Website design By BotEap.comIt is estimated that there are an average of 80,000 windshields replaced each month in Arizona! But how many of these really needed to be replaced?

Website design By BotEap.comWe’ve all been contacted by persistent auto glass salespeople representing Phoenix auto glass companies at our local car washes:

• “I can fix those chips on your windshield in minutes,” they say.
• “We just need your insurance policy information and you’ll be on your way.”

Website design By BotEap.comHowever, repairing minor chips and cracks is one thing; Total replacement of your windshield when it’s not needed costs everyone, including you, extra money and possibly even jail time!

Website design By BotEap.comIn some states, insurance companies are required by law to waive the deductible for damaged or broken windshields in an effort to encourage vehicle owners to make repairs. However, some companies are using that loophole to convince consumers that they can get new windshields for free since they are fully covered.

Website design By BotEap.comRogue glass companies, also known as “glass claim collectors,” You will rent parking space from Arizona auto repair facilities, car washes or gas stations to seek business through unnecessary auto glass replacements. Once the car owner agrees to the deal, the harvester will outsource the replacement to another less expensive glass company and make a profit on your insurance claim. Some collectors will impersonate the insured and get multiple glass claims.

Website design By BotEap.comThe following are several windshield replacement scams to be aware of:

• Replacement for expensive windshields that only have a small crack or chip that could be easily repaired. They could also charge insurers to replace multiple chips when only one was fixed. Some scammers charge your policy for multiple windshield replacements without you even knowing!
• Thieves can convince motorists to participate by offering them gifts such as steaks, movie tickets, or car washes. Plus, they might offer cash back or inflate the repair bill to cover the deductible.

Website design By BotEap.comOften these “flying” operators are poorly trained and work vans in parking lots, quickly disappearing after shoddy repairs. You may see them approach people at car washes, gas stations, or convenience stores. In addition to the safety risk of cheap, substandard glass or shoddy workmanship, you could face higher premiums or a possible loss of coverage due to multiple impacts on your policy.

Website design By BotEap.comAnd the worst possible scenario? You could face jail time and fines for insurance fraud!

Website design By BotEap.comEveryone else’s premiums also rise in the long run due to fraud losses being passed on to honest policyholders.

Website design By BotEap.comAccording to Doug Ashbridge, Director of Special Investigations for Farmers Insurance Group, property and casualty insurance fraud costs consumers $20 billion each year and likely accounts for as much as 10 percent of claims filed.

Website design By BotEap.comIf you’re approached by a salesperson who insists on an unnecessary windshield replacement, just say no! Report the incident to your state insurance department. If you need repairs, contact your insurance agent for reputable glass companies in your area.