Auto Glass and windshield Q and A

For answers to commonly asked auto glass and windshield questions scroll down:

Recommend this site to someone who may have auto glass questions too.

History of auto glass. click here

Auto glass glossary click here.

Q: Are some windshields better than others?

A: Yes. While all windshields must meet federal safety standards, the shape and frequency of blemishes are among the most common problems with some manufacturers. Few shapes are so bad that they cause any noticeable problems with windshields but tempered auto glass can be a problem sometimes, especially with BMWs.

Q: Are Chinese and Mexican glass products inferior?

A: The answer to this question is usually no, but a qualified no. Many OE manufacturers have moved factories to China and Mexico to reduce costs but the same standards apply. However, any manufacturer can make mistakes.  We have selected our favorites based upon experience using different products.  To learn more about aftermarket and OE manufacturing suppliers see:

www.ppg.com/gls_autoreplace/default.asp

www.epremier.com

http://www.greenvilleglass.com/home.htm

See OE manufacturing sites throughout the world:

www.epremier.com

http://www.ppg.com/gls_autoreplace/default.asp

http://www.greenvilleglass.com/home.htm

FYG is the most amazing and fastest growing OE manufacturer, threatening a takeover in auto glass manufacturing. FYG manufactures original equipment and aftermarket glass. Many glass technicians now prefer FYG because their products fit better than some other OE brands and they do not have blemishes like other manufacturers often do. To view FYG’s site you may have to down load a free translator.

http://www.greenvilleglass.com/quality.htm

Q: How are windshield prices calculated?

A:  List prices are set by a company owned by Mitchell and a percentage of that is calculated for your or your insurance company price.  For more on how list prices are derived see:  .http://www.nags.com/IGA04%20043004_files/frame.htm

Q: Why do some windshield prices vary as much as hundreds of dollars between companies?

A: Auto glass historically has been expensive because of lack of competition. In the past few years, auto glass service companies have multiplied and competition has risen. Many glass shops have responded to the increased competition by cutting prices. Some glass shops are slow to respond to market changes or simply refuse to engage in competitive pricing because their clientele are not interested in comparing prices. 

Q: Why is auto glass so expensive?

A: The answer is due to multiple factors. Some pieces are rare, new, or difficult to manufacture. Installation is also a large part of the cost because trained and certified technicians are required. Auto glass also requires special adhesives and primers to bond the glass to the car. Lastly, prices are artificially inflated at some establishments. We can install most auto glass for under $200. (Our prices start at $110 for an installed windshield.) Call us at 602-277-3579 or email us at www.scautoglass.com to get a quote.

Q: What is the difference between the expensive glass shop quote and your low price quote?

A: We offer a lot more in quality workmanship and glass for much, much less. We offer the best materials and best warranty with expert service at truly affordable prices (wholesale prices).   For a quote, please call 602-277-3579 or email us at www.scautoglass.com.

Q: What should I look for in an auto glass company?

A: A good place to start is your local Better Business Bureau.  Beware of any company that has multiple complaints. These complaints are typically due to issues such as poor service, over billing your insurance company, poor installations including leaks, adhesion failure, and molding problems.  Look for a company that has been in business longer than one year. Ask for referrals from friends. Some companies put their customers in collections because their fees are so high that insurers refuse to pay the entire bill. Call your insurance company, not your agent, and ask them for companies on their list, and ask about their warranties.  Do not use a company that does not agree with your insurance company’s pricing. Or lastly, just call us!  We would love to add you to our long list of satisfied customers.

Q: If I put in a claim for my broken auto glass, won't my rates go up?

A:  Most windshields break from stones off the highway thrown by other car tires. Because these stone breaks are unrelated to your driving skills, they fall under comprehensive insurance. Some insurance companies refer to comprehensive insurance as "act of nature" or "act of God" incidents because they are not the driver's fault.  Other examples of comprehensive claims would be a tree falling on a car or vandalism. A very small portion of your insurance bill is for comprehensive loss risk.  The vast majority of insurance companies will tell you over the phone that your rates won't go up for putting in a comprehensive claim.

Q:        How do I file a claim?                                               

A:  Each insurance company is different. The easiest way to file a claim is to call us with details of your glass breakage and take advantage of a free claim consultation. We will tell you the easiest way to file with your insurance agency as well as how to minimize your total cost.

Q: Is it worth it for me to file a claim with a high deductible?

A:  In order to minimize your out of pocket expense, we like to analyze each glass loss both ways - cash and insurance. We will make sure you get the lowest price.  Sometimes deductibles can be discounted heavily.  It is best to look at all of your options before spending your hard-earned money.

Q: Why does my insurance company want me to use Safelite Auto Glass?

A:  Many insurance companies use a free order taking and billing service to handle their “glass only” claims. Two examples of such services are the Safelite Glass Network and Lynx Services. These services are owned by large glass manufacturing companies that do the claim filing in exchange for being routed all the calls.  If you don't have a glass shop in mind, they will set you up with a glass shop of their own. This is why they provide these services for free - to get thousands of jobs. Often times it is unclear whether you are talking to your own insurance company or a representative from one of these glass companies.

You, the customer, have the right by law to choose any auto glass shop you wish. You cannot be told or coerced by your insurance company to use a specific shop. This practice is called steering and is against the law.

Q: Won't my insurance rates go up if I put my claim in?

A:  It depends upon how your glass was broken. Most customers have their glass break from a rock off the road, vandalism, or unknown reasons. If this is the case for you, your glass claim would fall under the comprehensive portion of your insurance, which does not raise your rates.

Q: Do you bill my agent or the insurance company directly?

A:  We bill all insurance companies directly.  Neither you nor your agent need worry about temporarily footing the bill.

Q: Someone vandalized my car. Is it covered by my insurance policy?

A:  Yes.  If you have full coverage on your car, then your insurance will cover your vandalism loss (minus the cost of your deductible). Vandalism claims fall under comprehensive coverage, not collision coverage. A vandalism claim is not considered your fault and will not raise your rates. 

Q: Someone vandalized my car. Do I need to call the police and file a report?

A:  No, insurance companies take your word on vandalism claims and don't require a police report or visual inspection.

Q:  Do I need an adjuster from my insurance company to come out and look at my car before you fix it?

A:  No, insurance companies do not require an adjuster for glass claims. We are on a network with all insurance companies and can help you handle the claims process. Once your job is done, your insurance company will pay us a rate that they set; no adjuster needed.

Q:  How does my insurance deductible work?

A:  Your insurance deductible is the portion of the payment for which you are responsible.  When your job is completed, you pay your deductible to the repair shop and your insurance company pays the remainder of the bill. Most people have a lower comprehensive deductible than they realize and are able to save money by having us file a claim for them.

Q: How does my insurance deductible work if someone broke my window and stole my stereo?

A:  You only have to pay your deductible once - to who ever provides you the first service. You are only responsible for your deductible once per incident, and that is all you will have to pay regardless of how much damage was done to your vehicle. 


Q: How much are you going to charge my insurance company?

A:  Each insurance company works with us on a regular basis to set fair and reasonable rates. We charge all insurance companies a rate that they have individually negotiated with the glass industry.