ok this damned saga rolls on, they have rejected the quote from my dealer for the repairs to the damage to the paint on my car saying its too expensive, not overly happy at this they want me to get a quote from some Joe's backstreet bodyshop which'll be cheaper and they've basically told me they'll only pay for that. I suspect a VERY heated phonecall will be happening later today. The car is only 5 months old i don't think im being unreasonable expecting the work to be carried out by the supplying dealer

Tell them that any repair by a non skoda approved body shop will invalidate your paint warranty (as it will), and then re-itereate the whole situation.

ok this damned saga rolls on, they have rejected the quote from my dealer for the repairs to the damage to the paint on my car saying its too expensive, not overly happy at this they want me to get a quote from some Joe's backstreet bodyshop which'll be cheaper and they've basically told me they'll only pay for that. I suspect a VERY heated phonecall will be happening later today. The car is only 5 months old i don't think im being unreasonable expecting the work to be carried out by the supplying dealer

Get your insurance company involved again, and if that doesn't get you anywhere, if you have legal cover, get your insurance company to sue them for the cost of the repairs.

The last thing you want is your car like that over winter.

Also it's worth going to a couple of other good main dealers or approved places and getting quotes for repair (Audi etc) and assuming you're happy with them doing the work, sending those in as well.

Muppets.

Also do they have a trade association?

Is anything in writing?

All the stuff i have sent to them is in writing and the admittance of liability from them is in writing,

The issue with getting quotes from the other VAG companies is all the VW/Audi/Skoda around here are the same group and the bodyshops belong to the same people, also to be frank im getting a bit cheesed off at doing all their chasing around for their f**k up. I have mailed the insurance company again to see what they say.

I believe Sinclair Skoda actually use the VW bodyshop anyway so the quote would be the same.

I believe Sinclair Skoda actually use the VW bodyshop anyway so the quote would be the same.

yep they do whole group uses the facilty in Gorseinon , i have no problems with them doing the work, But the nearest other skoda dealers are a good distance in either direction, so im not prepared to waste any more of my time chasing around for this company.

All the stuff i have sent to them is in writing and the admittance of liability from them is in writing,

The issue with getting quotes from the other VAG companies is all the VW/Audi/Skoda around here are the same group and the bodyshops belong to the same people, also to be frank im getting a bit cheesed off at doing all their chasing around for their f**k up. I have mailed the insurance company again to see what they say.

That doesn't matter, it will just help your case to show it's a reasonable quote for fixing the damage.

If you get one from VW garage, on e from Audi garage and one from Skoda garage in the same area and they all give the same quote, then it helps your case.

Like i said, get your insurance involved and tell them you want it sorted, because they have damaged your car, that you want it done at a skoda approved body shop and a warranty that matches the original warranties for rust, paint etc on the original car. Point out your next step will be legal action.

Edited 28 September, 201015 yr by cheezemonkhai

I would suggest to them that they either accept the quote or you will take them to a small claims court at which point they will be charged for the original quote plus your wasted time.

You have a new car with a paint warranty that is voided if anyone other than Skoda paints it, they don't have a leg to stand on.

As they were employed by your insurance company in the first place rather than yourself then it is the insurance company that is ultimately liable for all of this - and while it may be quicker to try and cut out the middle man, really I think that the dealers costs (and you have every right to use a dealer) should be met directly by the insurance company (who can then argue the toss between them and auto windscreens as much as they like over who pays waht later). If the insurance company don't to this then they themselves are liable for further action (ombudsman/court etc) from yourself...

Not been having a lot of luck today spoke to them again have advised them that they have until 5pm Friday to agree to the dealers quote and in the mean time if they want to arrange a second quote from someone to look at my vehicle they can (which they have said they have no ability to as they have no access the internet, or yellow pages or a phone, which was strange as i was talking on the phone to the gentleman).

