Trifecta of “Possible” Auto Glass Scams – You Need to Know!

Auto Glass Scams:  Buyer Beware

Auto Glass Scams: We have had several customers ask us lately about the phone call they are getting.  Have you gotten it?  “Hi!  It’s time for your FREE windshield!”  They call every 3 months or so…..yeah, you know the one.  Is this true?  A FREE windshield?  No.  If you have insurance, they are billing your insurance company for it.  They will replace it whether you need it or not.  This is insurance fraud.

It Has Happened to Us!

A solicitor at my door told me they wanted to replace my windshield because it was “pitted”.  Pitting happens when you get sandblasted in a desert dust storm or over a long period.  My windshield was not pitted.  I asked the fella if he wanted to show me where the pitting was…..he pointed to the lower driver-side corner.  Using my pinkie nail, I removed some dirt and said, “This is called dirt, not pitting.”  He said, “Well we can replace it for you!”  I said, “You are going to cut into my car because it’s dirty?”  He said, “Sure!”  This is not ethical. This is insurance fraud. It is an auto-glass scam.

Doh!  The Chip Repair Fail

Have you ever gotten a chip repair at the car wash only to watch that sucker run across the entire windshield?  Some chips indeed blow out but we hear an alarming number being blown out at the car washes.  Be aware that if a chip blows out, you may need to replace it.

Auto glass scam! Scams and unethical practices are running amok in our industry.  Educate yourself.  There are legitimate companies who want to earn your business.  Ask questions.  Don’t be bullied into having your windshield fixed or replaced ESPECIALLY if it’s unnecessary.

Ask your insurance agent or check out the website reviews of the auto glass business you want to use to make sure you understand the service you expect.