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leesfourboys's avatar
leesfourboys
Explorer
Jun 24, 2015

Insurance Co hasn't settled claim

On our way to the 2015 Daytona Bike Week, we hit some rough, snow covered roads, and noticed that our driver side glass was cracked from the top down to the left side in a semi-circle. We called our insurance company when we noticed, and they immediately gave us a claim number. They replaced the glass, and on our way back to IN, we noticed that the glass was bulging out at the top left corner. The insurance company sent a new gasket, but the gasket is smaller and thicker than the one that was in the coach. Now they have pulled up our dash pad to get it to fit, the gasket is bulging around the glass so much in places that I can put my fingers between the glass and the gasket, it is barely catching the fiberglass opening at the center pillar on the drivers side, and looks like it is setting 11 o'clock. The insurance company is yet to get it fixed, and it is 3.5 months later. Do you have any suggestions about "our" next steps? Can anyone recommend an attorney, if that is what we need to do next? Frustrated camper here!
  • One hit wonder. Create and account, ask one question, and then never come back.
  • Three more weeks and nothing from the op..why do we even try to help these guys..:h:h:h...Dennis
  • I hope the OP comes back. ONE thing not mentioned and one thing WE require when we have the local Auto glass companies replace customers windshields-----THEY MUST BE PARKED FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE THE RV IS MOVED. Failure to do this will result in the glue/sealant from adhering correctly and you risk what happened in the OPs scenario. I wonder if that is what has happened, since they were on a trip. They moved the motorhome before the sealant had time to set up. Doug
  • I guess the OP must be enjoying his coach so much he couldn't return to his own post...:h:h
  • RV Glass Solutions changed mine also, BUT they used a local Florida installation contractor. He did a great job but he was not an employee of RV Glass.
    The installer said that he contracts out to several companies that advertise they do windshield replacements.
  • Rarely, if ever, do insurance companies CHOOSE the repair company. I've had two windshields replaced in the past year and both times the insurance company has had me choose the repair facility. They're subtle when they ask and their conversations are no doubt recorded.

    Sounds like the OP may be in a lose/lose situation. The 'fault' lies in the repair companies court. Also, I highly doubt the "insurance company sent us a new gasket". The OP needs to think through this competently and get his facts straight if he hopes to have a positive outcome.

    Finally, from his post it appears he had the repairs done in Florida and lives in Indiana. Assuming the repair company is a one person LOCAL facility, he may have some problem crossing state lines. It sounds to me as if he may have had the wrong windshield installed. One of the first things my insurance company did was have me provide the number(s) imprinted on my broken windshield. They asked me who I wanted to replace it. I chose RV Glass Solutions as they're a nationwide company as is Safelite. They came to the campground in Flagler Beach and installed it in about 45 minutes.

    To the OP...who did your install? Who is the insurance company?...Dennis
  • Most insurance repairs are warranted for a period of time. If you filed a complaint within that time frame, you should be in good shape. It is your insurance company's responsibility to insure that the repairs done, by a company of THEIR choice, are up to industry standards.
  • As noted above, insurance companies and extended warranty companies don't fix things or send parts, they authorize and pay for service. Safety first: If the ill fitting windshield represents a safety hazard (probably does since this protects you from flying objects while driving) get it repaired, even if it means at your expense, but document everything. Contact your insurance/warranty company and tell them of your problem with the repair (send an e-mail or fax along with the phone call and also send a written letter). Call and hard copy the repair facility telling them of the danger they placed you in and ask for the appropriate refund (remedy). Write a letter to Good Sam Action Line. (Why not) And Good Luck. I have no legal experience, I am just giving you suggestions as to how I would handle the situation. It may take months to get satisfaction, and you may never be compensated for the poor work. But safety first.
  • Insurance companies don't repair anything. They don't send out parts. Your beef is with the repair company. If you signed off on the repair, you are most likely at that company's mercy. If your insurance company recommended the shop, you might have some leverage with them. If you chose the shop, totally your problem. Just be aware that insurance companies spend millions on attorneys, so I strongly suspect they are well insulated from any direct liability for faulty repairs. Best bet is too keep calm and try and work your way through.
  • Every state licenses the insurance company to do business in their state. Contact your insurance commissioner or whatever they're called. A letter from them scares the bejeebers out of the companies. (they could lose their licenses if they have too many complaints). The agent is also "on the line" here...... :) Try this BEFORE spending $$ on an attorney. I worked for our ins. commissioner.....LOL amazing how fast a problem is solved after problems are brought to their attention.