I have stressed to them i will only accept work being carried out by a main dealer and unless they agree to this by the stated deadline, i'll be seeing them in court, this was also backed up in writing. I have taken legal advice on the matter and have been informed as the damage was through no fault of my own, i have written proof from their company the car was not damaged before the job and a written admission of liability from their company, this all stands me in good stead with getting this sorted via the legal channels , just a real shame they have chosen to show their companies true colours which only echo the attitude of the "technician" they sent to do the job in the first place. Let this be a warning to anyone who has to have a windscreen/repaired replaced not to use Auto Windscreens, the sooner they go bust the better the motoring world will be.

I'll keep you informed.

Copy the letter to the CEO / MD marked Private & Confidential, you might get some joy by going to the top.

I don't see how this is any different really from the tech crashing his van into your car.

You got a quote and they need to pony up either through insurance or pocket.

I hope you get some joy soon, before rust spots start to appear.

I've just found this thread, as I don't look at this section much. I used AutoGlass a few months ago, with no problems. They used that unknown firm called Pilkington to make the glass.

The only complaint is they did not clean the inside of the glass properly so when it was dark or in low sun, the screen looked filthy and steamed up.

joy of joys they have finally accepted both quotes, stuck to my guns, threatened legal action! they're contacting the dealer to arrange all the work now!

joy of joys they have finally accepted both quotes, stuck to my guns, threatened legal action! they're contacting the dealer to arrange all the work now!

IMHO demand direct payment from them to the dealer for the work so that you don't have to try and get your money back.

IMHO demand direct payment from them to the dealer for the work so that you don't have to try and get your money back.

thats what i did the dealer will be billing them directly.

And push for compo

I have worked for both Autoglass and Autowindscreens and this sort of practice is common with all glass replacement companies.The quality of a job depends entierly on the fitter you get on the day,but this industry is not regulated enough as to 'weed' out the crap fitters out there.Its a shame nowadays that the training is nowhere near as good as it used to be.As for the quality of the glass,even the mighty Pilkington are starting to produce some very cheap looking windscreens and both AW and AG buy glass from south africa and korea.Best thing to do is always ask for dealer parts and watch the fitter like a hawk to see if he does a good job.The last thing any professional fitter like myself wants is to be tarnished with the same brush by narrow minded people who dont have a clue about what they are talking about!

I have worked for auto windscreens, autoglass and the not so lucky silver sheild, in a career spaning nearly 20 years.

Auto windscreens was by far the better co. in both working for and delivering customer service. at least it was up until the RAC ( Aviva ) sold them on to an investment co. The new director appointed (Peter Fox) has put his own money down in an effort to make as much money as possible in the shortest possible time.

His decisions have included;

closing depots/ workshops: these are where the best possible workmanship was undertaken in the best conditions.

removing stock from remaing sites: No stock means No same day jobs are undertaken (inc. break in's)

Moving remaining base techs into mobile: 100% mobile workforce that can only only work on dry days.

Changing shifts from 8hr to 12hr days: O.k in the summer but still expected to fit glass outside in the dark winter months ("to better serve the customer")

Implementing a new computer system: Sounds good but the reality is each tech has gone from 6-8 jobs and less than 100 miles traveling in an 8hr day to 4-5 jobs and upto 400 miles ( in one known case 570 miles and 2 jobs!) traveling in an 12 hr day.

and theres more;

Choosing not to pay suppliers: Time and again there is a need to go to the dealers for various ancillary parts needed to complete various jobs. yet we cant get the parts because we are on stop. Suppliers including VAG Trade parts, and even the co. which supplies replacement tools for us!

Ignoring health and safety requests: Techs are currently buying their own uniform inc. steel toe capped boots and safty glasses. Techs are also doing large screens that should really have 2 poeple to correctly position the screen.

All of the above has been actioned with 1 goal, MONEY.

The overall majority of auto windscreens employees want to do a good job and keep the company going but its director (and holding co.) is far too greedy.

My advice when needing any glaizing work done is not to watch the tech like a hawk, but to ask to take to a local workshop, ask for O.E glass and trims, ask if they have the right tools for the job and ask for an experienced tech. Auto windscreens is currently not able to provide the full house anymore but there are plenty of others that can.

