Repairs on driver side

[tooldini]

I am new to the business and have customer with a chip on the drivers side slightly above the center of the drivers side. Is there any law regarding repairs in this area. I cannot remember of any. I live in Michigan if that helps any.

Thanks
Jeff

[rick langley]

The older standards in Ma. was by the registy of motor vehicle said they do not want the w/shield repaired in the accute area in front of the driver
2' high by 3' wide! Because the eye will still pick it up and be a distraction to most drivers! Ma. Insurance co. now say if the chip is in the wiper sweep that it should not be repaired! Most States I believe have their own standards the local R M V should have the info for you or try the Inspection stations if you have any close to you they may also know.
I hope this will help you! Rick

[Coitster]

Hey Jeff,
Just so you know you can fix a chip anywhere on the windshield including the drivers line of vision. I personaly don't recomend it in the line of vision there are no laws that I have ever heard of regarding where a chip can be fixed. Also remember that replacement companies try to look for any reason to have to replace a windshield. To give you an example you wouldn't belive how many glass companies offer windshield repair in there adds and then have a salesman go out to the customers job site and then try to sell the customer on a replacement. I know this because I run into it almost on a daily basis. I have seen so many perfect bulleyes that would turn out great and the customer was told by glass companies that they would have to replace a windshield. Be carefull, all most glass companies care about is replaceing the glass. For you to be on the safe side I recommend that you call your insurance company and ask them about how they handle chip repair. There are national standards on what is recommended to repair, vs. replace. Hope that helps.
David
Coitster

[tooldini]

Thanks guys. You gave me some helpfull info. This board is pretty good for lots of info for new guys like me

thanks
Jeff

[ARG]

Here in Oklahoma we don't have a state vehicle inspection anymore. My observations are that unless the windshield is badly damaged, nothing is done.

Many insurance companies restrict repairs on some part of the driver's side due to safety and liability. Here, people drive with the distortion even after it has cracked out, and in some case won't replace it even if it is severely cracked. We, as a rule don't restrict areas of repair, as we feel it's the customer's vehicle and it should be their call. We do follow the insurance company's guidelines where insurance work is involved. We always explain to the customer that the windshield may have a distortion and that the only way to eliminate that would be with replacement. My opinion is, which is better-a slight distortion or the distortion received by someone driving with a cracked windshield.

As part of our authorization we include a release. A sample is below.

I understand that (company name), or their assigns, or suppliers, have not removed and/or replaced my windshield with a new glass. Rather they have salvaged the glass by repairing and improving a badly distorted area. I, in no way expect or hold (company name), or their assigns or suppliers, responsible for absolute clarity as with a new windshield. I hereby waive all rights to future litigation

We have used this since we opened in 1989. To date, we have had no one refuse to sign this for a repair and we have had zero complaints about a distorted area in the driver's vision.

I hope this might help.

ARG

[tooldini]

Thanks for your info. I am gonna send this customer to get replacement. it is a giant mess right in her view.

thanks
Jeff