Windscreen Damage Caused by Truck Crossing Median Strip

ShortyX on 07/12/2021 - 10:34
Last edited 07/12/2021 - 12:07

Hi OzBargain Brains Trust

On the weekend, my wife was driving our car and along one section of the road, a cement truck was approaching in the opposite direction and slightly crossed the median strip to overtake a parked dual cab and trailer. As a result, the truck passed close to our car, and flicked a rock onto the windscreen. An audible chip was heard and over the next couple of minutes, the chip developed into a large crack across the driver's side of the windscreen.

We don’t have the windscreen option applied to our car insurance policies (classic move to save money!)

Would it be worth chasing compensation from the company or would their insurers simply refuse as it’s an uninsurable event?

Thanks

EDIT: Thanks for the comments. I was expecting to pay for either a new windscreen or the excess. I just wasn't sure if it was worth chasing the cement truck company and in hindsight, probably not. I just spoke to the insurance company and they said if I claim, I could include the footage and they could try to recover the costs. However, we'll just pay and move on. 👍

/thread

Automotive

Comments

  • SF3 on 07/12/2021 - 10:50

    What did your insurance company say when you asked them?

    Would it be worth chasing compensation from the company or would their insurers simply refuse as it’s an uninsurable event?

    You have zero proof.

    • ShortyX on 07/12/2021 - 10:54
      +5

      Good call… I’ll see what they say as I have dashcam footage, although I’m expecting to just pay for a windscreen replacement.

      • JoeBogan on 07/12/2021 - 11:44

        Why did you get negged?

        • ShortyX on 07/12/2021 - 12:11

          Not sure.

  • dizzle on 07/12/2021 - 11:03
    +1

    To me, it's just something for you to fix. I think even if you had insurance, they may charge you an excess (I think mine do repair for free if small, or a replacement for $100 excess). I'm not even sure the insurance company would follow up with the company (as there's likely no proof)

    Think about this, you approach the company and tell them that three days ago this happened and it was their truck that did it. How are they to know the rock was from thier truck and not the ute you were driving behind (or something else)? It's not like an accident where you stoped and swaped information.

  • Stopback on 07/12/2021 - 11:10
    +1

    doesnt hurt to call

  • Muzeeb on 07/12/2021 - 11:13
    +4

    You chose not to insure the risk so now you have to pay up.

    This is part of owning and driving a car 101.

  • Fredfloresjr on 07/12/2021 - 11:20
    +1

    No footage they (truck) won't cover you. Your insurance company will ask you to pay excess.

  • GG57 on 07/12/2021 - 11:26
    +1

    Edited it for you OP:
    a rock flicked onto the windscreen. An audible chip was heard and over the next couple of minutes, the chip developed into a large crack across the driver's side of the windscreen. We don’t have the windscreen option applied to our car insurance policies (classic move to save money!)

    End of story.

  • El cheepo on 07/12/2021 - 11:37
    +2

    Would you be chasing a random car up for a windscreen?

    The transport company is just going to tell you the same thing any vehicle driver would.
    Not their problem.

  • pegaxs on 07/12/2021 - 11:38
    +2

    Would you still bother chasing it up if it was a car or a motorcycle that flicked the rock?

    Now, if it came from the truck not securing it's load, sure, but for a rock flicked off the road, I would say, treat it as if any other road users had caused the damage.

  • Brian McGee on 07/12/2021 - 11:39
    +3

    Was the rock from the truck or flicked up from the road?
    If it was a loose load then chase the truck company/insurance.
    If it was flicked up from the road then it's too bad. Would you try and get money from Bunnings because you found a screw in your tyre?

  • Ryanek on 07/12/2021 - 11:52
    -2

    I know it's too late, but It's always worth adding windshield insurance. It's only an extra $50 with Bingle and I've used it three times now! Best additional cover you can get.

  • raptormesh on 07/12/2021 - 11:59
    +2

    I don't understand, you didn't insure but still expecting insurance?

  • orangetrain on 07/12/2021 - 12:01

    OP, do you believe evidence is strong proof that it was the truck and not from anything else? Maybe post the video?

  • Drakesy on 07/12/2021 - 12:10
    +1

    Lol
    No
    It's not the truck's fault there were loose pieces of gravel on the road.
    There's no negligence on the truck's part

    It's just unfortunate timing.
    Cracked windscreens are just a way of life, if it's a new section of road or one that was recently ripped up and the truck was travelling at a higher speed than signposted indicating negligence then maybe (but the legal costs wouldn't be worth it and you'd have a hard time proving it)

    • ShortyX on 07/12/2021 - 12:14

      Thanks, just edited the original post. I was initially thinking that crossing the median strip was negligent, but in hindsight, there wasn't any unsafe driving. As you said… unfortunate timing. All I want for Christmas is a new windscreen! 😀

      • andresampras on 07/12/2021 - 14:15
        +1

        Just ask Saint O'Brien

  • iNeed2Pee on 07/12/2021 - 18:41

    Unlucky OP. I know if it was a rock that specifically came off the truck (say it was a load or something) then you can claim…

    This kind of stuff is just hard luck, I always spend the extra $70 for windscreen cover. Maybe look into that in the future:)

    • ShortyX on 07/12/2021 - 22:38

      Thanks, although it’ll probably come out even or just in front between the cost of the replacement and the money saved from not having the option.

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