For more on autowindscreens plaese see the link below.

http://www.just-auto.com/forums/topicView.aspx?catid=11&topicid=7921

Eh? Taken from AutoWindscreens website "Find your nearest Auto Windscreens fitting centre.... With over 98 fitting centers nationwide "

Not sure whether this was actually revealed in the post - have quickly trawled though the 4 pages.

I have a 2010 L&K - at some stage Skoda have deleted the top tint on the windsceen, which I actually find really useful in cutting down glare, especially when the sun is low.

Now I have a big crack in the screen, Time to get a replacement!

So, get on to Autoglass, tell them that I have a 2010 Octavia and that I need a replacement top tint windscreen.

Job booked in, fitter turns up only to tell me he has the wrong screen - it has a top tint, but as I have rain sensor, the mirror will mount too low down and leave wiring exposed from the headliner! (As oserved in OP early post!)

He was very helpful and said he would have to re-book the job and would research other screens and see if he could find a top tint version.

Bottom line is that the depot then phoned me and said they would have to order a screen from Skoda dealer against my VIN no. which means I won't get a top tint screen!

Does anyone have any further info on whether a top tint screen might be available for 2010 Octavia with rain sensor?

I am almost considering accepting the original top tint screen, (providing rain sensor position is the only issue) and then sort out sleeving the rain sensor wiring afterwards.

John.

Edited 1 November, 201015 yr by JayTee

Eh? Taken from AutoWindscreens website "Find your nearest Auto Windscreens fitting centre.... With over 98 fitting centers nationwide "

well spotted! it appears auto windscreens can't get their own website right!

Seriously Give them a call and ask for the addresses of these phantom fitting centres!

There official stance is they no longer have fitting centres. But if your lucky the call centre agent may disclose that there are some left.

0800 999 8000

Failing that get the location off the website and then visit for yourself.

Enjoy.

Not sure whether this was actually revealed in the post - have quickly trawled though the 4 pages.

Does anyone have any further info on whether a top tint screen might be available for 2010 Octavia with rain sensor?

I am almost considering accepting the original top tint screen, (providing rain sensor position is the only issue) and then sort out sleeving the rain sensor wiring afterwards.

John.

Hi John,

I'm affraid its true Skoda have done away with the brilliant top tint, and moved the position of the rain sensor/ electric mirror. sadly it is not reccomended to try to have the un modified screen fitted. The cowling will leave a gap at the top and if the wires are stretched to much this will have an adverse affect on the rain sensor/ wipers. IE; wipers having a mind of there own or just not working at all.

In my time fitting I have been aske dto do allsorts re slightly modified screens, most of the time it is possible but in this case I personally would not do it. At the end of the day like for like is the best option.

as an ex auto windscreens tech i'd like to point out a few things to you guys, first pic is clearly a stone chip missed in the pre check none of the tools used by any windscreen fitter would do that kind of damage.

second before you drop your car into the local skoda dealer i should let u know they mostly use auto windscreens to do the work on cost grounds. usually they get charged about 45 pound labour plus vat and the price of any bonding. so compare that with whatever they charge you lot (also most jobs take less than an hour so i'm sure they aren't charging you more than an hours labour) the trim pic in manufacturing fauly not aw fault, the rough edge the same. the tech should have shown you this first before fitting though. he did fit the wrong window but he probably got told to just fit it by management. while we're on the subject i in my 12 years of fitting was told countless times by dealers to fit faulty glass (including your precious skoda dealers) so they should judge so quickly.

p.s its a well known fact in the trade that skoda owners are the worst, we dont care what car you own you don't have to tell us all its made by vw (we know we just don't care) they are just cars to us.

p.p.s I'm not saying its the same in this case but i caught plenty people out trying to blame us for damage that was already there.

i doubt i'll be back online for a bit i was just nosing about. feel free to email me if you have any questions about auto glazing i'll willingly give free advice