Bad News....Need to replace windshield on GT

[mrjoshyman]

Bad news...so what started out as a tiny pebble hitting my windshield and leaving a little mark, became a crack through my windshield thats probably at least 12" long ( became worse with more driving)

So anyway I need to replace my windshield now, since I've got the GT there the rain/headlight sensor in the windshield.... my question is do I need to do this @ mazda b/c of the sensor? Any idea how much this is gonna cost?

 

[hilmar2k]

You should be able to have any glass company do the work. Your insurance should cover it completely.

 

[mrjoshyman]

as far as gettin the windshield -- is it special b/c of the sensor or can the sensor be swapped from my current windshield to a new one?

 

[hilmar2k]

as far as gettin the windshield -- is it special b/c of the sensor or can the sensor be swapped from my current windshield to a new one?

I believe that the sensor can be moved from one windshield to the other. The glass company will (should) use OEM glass.

 

[dokx]

I just called my neighbor to see what the deal is. He works as a mobile glass repair "guy". He said that when you have rain-sensing wipers, the box usually just clips onto a bracket. The new windshield will come with a bracket already attached. Basically, the box is part of the car, not part of the windshield, and it gets moved to the new windshield.

 

[phillyb]

please let me know if insurance covers this, it'd be interesting to know

 

[micronesia]

Insurance would cover it, and not warranty?

BTW what road were you on when you got hit by the pebble? I'm making absolutely sure not to drive on it when I pick mine up from Wantagh tomorrow.

 

[hilmar2k]

Insurance would cover it, and not warranty?

Why on Earth would warranty cover a broken windshield? That makes zero sense.

I've never had an insurance policy that didn't have zero deductible glass coverage. Just check your policy or call your agent. Then make an appointment with any reputable glass company.

 

[MicaSp33d]

probably not worth it to get it covered by the insurance. You would have to pay the deductible and thats probably close or more that what you have to pay for the windshield

 

[hilmar2k]

probably not worth it to get it covered by the insurance. You would have to pay the deductible and thats probably close or more that what you have to pay for the windshield

Who has a deductible for glass? I never have.....ever. That's over a dozen policies in multiple states. It's like $4 per year to have complete glass coverage. Such a no brainer.

 

[micronesia]

Why on Earth would warranty cover a broken windshield? That makes zero sense.

I just looked at a warranty booklet which does specify that glass is not covered (it's hidden alongside convertible top so I didn't notice it at a first glance). I also checked and insurance does tend to cover glass, so I was wrong that it would tend to lean the other way. I just disagree that it makes zero sense since generally when something breaks on a unit that is under warranty, it is covered.

"Warranty: a written guarantee given to the purchaser of a new appliance, automobile, or other item by the manufacturer or dealer, usually specifying that the manufacturer will make any repairs or replace defective parts free of charge for a stated period of time." -dictionary.com

If a windshield is poorly made then a tiny pebble will obliterate it whereas a normal windshield would be unaffected. Therefore, it is ambiguous whether or not the windshield was defective, thus it is not valid to say it was 100% not a defective unit and therefore not covered. This can be compared to the metalwork being dented in a collision, where it is undeniable that the cause of the damage was another car/object and not simply a defect in the parts. The reason why you are right that glass is definitely not covered is because:

a) warranties seem to specify this directly
b) it's generally known that certain parts of a car that tend to undergo wear and tear will not be covered by warranties.

Since I've never had a warranty before I was slightly hazy on the specifics. I conclude it is undeniably true that glass is not covered upon a close inspection of warranties, but is also undeniably not 100% nonsensical (which is implied by your claim that what I said made 0 sense.

Yes that was fun. I occasionally enjoy being a bad lawyer for practice.

 

[MidwestSpeed3]

I just called my Mazda service department today regarding this issue. Despite what some have said on other forums, the sensors are in fact separate from the windshield.

In other words, there is no difference between getting a windshield replaced on a non-GT than a GT.

Also, as far as insurance covering it goes, it greatly depends on the company and your plan. I have State Farm, and by reading there website, it appears that it is covered under comprehensive, which on my policy carries a $500 deductible. I still need to call and verify this, but I am not getting my hopes up.

Hope this helps....

 

[dkswim]

thats the way i grew up with it im sure in some states you could set it up specificly with a glass clause

 

[jville]

fl has a policy that will assist you in replaceing your windshield.

 

[Super Unique]

the rain sensing wiper works using a sensor on the base of the rear view mirror, if you look at the mirror where it attaches to the windshield you will notice there is a black plastic cover sitting on the glass surface, inside this is where the rain sensor sits. It has a sensor that monitors the surface of the glass in a fan shape emanating from this point.

 

[hilmar2k]

I just disagree that it makes zero sense since generally when something breaks on a unit that is under warranty, it is covered.

....as long as that something breaks without the assistance of a rock. I am still a little shocked that there is still the opinion out there that glass is covered under warranty. I assumed (I know, silly me) that it was general knowledge that glass (along with brakes, tires, wiper blades, etc) was not included in the warranty protection.

I am also shocked at how many people have crappy insurance. Windshields are not cheap. You really need to make sure you are completely covered for glass. Like I said before, it literally is like $4 per year. It also covers all of your glass. Replace one piece of glass in your lifetime and you come out ahead.

Now, go call your agent!!

 

[CamelFilters]

This is why it is important to find out if the insurance you are with provides $0 deductible. Mine does and it's like $50 dollars more per year. My windshield has been replaced 2X already with no hassles from my insurance. Also, my insrance told me that since it's a peice of rock or whatever that flies towards and cracks the windshield, it's not considered my fault because it's not something I can avoid.

 

[mrjoshyman]

update: i called up my insurance, i have full glass coverage. im having the glass company come on friday and swap out the windshield....

thanks 4 all the help guys