with my insurer (Allianz) replacing it with an OEM screen- even included all new clips for the trim around the windscreen.

I would be taking your insurer to task aver this and if necessary making it clear that this is a deal breaker and taking your business elsewhere in renewal.

Garry

Thanks Garry - unfortunatley have only just renewed with them! Mentioned the Opticool but they still wouldnt budge. Its obviously different if I process it as a full claim as they would pay for OEM then (with me paying the excess) but they wont replace with OEM under their 'free windscreen' offer.

Its fairly clear in the PDS that they dont have to use OEM provided it meets Australian standards and handles the rain sensors etc. Just looked at AAMI PDS and that the same. Seems to be luck of the draw with insurers. Would be interested to hear of policies where they did gurantee use of OEM windscreens

Cheers
Darren

[trevorj]

Hiya DJC: try GIO; my 11 D4 has done one a year, both replaced OEM with only one question asked by me. My new best friends are at Instant Windscreens/OPark. Funny - never really broken a windscreen in a lifetime of driving (all round Oz - few chips but no breaks) but get a new D4 - bang bang. Both stones thrown by trailers towed by fourbies. My policy provides one free in each insurance year, certainly saved me a bundle, and has been much cheaper premium that RAC. Just about to renew; always have a phone haggle, saves usually a further 10% for the price of a ten minute phone con. My suggestion-ring around, and concentrate your policies on one insurer - helps a lot when you call them each year to beat it down. Small price to pay for the pleasure of driving D4. best of luck.

[mowog]

Look out for issues with the rain sensor with non OEM screens. I had an OEM screen fitted but there was damage to the rain sensor in the process. My Insurance RACQ covered the cost to fix rain sensor as well.

[LGM]

Please see my comments below from a previous post that I had made re Windscreen replacements.

My insurance company had wanted me to go to a generic mob again. I said no to that and added that I had paid a substantial amount of cash for my car and wanted it fixed by persons who know what they are doing. I paid for the work myself which was over $1k and lodged a refund application with my insurer. The insurer came to the party with a refund of the total amount. It has been my experience that the generic windscreen mobs are OK with vehicle types they see on a regular basis but put anything remotely different in front of them and they struggle.

I concur with the Gary's comments about the type of windscreen and only want the OEM type on my vehicle.

At insurance renewal time I will be asking some more questions re what my insurer does and does not cover / provide.

LGM (Lindsay)

[DJC]

Please see my comments below from a previous post that I had made re Windscreen replacements.

My insurance company had wanted me to go to a generic mob again. I said no to that and added that I had paid a substantial amount of cash for my car and wanted it fixed by persons who know what they are doing. I paid for the work myself which was over $1k and lodged a refund application with my insurer. The insurer came to the party with a refund of the total amount. It has been my experience that the generic windscreen mobs are OK with vehicle types they see on a regular basis but put anything remotely different in front of them and they struggle.

I concur with the Gary's comments about the type of windscreen and only want the OEM type on my vehicle.

At insurance renewal time I will be asking some more questions re what my insurer does and does not cover / proLGM (Lindsay)

Thanks Lindsay

I saw your comment when researching. Do you think it was just luck that they paid up when you sent the invoice in or did you have to argue any more given their earlierl stance? I am now being quoted $1800 by Instant Windscreens in Perth to do the full job including A frame etc. This gives me some comfort they know what they are doing as the mob the insurers want me to use are quoting $1k fitted for an OEM screen and I know the screen itself is a grand from the dealer so that doesn't fill me with confidence that they know what they are doing.

Will be getting an OEM Screen , just got to work out the best group and price to fit it. Will then either try for a full refund from RAC or if worst comes to worst do an insurance claim.

Cheers
Darren

[Tombie]

Not being funny... Goes to show.. Cheaper insurance often has a bigger cost.

Any policy where you cannot: choose the repairer of your choice and / or the vehicle is not returned to its condition prior to the incident should be avoided.