Dropping Windshield

[Adventurous Traveler]

Has anyone experienced or heard of a motorhome windshield dropping down in its placement from the weakening of the sealant causing small inside leaks?

My rig window has dropped to the point that the rubber weatherstrip around the window will not set into the groove between the window and the fiberglass frame.

In my 17+ years of RV'ing and being active on several forums I have never come across this happening to anyone.

I had a Progressive Insurance adjuster out today to look at it under my "Full Glass Coverage" and he doubts Progressive will do anything about it. I replied to him that if I drive down the road and the window falls out causing an accident then Progressive would be paying a heckuva lot more, potentially millions of dollars, than what it would cost to cover removal and re-setting of the windshield. He agrees, but he's only the messenger of what the answer will be tomorrow.

 

[Domo]

I've heard of them popping out due to wracked and rusted frames after the seal is compromised and leaks. I've seen some insulated double windows where the sealant settles down in-between the panes.

First I've read of a windshield slipping down - I'm surprised the insurance hasn't said "Yes" immediately.

Best of luck for a happy and leak-free solution!

 

[Joezeppy]

From an insurance standpoint, unless it can be shown the condition was caused by something like a rock or other object hitting the windshield, vandalism, etc., this would fall under either wear-and-tear or a manufacturing defect - neither of which an insurance policy will cover.

 

[grashley]

First problem is Progressive. I have had claims (other driver) and they were a royal pain to deal with. Throw a rock at it to break it, then drive past a work area or rock quarry, then report the damage.

 

[rvlifer]

First problem is Progressive. I have had claims (other driver) and they were a royal pain to deal with. Throw a rock at it to break it, then drive past a work area or rock quarry, then report the damage.

you are recommending insurance fraud

 

[workinonit]

They won't replace a windshield that's not cracked.

 

[gwinger]

From an insurance standpoint, unless it can be shown the condition was caused by something like a rock or other object hitting the windshield, vandalism, etc., this would fall under either wear-and-tear or a manufacturing defect - neither of which an insurance policy will cover.

Yes, that would be like submitting a claim for a flat tire or a broken fan belt.
The OP is talking about a 14 year old coach. Things happen!

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

you are recommending insurance fraud

And, issues such as mine is exactly what causes insurance fraud! Being honest and up front, saving Progressive from possibly paying out millions from an accident waiting to happen vs a few hundred dollars of foresight.

 

[NY_Dutch]

First problem is Progressive. I have had claims (other driver) and they were a royal pain to deal with. Throw a rock at it to break it, then drive past a work area or rock quarry, then report the damage.

Progressive was fantastic when our two piece windshield cracked on the driver's side. The adjuster spotted a stone chip on the passenger side and included that side in the claim as well. When shipping issues meant the local shop in NY that was going to do the work wouldn't get the glass before we left for Florida for the winter, the Progressive agent we dealt with had no problem switching the job to a shop there. In fact the shop there was even better for us because they came right to our campsite to do the work. $7,000 worth of glass and four hours later we were all set with zero cash out of our pockets. I couldn't have asked for better service.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I've not heard an out-of-position windshield described quite like that but slipping/sagging/loose/popped and similar adjectives have all been applied. Generally it is caused by either corrosion around the windshield frame or an inadequately supported front cap that suffers from torquing or racking, allowing or even pushing the windshield to move.

As for insurance paying for mechanical failures that might contribute to a future accident, where would it end? Worn tires or brakes? Faulty windshield wipers? Steering issues?

 

[workinonit]

I agree with that except we carry insurance specific to windshields. It replaces them with any damage at all. We don't carry insurance specific to brakes, tires etc.

 

[rvlifer]

And, issues such as mine is exactly what causes insurance fraud! Being honest and up front, saving Progressive from possibly paying out millions from an accident waiting to happen vs a few hundred dollars of foresight.

Does your policy say it is covered? If so they should cover it.

if i choose to break the law its on me. No one else

 

[workinonit]

Same goes for all of us.

 

[rvlifer]

I pay extra for windshield coverage. It isnt covered under standard policies at state farm

 

[workinonit]

Exactly. It's covered under the comprehensive portion which is optional. My point is that it is specific insurance that should cover the OP's problem.

 

[Joezeppy]

I agree with that except we carry insurance specific to windshields. It replaces them with any damage at all. We don't carry insurance specific to brakes, tires etc.

But the OP's windshield is not "damaged", it's sliding down in the frame over time which is a maintenance, wear-and-tear, or manufacturing problem. Now, if the OP braked hard and the windshield fell out of the frame, that might be considered "damage" covered by the insurance company.

If the bolts holding front cap on rusted out causing the cap to sag or even fall off while the rig was sitting still, would you consider that insurable "damage"?

 

[gwinger]

Does your policy say it is covered? If so they should cover it.

if i choose to break the law its on me. No one else

The coverage refers to 'broken' glass. This problem is basically a failure of the adhesive or weatherstripping failing. No insurance will cover wear and tear.

 

[Domo]

Sounds like you have to trigger a comprehensive claim and pay your deductible.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Sounds like you have to trigger a comprehensive claim and pay your deductible.

I think he is doing that and being told the claim will be denied.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I agree with that except we carry insurance specific to windshields. It replaces them with any damage at all. We don't carry insurance specific to brakes, tires etc.

But your windshield itself (the glass) isn't damaged and you are asking the insurer to provide a repair in case it later becomes a root cause for some other damage or liability claim.