Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self. - Cyril Connolly
Friday, December 29, 2006
Good News and otherwise mostly Bad News
The bad news is that the little star break on my windshield is rapidly spider cracking and the windshield needs to be replaced.
The bad news is that I drive a BMW with lots of fancy features, many of which are embedded into the windshield and/or the rear view mirror (auto rain sensors, bluetooth, emergency response, polarized glass, etc.).
The bad news is that to have this replaced properly at the dealership with a warranty on making sure these features will continue to work - is $895.
The good news is that getting a new, normal, featureless windshield replaced costs about $350.
The bad news is that I have a $500 deductible.
The good news is that they will cover the additional $395.
The really good news is that once again, USAA Insurance and the people that they have working there, are the best examples of customer service in any industry I have ever used. Friendly, fast, efficient, helpful, and they always get it right. They explained everything thoroughly without patronizing me, told me exactly what I had to do to process the claim, called the dealership and authorized the repair. This is especially impressive when they sub-contract their glass claims through Safe Lite Auto Glass, and didn't bat an eye when I requested the dealer replacement for all the reasons I stated.
Your windshield is worth more than the book value of my car.