RE: Cracked windshield help needed

["Dupree, Jim" <dupree@alldata.com>]

My understanding is that you're out of luck here. If the rock fell off the
vehicle, as in it had been part of the cargo, them they would be at fault
and responsible for the repair. If they just kicked up the rock off the road
them it is your responsibility. This cost me one windshield so far.
I have never done this nor do I recommend this but I have heard of people
that, after their windshield has been damaged, find and follow a state road
repair truck for a while. Then flag them over and claim a rock just fell
from their truck and broke the windshield. Apparently the state
transportation dept has to pay to fix so many windshields they ask few
questions other than when and where. 
I have a good repour with my insurance agent and I can call him and ask
"What if I file a claim for ___?" and he'll let me know all sides of it and
never records anything until I make a claim. 
Good Luck
Jim Dupree

		-----Original Message-----
		From:	Craig D. Niederst [mailto:niederst@telerama.com]
		Sent:	Tuesday, October 12, 1999 2:40 PM
		To:	Quattro List
		Subject:	Cracked windshield help needed

		Driving to work this morning, one of those huge Ford
Expedition's (with no
		mud flaps or stone guards on the rear wheels, BTW) fired a
rock at my '92
		100S, putting a nice 6 inch radius star pattern crack in the
windshield. The
		crater from the impact of the rock chipped off the outer ply
of glass in
		about a .25 inch circle down to the PVB innerlayer, so I
doubt the "crack
		wizard" repair would work here. Normally, I'd just contact
the insurance
		company (Erie Ins.), and have the windshield replaced under
glass coverage.
		But our insurance has taken a few big hits in the past year
or so due to my
		younger brother having 3 accidents (all his fault and
involving other
		vehicles, over $10k in payouts), which resulted in him
getting thrown off
		the policy. We were told the next infraction by any member
left on the
		policy may cause its cancellation. I would just wait a few
months and then
		submit the claim, but state inspection is due in November. I
did manage to
		get the Expedition's plate number. Can I go after the owner
of the
		Expedition for replacement of the windshield, or am I stuck
paying myself
		for this? I think its ridiculous the those damn SUV's which
ride very high
		off the road aren't equipped with mud flaps or stone guards
on the rear
		wheels. Trailer trucks are required to have them, so why not
these SUV's?
		Any opinions or BTDT's greatly appreciated.

		Craig
		'92 100S (84k)