Replacement Windscreen Grief

[belly_bongo]

(Have trawled the forum for helps but old threads are all out of date - pricewise.)

Got a BIG stonechip in the windscreen of our Bongo. Phoned Lifesure who gave me Autoglass's number and said a repair was free and a replacement would cost me the £75 excess. However, Autoglass (whilst being very helpful) have quoted £800+ to get a windscreen for me as they don't hold them in stock, and when they checked into the insurance cover there is a £500 glass limit for imported vehicles, which Lifesure have confirmed to be true.

Can anyone suggest where I can get a windscreen replaced for less than £500 that Lifeusre will approve of? I really can't afford to pay the £300+ difference.

[belly_bongo]

Right. Developments already.

Have spoken again to Autoglass. They have 2 types of Bongo listed - Mazda Bongo MPV or Mazda Bongo Import. I said mine was an import which gave the hefty price tag and long wait for a replacement screen.

However, if it's a Mazda Bongo MPV it is a screen they hold in stock and it costs £323 - well below Lifesure's £500 limit. This seems to tie in with the other threads I've read where Autoglass have turned up and replaced it next day.

Am I right in changing my options and saying mine's a Mazda Bongo MPV?
Does anyone know if this will be the correct size?

[MountainGoat]

£800.00 is exorbitant, there is a new one going on ebay for £375.00 at the moment and you could get one even cheaper from one of the breakers. You have to remember that if you go through the insurance a new one will have to be fitted. It is often cheaper to forget about the insurance, buy a second hand windscreen and get someone to fit it for you.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mazda-Bongo-Freed ... 286.c0.m14

Tony

[MountainGoat]

Mazda Bongo MPV or Mazda Bongo Import

They are talking nonscence. There are two types of Bongos, the Mazda Bongo Friendiee Aft and the Mazda Bongo tin top. Both windscreens are identical as far as I know and ALL Mazda Bongos are Grey Import Mpv's.

Tony

[brorabongo]

Theres also.......

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =1&t=35128

[tonic]

I've used auto windscreen in the past. They have never given me a quote, just taken my insurance policy number & payment for £60. Then either fitted the windscreen the same day or following day, depending on if they had it in stock.

[New Forest Terrier]

Autoglass can be really clueless on anything non standard. They quoted me something extortionate, about £600 for a new windscreen for my Jeep Wrangler. I found a new screen for £140 direct from Jeep parts and had a classic car specialist fit it for me. Total £400 less than Autoglass.

The screen has got to be Bongo MPV. Same with or without AFT. The other thing to watch is colour. Most seem to have a green tint. There is also a bronze tint which is far more expensive. Jilly Gumbo was charged a lot for one of these.

[tonic]

Forgot to add, I'm insured with Direct Line, they have never batted an eye lid regarding my two windscreen replacements in the last 3 years. So Auto Windscreen must be under £500.

Also each time I have gone for the bronze tinted glass. Which is just a bronze sunstrip but I think goes better with the rest of the windows. Never been charged anything extra for a bronze windscreen.

[dandywarhol]

I've used auto windscreen in the past. They have never given me a quote, just taken my insurance policy number & payment for £60. Then either fitted the windscreen the same day or following day, depending on if they had it in stock.

Ditto! also used Autowindscreens recently - same excellent service with £75 excess

[Matt&JoyBongling]

The limit for glass damage with LifeSure's cover is less than I could have been given with another co. If we had not already renewed with LifeSure, we would have taken up the other Co's offer. They were about £20 more but seemed to have better cover - including a like-for-like courtesy car irrespective of blame. LifeSure's cover offers a vehicle but it could be something like a Micra - not very useful with a laden Bongo on the way to camping trip. The other Co. would provide something closer to a Bongo - such as a Zafira or a bigger vehicle if available.

As for Autoglass, let me know if you do not get is sorted soon - my neighbour works as a call centre operator for them and should be able to get the correct info. for you.

[belly_bongo]

Thanks for all the help/advice/replies in general.

The latest - Louise at Autoglass rang me back and has arranged for a technician to come over with one of their stock "Bongo MPV" windscreens (costing about £300 so under the limit) to see if it's the right size. If it is he'll fit it. If not it's back to the drawing board.

Fingers, toes and everything else crossed...

[belly_bongo]

Yay!! All's well that ends well.

The "MPV" windscreen fitted no probs. Have just paid my £75 excess and the lovely Autoglass man has toddled off on his way.

I must say that Autoglass have been brilliant throughout this, especially Louise at the Derby depot.

And the moral of this story, if you damage your windscreen and want to get it sorted through your insurance don't tell Autoglass it's an import. You need the stock Mazda Bongo MPV windscreen fitting please.

Thanks again for all the help and advice.

[missfixit70]

Glad you got sorted, & good to know the score with Autoglass & the Mazda Bongo MPV thing

[Ron Miel]

Just picked up this thread. Had a windscreen chip repaired free, without insurance excess, by Autoglass a couple of weeks back. Asked the fitter about availability of Bongo windscreens and sure enough, he told me that I should specify Bongo MPV, not import, if I ever need one. Said he had done lots of them(?). Agreed, Autoglass were great

[tonic]

Pleased to hear you got it sorted. Happy days.