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jdmess401 t1_j8s1eex wrote

Reply to comment by SquatC0bbler in RI State Inspection: Will this pass? (more detail in comments) by SquatC0bbler

The RIDMV requires photos to be submitted by inspectors. Inspections used to be a joke in this state, but the DMV has really cracked down in recent years. These shops can face heavy penalties if they miss or pass something they shouldn’t. If in doubt, they’re going to fail it.

Once a car fails, it fails—you can’t take it to another shop with no repair hoping it will pass—since you’re in the system now. But you have something like 10 days (?) to get it repaired and re-inspected.

To answer your questions:

  1. That seems on par based on my experience. I had a small chip (smaller than yours) that was completely hidden by a wiper blade and I failed inspection.

  2. Check with your insurance company. Some will pay for windshield replacement. (Also, if your insurance rate goes up for moving here, consider Amica. They have really good rates for RI and they’re based in the state.)

  3. That would depend on where you are located. I usually go to my Subaru dealer or Pawtuxet Auto in Cranston.

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SquatC0bbler OP t1_j8s1pnh wrote

So my car hasn't failed yet - They didnt start the inspection, but noticed the chip and told me it wouldn't pass, so I asked them to not go forward with it.

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SquatC0bbler OP t1_j8s32ed wrote

To answer your other questions, -the chip has been in place for a long time. I have comprehensive through my insurance but I worry that since its been there for so long, they wouldn't cover it (btw, I have USAA and my rates only went up about $50/mo for comprehensive - appreciate the suggestion though!) -I'm located in Providence.

Appreciate the help!

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theanti_girl t1_j8s5v1m wrote

Your insurance has no way of knowing how long it’s been there. As far as you know, it just happened. The people who do your windshield — who will just do a repair, not a replacement unless there’s a big crack — don’t care either. They see it every day.

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jdmess401 t1_j8s6f9j wrote

I should clarify, I’m not suggesting filing a claim to replace the windshield. Some insurance companies offer free replacement as part of their coverage, but it’s not a claim.

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SeaworthinessLeft88 t1_j8sbejd wrote

I had USAA comprehensive for years. They’ll cover it. Just tell them that it happened during your coverage or you’re not sure when. They’ll send you to safelite, who will fix it with no money out of pocket and no increase in premiums.

They might not even replace the windshield. I just got a chip in my new car’s windshield the first week I owned it, and safelite simply filled it.

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SquatC0bbler OP t1_j8seaba wrote

Oh thats awesome! Also, this did happen during my coverage - I've had USAA since I bought this car new. Hoping this is a quick fix and they can just fill in the crack.

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theanti_girl t1_j8si5zl wrote

The guideline is usually if it’s “smaller than a dollar bill,” it’s repaired versus replaced. It’ll be easy peasy and you’ll have it all set in no time. :-)

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Yz-Guy t1_j8ugv7o wrote

No. Your car did fail. You should've received a failure report. Stating why it failed. But, you do get a time period (commenter said 10 days, it was a month iirc when I was a tech) to get it repaired and go back for a free re inspection. You're also safe from persecution of officers for an expired sticker with that failure receipt. However after the time period, you are fair game to cops and the DMV and will also have to repay for another inspection.

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SquatC0bbler OP t1_j8ukqg3 wrote

It didn't because they didn't start the inspection. I pulled in, the advisor came out to check me in, took a look at the car and said it would fail with the chip and asked if I wanted to proceed and I declined. I'm gonna actually get an inspection tomorrow and if I fail (which seems likely) I'll start the process of getting the repair.

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easedownripley t1_j8sk9tt wrote

okay so this doesn't actually match with my experience. If you fail an inspection, you'll be in the system and it will say you failed, so when you go to another place it will indeed say that you failed but that doesn't stop them from just re-inspecting your car. I did exactly this. My car failed inspection at a dealer, but passed at an independent place.

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jdmess401 t1_j8sneid wrote

It probably depends on the shop, but my understanding is they’re not supposed to pass you if the reason for your failed inspection isn’t deemed fixed. Some shops might be willing to overlook it if it’s a minor issue, but like I said before, they are generally overly cautious now.

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