Ask an expert

Two months ago a stone hit the windscreen of my Suzuki Escudo which resulted in a chip about the size of a 50 cent piece appearing on the screen.

I had it repaired under my insurance policy (usual resin injection method), but there is still a very noticeable mark about the size of a 20 cent piece. I mentioned this to the repairer at the time and was told that this was the best they could do.

When my wife rides in the car she complains bitterly because the mark is right in front of the passengers vision. Also, I am sure it will affect any re-sale of the vehicle.

Should I have expected a repair job to eliminate the mark completely?

Peter

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 2 December 2009

When auto glass repairers advertise their services they often claim a repair which is almost undetectable and in most cases they deliver on that promise from my experience.

At times however, some cracks are so big that repairs do leave an obvious but acceptable scar on the screen.

There are certain areas of a front windscreen that the repair standards change particularly around direct vision for the driver.

I would suggest you take the car into a WoF testing station and ask their opinion; would the repair pass a WoF inspection?

If they say no, then make contact with your insurance company again and talk to them about organising a replacement screen.

Even if they say yes, it would pass an inspection, you could still contact the insurance company and tell them the repair has not restored the vision for the passenger to an acceptable level.