Slightly OT - windscreen replacement service

Hi all,

Our windscreen has cracked, and our insurers specify we should phone "RAC
Auto Windscreens", which we duly did.

First, the RAC claimed there's a delay in obtaining a screen. Next, that
they're fully booked for the next 11 or 12 days.

When the appointed day finally came, the RAC people unwrapped the new
screen, only to discover it was broken.

We've had no call back from RAC for 4 days, so I rang them this afternoon.
They now say the first available slot is Tuesday week - another 11 days
delay.

The car's perfectly drivable, despite the crack on driver's side, so it's
not hugely inconvenient. But I've never encountered this kind of delay in
screen replacements before.

Does anyone know if this kind of delay is common, or is just the RAC who
haven't got their act together?

TIA

 

On the three occasions we've needed replacement glass, Autoglass have
had the glass in stock and done the job next day,

Volvo 945 front screen
Toyota Carina rear side
VW Polo rear side

Ron(UK)

 

What car is it for?

Mike

 

"Ron(UK)" wrote in message

A golfer broke my front windscreen (Astra 5 dr, green tint) and then went
home without admitting it yesterday (Thanks for that you b*&^%$d). Northern
Ireland has public holidays on the 12th and 13th of July so I'm having a new
one fitted at Autoglass tomorrow morning. The replacement at my home/place
of work wasn't available until Wednesday. My insurance company has less of
an excess if I use Autoglass.

 

Thanks to all for the comments. Our expereince, previously, has also been
that Autoglass are quick off the mark, and mostly sort things the same day.
The only conclusion I can draw is that the insurers specify RAC cos they're
cheaper. But I can't see how a 10+ day backlog helps them cut costs....

I hoped no-one would ask, Mike.... it's the "other car", a Volvo S80. Sorry
:-((

 

Phone up Autoglass'' see if they have it in stock if so phone Insurance
company and explain the position that your car is of the road due to damaged
windscreen. They will probably give you the go ahead for a replacement with
autoglass.

 

Thanks. But as mentioned, car is perfectly driveable... and there are all
kinds of issues if we use non-RAC company (paying in full, then claiming to
recover cost; capped price, etc) We were primarily just interested in
whether the RAC's non-promptness was indicatove of widespread poor service
these days, and the replies suggest that it isn't. So why are RAC so slow?

All comments much appreciated - thanks all.

 

QUOTE "Our windscreen has cracked,"

Then your car is not roadworthy. Methinks you are just trying to knock the
RAC for whatever reason.

 

That's absolutely not the case. It's simply that I am surprised to find
such long delays in getting a repair done, using the firm our insurers have
told us to use. I thought perhaps this was the norm these days (it's a few
years since we've needed a screen repaired or replaced). Responses here
suggest that Autoglass are far more prompt.

As for roadworthiness, that was our first concern, but the RAC people told
us there was no risk of it getting worse and we shouldn't worry about the
delay. Are they right in saying this? Or are we driving illegally /
unsafely if the screen is cracked?

 

Phone up your insurers and tell them that you`ve realised/been told,
that the car isn't roadworthy, and they they must provide you with a
vehicle until the screen is replaced. That should gee them along a bit.

Ron(UK)

 

If your windscreen is cracked then the car would fail an MOT as unsafe to
drive. IANAL

 

I should have realised that when we were originally told it was ok... :-(

Anyway, we now have a satisfactory conclusion. Mr RAC turned up
unexpectedly on Wednesday morning - 6 days ahead of appointment - and did
the job. All seems fine now. Many thanks for everyone's comments.

Just one last query, if I may..... The tax-disc holder, which also serves
as mobile aerial, has lost its "stick" (and doesn't respond to being
licked). Any suggestions for a glue which could be peeled off later, if
needed?

Many thanks

 

Glad you got your screen sorted.

There`s a thing called a glue dot, which is transparent and removable.
Those fancy poser brushed ally licence holders use them. look for Billy
Blobs. (seriously ;^)

Ron(UK)

 

Thanks for the suggestion Ron - I've googled and it looks promising, though
a roll of 5,000 seems excessive for one tax-disk holder... ) Still,
there's a discount for bulk orders!!

I've always thought I'm far too old to be a "fancy poser", but this may be
my opportunity ))

(More seriously, there are some reasonable offers on eBay, so I really will
follow your suggestion)

Thanks again.

 

They fit it in when it's conevenietn to them so the insurers aren't
paying for an emergency repair.