Windshield Chip

Long-time RVers Paul and Janet Mosley recently upgraded to a brand new coach and set off to one of their favorite destinations, to Alaska. While the Alaskan Highway has some of the most beautiful scenery found anywhere, the road can be a little rough. It's a long highway and harsh winters make it difficult for state workers to maintain. There are many gaps in the pavement and patches of gravel along the way. The Mosleys soon encountered one of these rough stretches and a stone chipped their flawless new windshield.

Janet called their insurance claim hotline immediately to report the chip. Even though a windshield chip seems like a minor claim, it is extremely important to report the damage quickly-even if you plan to wait until the end of your trip to complete the repairs. Coverage can be denied if the incident is not reported in a timely manner. The Mosleys chose to repair the chip while on their trip. The result was a windshield with virtually no evidence of a ding. And, because deductible payment is not required for chip repair, they were on their way in thirty minutes and they didn't have to pay a thing. They had also taken a big step toward preventing the chip from growing into a much bigger crack, requiring the windshield be replaced and a deductible be paid.

Reporting the claim immediately is most important. However, repairing the chip as soon as possible is also to your benefit. As soon as there is a break in the windshield, dirt, moisture and many other impurities start invading the crack. Once contaminants are present, the subsequent repair job becomes less effective and more noticeable. The debris in the ding mixes with the glass filler and makes the fill cloudy and therefore more conspicuous.

Secondly, if the chip is left unrepaired, chances are it will grow into a full-blown crack that cannot be corrected. And, as you may know, replacing an RV windshield is no small feat. You can end up waiting days for your dealer to receive the right size glass for your coach and you will have to pay the deductible. Also, replacing the original windshield breaks the manufacturer's seal which, no matter how good the replacement installation is, can never be quite as airtight as the original. A good rule of thumb is, if the crack is smaller than a dollar bill, it can usually be repaired. Discuss exact recommendations with a repair expert.

One other consideration is the location of the ding or chip. If it is directly in the driver's line of sight, filling it might not be the best course of action. Even the best fill job leaves a blurry spot, which is dangerous if it blocks the driver's view in any way.