Stone flew and damage to windshield, looking for advice

[Jun 233]

Driving near Martinborough yesterday, so nice cars (Corvettes, TVR, minis, RX7, etc.) on the opposite traffic.  One of cars probably picked up a stone, so as we passed by one another a stone hit our windshield (no this is not the M5, another car).  Anyway I have a $500 excess on windshield, it seems new policy doesn't have free windshield excess.  Just reduced excess, our standard excess is $1,000.  Put here a photo, I think this needs a repair definitely.  I know these days the repairs are really slow, due to supply chain issues.  Looking for the following advice:

- Best replacement shop in Wellington?  I know Smith and Smith but that is based from the commercials I have seen through the years.  I would want a place that knows how to properly replace it, weather strips, etc.

- I don't think it can be repaired anymore, dark spot is like a film in between the glass.  Externally there isn't a lot of damage when you feel the hands, damage is in between the glass.  Likely the glass is 2 or more layers.

- I would want it temporarily repaired I think, so it doesn't go bigger as we wait.  I believe the wait times now are in the months

Any other comments/advice that would be useful, I will call the insurance claim tomorrow.

[Jun 233]

Looking at this a bit, seems I can probably repair this myself.  Seen a few bad stories/review about replacements, etc.  I would imagine the workmanship isn't going to be that great when it's replaced.  Repair kits are just like $35, I am pretty ok with these kind of things.  Question is if I repaired it myself and it doesn't really workout, can I still claim under insurance?

The complicated issue is the dark spot, likely the film in between.

[Gaz 1061]

Not sure what they charge up wellington way but Novus charge about $80 here to do a chip repair. 

[qube 3570]

I think they want you to show them your crack

[jon dee 500]

Depends a lot on where abouts on the windscreen the damage is located. I'd suggest you get Novus to look at it and get their advice and a price to do the repair before going at it yourself. They have a pretty good guarantee for their repairs and if they do it you are not likely to get knocked back at WOF time.

Cheers...

[skidz 197]

Had Novus Porirua, repair a similar stone damage on my F11 Touring, did an excellent job and if your insurance is with Vero (hence $500 excess on replacement) the excess does not apply to repairs - so they picked up the tab.  Win win!

 

Oh and we were all travelling to Lake Ferry for their annual run.  Great selection of cars!