Best window replacement firm?

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Tue 22 Jul 2008 22:41
Best window replacement firm? - pete&hisgolf
Had my Mazda 323 broken into this evening, and the radio/cassette nicked. I can pick up a new cheap & cheerful stereo at Halfords, but are there any recommendations for getting the passenger's side window replaced? I've heard of a company called Autoglass, but are there others.

I have 6 years no claims so don't want to do it via insurance.

Thanks

Pete
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Tue 22 Jul 2008 22:54
Best window replacement firm? - henry k
>>getting the passenger's side window replaced?
>>I have 6 years no claims so don't want to do it via insurance.
>>
Most if not all insurance companies treat glass replacement quite separately from the main insurance ( but it is all on the same policy)
This means the no claims bonus is not affected.

However you are usually charged a flat fee £50 - £75 AND your policy may specify which company to use.

So I suggest you check your policy for the charges and then compare that with a quote from any glass co.
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Tue 22 Jul 2008 23:06
Best window replacement firm? - pete&hisgolf
Thanks Henry. It's good to know that my no claims won't be affected.

I'm also concerned that it will affect my premium next year (may be going to a different insurer) as I would need to declare it as an 'accident/loss'.
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Tue 22 Jul 2008 23:15
Best window replacement firm? - mrnikko
Used Autoglass last week to replace the back windscreen of my Octavia
They did not have the screen in stock but it came overnight, they put plastic wrap on the tailgate to protect the boot and so I could use the car, after hoovering the car out.
Next day new screen fitted no complaints at all with the service offered.
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Tue 22 Jul 2008 23:54
Best window replacement firm? - Lud
Autoglass are expensive. They have a deal with the AA to recommend them. Of course if you aren't paying it matters less.

Google car windscreens/windows. You will find something just as good and cheaper.

Remember to mention the colour if the window is tinted.

Edited by Lud on 22/07/2008 at 23:55

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Wed 23 Jul 2008 00:32
Best window replacement firm? - NowWheels
Autoglass are expensive. They have a deal with the AA to recommend them. Of course
if you aren't paying it matters less.


Not just expensive, but stunningly expensive. A friend needed an emergency replacement windscreen a few years ago, and it cost about £500 from Autoglass. We found out afterwards that the job could have been done elsewhere for about £200 :(

I suggest you try a car dismantler. When the windows were trashed on my old Nissan Sunny about 13 years ago, I found replacement glass at a scrappie who also recommended a cheap installer. The installer was brilliant: picked up the glass himself so it was transported safely, and fitted it for a very modest fee.
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Wed 23 Jul 2008 00:35
Best window replacement firm? - pete&hisgolf
Thanks for the suggestions. I've done some fiddling around with car insurance renewal quotes on Confused.com and, as far as I can tell, a claim for glass won't affect my premium next time round. So I'll probably go via my insurance and stump up the £50 excess. Then I'll need to find a cheap radio/cassette (actually only ever use the radio) but it looks like you can only get them with CD players nowadays. Halfords here I come.

Autoglass quoted me £172, by the way.

Edited by pete&hisgolf on 23/07/2008 at 00:36

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