Stone Has Come off Haulage Truck and Damaged Windscreen - Best Approach?

Hi there fellow ozbargainers

This morning I was driving on M3 (VIC) where a haulage truck was in the lane next me slightly ahead. It should also be noted that the covers were not on the top of the trailers.

A stone has come off the vehicle into my windshield.

Options (as far as I'm aware are:
a) Call haulage company and ask for windshield replacement

b) Call my insurance (however I am on third party) and attempt to make a claim

Anyone had any similar experiences? Any advice/knowledge would be greatly appreciated

Comments

  • +1

    Do you have proof? If yes A, if no get windshield replacement on your own.

    • +1

      Called the truck haulage company and they said they have Cameras on the sides of their trucks - said he will review the footage and get back to me.

      So optimistically this may workout but pessimistically they could easily just pretend it didn't happen.

      • +16

        pessimistically they could easily just pretend it didn't happen.

        Not pessimistically, it's realistically what will happen.

        • It's a negative outlook hence pessimistic regardless of its likelihood

  • +1

    You forgot an option. Buy a new windshield

    • In this economy?

      • Maybe just use sticky tape over the cracked bit.

        • -1

          Ain't no stronger bond than Scotchbond.

  • Why not do both, then report back on your findings?

  • +1

    If you have photos to prove your claim you might stand a chance but I doubt it.

    I had a large stone come off a truck in front of me hitting my bonnet and putting a deep scratch into the paintwork.

    The driver denied it and I didn't have any proof it was him so I ended up having to fix the damage myself.

    I now have a dash cam installed.

    • Yes I am going to purchase a Dash Cam ASAP - any recommendations?

      • +1

        Get the one with a flux capacitor, to make sure you get footage of that rogue stone in action :)

  • +1

    Depends on how deep your pockets are, however get one with a capacitor not battery powered. It'll last longer.

    • +1

      hmm i would say $200-$250 I'll get researching

  • -4

    join comprehensive insurance with no claim windscreen cover then claim it under your insurance.

    • -1

      not a bad idea haha

    • +7

      And then come back here and complain insurance is too expensive because of all the people committing insurance fraud

      • nah, there should be rebate from insurance premium considering we're now limited to essential travels only

  • -2

    You could just add the windscreen option on your insurance, claim for replacement. It's cheaper.

    • +1

      Is that fraudulent

      • -1

        Only if you get caught.

  • If you don't get anywhere with the haulage truck company, check your Roadside Assistance membership inclusions. I'm in NSW & mine covers one windscreen chip repair or save 30% off windscreen replacements.

  • a) Call haulage company and ask for windshield replacement

    Do you have dashcam showing the store chipping the window? If not, its just hearsay

    b) Call my insurance (however I am on third party) and attempt to make a claim

    As above, but also with 3rd party the insurance will just laugh at you. You need full comp for them to do that

    You forgot option C, replace your own windscreen and buy a dashcam.

    • Really just relying on the truck companies' honesty at this point

      Yep third party said the only way is that the other party doesn't have insurance which a company obviously will.

      Obviously trying to avoid option C) hence this post and the omission

      • +1

        You do realise you have logged in with a different account and now replying to everyone :)

        • +2

          Multiple accounts. Loves a bit of fraud action. I’d say he’ll just do the dodgy sign up insurance and claim windscreen damage.

        • +1

          Yeah thanks for reporting

  • What’s the M3? Eastlink?

  • Yes, had it happen to me twice on the M5. Unless you have video evidence you don't stand a chance. Unfortunately there are too many dishonest people out there that have made false claims.

    You can claim insurance if you think it will be lots more than your excess.

    My first one cost me $400. After that I paid the $20 extra for free windscreen replacement.

    • I have never paid for windscreen replacement insurance. Only once needed a windscreen replaced, neighbours kid threw a massive rock and the parents left me a note and paid to replace it. Over 20 years of driving so I’m ahead without the extra premium.

      • 3 in the last 10 years.

        Nothing in the 30 years before that

  • I did see years ago that windscreen damage was accepted as fair risk for all road users. e.g. hit a bird breaking windshield. Loose stones flicked up by other vehicles comes into this.

    If fault, for example by unsecured load, careless driving causing damage, etc., can be proved it's a civil matter to be settled by both or all parties involved.

  • Ghost account gooooone

Login or Join to leave a comment