Re:windshield pitting

[Daniel Hussey <GY3WSX@VM.SC.EDU>]

    Ralph,

    How do you guys get the insurance companies to pay for your windshield if
it is just pitted!  I can't believe that!  That is great, but I can't believe
that.  My windshield was pitted pretty bad after 10 years of highway cruising
behind sand trucks (or whatever) and I was hurting for a new one.  I thought
it would cost me like $200-250 for a new windshield.  The place I went to
quoted me $400 for a new windshield, installed!  Ouch!  I don't know if that
glass was shipped in from Germany or what, but it seemed a little high.  The
lady at the place said it included the surrounding trim, which is what made it
so expensive.  Is this true?

    Anyways, back to the original subject, I wanted to find out how to make
someone else pay for it.  But, unless your windshield is actually broken or
cracked, I don't think they will cover it.  And, that is only if you have full
coverage.  I had this, but I had a $1,000 deductable.  So, I don't think it
would have been covered anyways.  Does insurance pay for stuff like glass
breakage and windshields without a deducable?  And, how are you getting them
to just pay for a "pitted" windshield?

    BTW, I don't know why you were "black listed" and unable to find insurance,
but with experience rated insurance, the more claims you make, the higher risk
you put yourself in.  People probably are afraid to insure you because the
chances of you making another claim are very great if you've made them before.

    I may ask my insurance professor if one can get around paying a deductable
on a cracked windshield (which in essence means, get insurance to pay for it).
I'd really like to know as I have no experience with this.  Also, I would like
to know what the story is on these "pitted" or sandblasted windshields.  Are
they covered as well?  Would be nice to know for the future.  But only if it
doesn't affect my insurance record.  I can't afford to pay more than I am now.

    BTW, I don't mean to preach, or suggest that any of you make fruadulent
claims, but insurance fraud is a very real problem!  It is responsable for the
loss of approximately $20 billion dollars a year!  And, guess who pays for it?
Yup, you and I do when we go to buy insurance.  So, just think about that if
you think you are cheating the insurance company and getting something for
nothing.  Just a little public service announcement.

    Later,
    Dan