Front Camera Damage

[adam007to]

I recently found my front Camera lens (around view) smashed. I'm assuming by a rock thrown by a vehicle.

I called my dealer to find the replacement cost and was told it would be almost $1000 for parts and labour. The part alone was over $700 as the whole camera is one assembly. Thats Canadian Dollars. Lots of them.

Any recommendations where to get the part for cheaper?? Do you think I should wait in hopes the list price for this part comes down?

Be warrned it may not be worth getting this option if they're going to shaft you when you need replacement.

This lens sits on the Grill of the car. I don't think they gave this enough thought and I'm very disappointed.

Thanks for suggestions, Adam

[KJ911TT]

Perhaps it is possible to replace the factory camera with a cheaper one (that would probably be better quality as well)?

Has anyone tried?

It might end up being cheaper AND better!

- KJ

[EX35_bernard]

Wow! When I first bought the EX I was thinking of putting something like a plastic cover of some sort on the camera as I thought it might get hit by a stone or will get dirty easily but shrugged it off of being too OC as I realized there's a pretty small chance that a stone will hit it but this one makes me think again of putting a protector there.

[jmess]

You might check camera prices at one of the online discount infniti part places. I remember checking the side mirror cameras and they were under $500ea US.

The replacement might be fairly simple once you get to where you can remove the broken camera. I haven't looked at my car yet to see what it takes. I doubt a new camera would need any calibration; just make sure you get it position the same way.

[morning_glory]

Does anyone know if standard car insurance covers this ?I mean if windshield are covered why damage to camera won't be ?

[Mark Booth]

I haven't asked my own insurance company about camera damage coverage but I did ask a friend that is an agent for a different company. She told me that, yes, damage from a stone or other debris would be covered. And, in fact, in California it would be considered comprehensive rather than collision (as long as it is clear that just the camera got damaged, eg, no other body damage to hint at some sort of collision with another vehicle). So, in my case, the deductible would be $200 to replace the broken camera should it happen to me.

Mark

[LeroyBrown]

Does anyone know if standard car insurance covers this ?I mean if windshield are covered why damage to camera won't be ?

true

[majorloser]

It would be nice if we could get some sort of Lexan cover for the front lens.

I never even thought about damages to the unit.

[EXceptional]

Could a Round Disk of Clear Lexan be made and then possibly Glued on with Clear Silicone Glue ?

It might stick out a little bit... but $1000 Repair Bill is a bit of a Shocker, sticks out in my mind, too.

Would the 3M Film stick-on over the little "Bump" ? Would the 3M Film be optically Clear ?