A Customer's Experience

Jill Kamp of The Washington Times shares her Windshield City experience...

Do you need to protect your windshield this summer because it already has one or more dings in it? I have learned that it is cheaper to repair such marks than to replace the windshield but only an expert knows when to repair and when to replace. I became a semi expert on this topic last week after I attempted to drive into Loudoun County looking for bargains.

Raise your hands if you have noticed real speeding on Route 50 going west from Chantilly toward Middleburg, VA. I was traveling that route and almost lost it all when I was side swept by a driver going east. He crossed a bit over the yellow line, just enough to knock into my driver's side mirror and crack it...his mirror went flying across the road.

Anyway, I called Mike Koditek at Windshield City, 703/502-9870. He had made it onto my Rolodex last year when I replaced a cracked windshield.

All I had this time was a cracked mirror. My 3p.m. call on Monday yielded an 11a.m. service call on Tuesday. Windshield City usually repairs and delivers to your home.

My new mirror for my 1991 Toyota Previa, otherwise known as the Queen's Chariot, cost $30. In the process of getting it installed, I found out about another deal. If windshield repair - which costs$39 to $50 - is needed, some insurance companies will waive the deductible and pay for the repair. Check with your insurance company to see if it is offering this deal.

I guess the companies figure it will be cheaper to them in the long run. So if you have been stalling, call Mr. Koditek to check out this offer. The repair is free to you, and it will save your windshield. Read Jill every Thursday in The Washington Times; see Jill every Monday on Channel 7 News at 5:00pm; hear Jill every Wednesday on Loudoun radio - 1200AM at 7:20am.

Windshield City in the News

Glass Shop in Virginia Selling Wholesale Windshields

Windshield City of Virginia is selling windshields wholesale to the public, a practice not widely seen in the industry. The company is also in the repair and replacement business. Glass for all vehicles, including classic cars and hard-to-find glass is available in the company's $1 million inventory, according to the company. The company is advertising in local newspapers and has a website at washingtonpost.com.

Reprinted with permission from US Glass Magazine - June 1999 issue