Remember... when you call to have your windshield repaired... You have Rights!
When you call in to get your windshield repaired, the person on the other end of the line may not be a representative of your insurance company!
The Choice Is Yours...
Insurance companies often have a special name and phone number for their auto glass claims program but seldom do they mention that the claim is actually being handled by an Auto Glass Network. Most of the networks are telephone call centers owned and operated by large retail auto glass replacement companies.
When you call the 800 number for your claims program, the glass network's computer brings up a screen with the name of the glass claims program for your specific insurance company. They know before they answer the phone which insurance company covers the caller.
When they answer the phone, they identify themselves with the name of the insurance company of the claims program, even though the person answering the phone is an employee of the glass shop's network.
The network employee determines who they want to do the job. If your claim is large, or more expensive with good profit potential, they will try to "steer" the job to one of their own company stores. If it is a smaller claim with lower profit potential, they will send the job to one of the low price glass shops in the area.
The temptation to steer jobs is so widespread that there are presently lawsuits throughout the country seeking to bar this kind of coercion.
The way I see it is this...If these networks use tricks to steer you to one of their shops, what makes you think the tricks stop there?
The auto glass network may tell you that:
...the glass shop you request is not on their list
...that if you don't use a shop on their list there may be no warranty
...that you may have to pay money out-of-pocket if you don't use their preferred shops.
If you hear this, JUST SAY NO! Because what they're doing is steering you to one of their shops by pretending to be your insurance company.
When a network contacts us to "work out a deal" the first and only question they ask is "Will you do the job for $....." and then offer a ridiculously low price.
PROTECT YOURSELF... call us first, because who you call is who you'll get.
FAQ About Insurance Procedures And Windshield Repair
Windshield repair is covered by the comprehensive portion of an individual's insurance policy. All major insurance companies now encourage repair. Cost, safety, convenience and your satisfaction are among the reasons insurers suggest repair.
Vehicles today have windshields that are very thin, and very expensive. So thin they are easily cracked or chipped by debris that rolls up modern sloping auto hoods. So expensive that insurers now pressure claim agents to push windshield repair and not replacement.
To the point that they are are now willing to pay the deductibles the owners normally would pay.
Most insurance companies will waive the $100, $250 or $500 deductible and pay for your repair. They do this to help avoid costly replacement of your windshield should the damaged area spread to the point where repair is not recommended.
Ask your insurance agent about repair instead of replacement... or better yet -- let us ask them for you... chances are your repair won't cost you a penny and it won't cause your rates to go up.
State Farm insures 1 in 5 US vehicles and says at its web site...
'Would you throw away a good suit because of a small tear, or a wooden table because of a small scratch? Most likely you would have it repaired.'
Now the same kind of common sense approach applies when your windshield is damaged. Safe repairs can be made of most small breaks, and it makes sense to do so, since a new windshield, may cost $300 or more...
By helping hold down insurance costs you will be helping hold down your own premiums."
The Concord Group of Insurance Companies in July of 1995 sent to its clients this reminder-
'Thanks to today's technology spot repairing small cracks and chips is virtually flawless, completely safe, and can save hundreds of dollars
If you have a glass claim and choose to repair instead of replace your windshield, the Concord Group will waive your deductible up to $500.
Most glass companies guarantee repairs and, if not Concord Group will provide the guarantee you deserve.'
It is estimated that this promotion by insurers is the major reason ten million windshields are repaired, not replaced in North America each year.
Frequently Asked Insurance Questions:
Q: What types of Auto Glass Damage are covered by Insurance?
A: Auto glass damages from all causes are covered by insurance. Auto glass damage resulting from road hazards and vandalism is covered by the comprehensive section of your insurance, while damage caused by moving vehicle accidents is covered by the collision section. Insurance covers all the glass in your car, not just the windshield.
Q: If I make an auto glass claim on my comprehensive coverage will my rates increase?
A: While only your insurer can answer this question for you, we have found that most insurers do not or cannot adjust an individual policy holder's rates because of comprehensive glass claims.
Q: How do I begin the process of making an auto glass claim?
A: The procedure varies by insurer. Please click on your insurer from the list below.
Q: Does the insurance company pay A Sudden Impact or do I pay you and submit your bill to my insurer?
A: The insurer normally pays A Sudden Impact directly. This saves you from having to pay us and wait for reimbursement .
Q: Should I call my insurer or A Sudden Impact first?
A: It is your choice. If you call A Sudden Impact first, we will make your appointment, verify your insurance, and contact your insurer with one call. If you call your insurer first, your insurer will provide you with a process to adjust your claim. If you want A Sudden Impact to perform your services, it will be necessary for to firmly request A Sudden Impact Glass & Windshield Repair.
Q: Which insurers waive comprehensive deductible when a windshield is repaired rather than replaced?
A: Most insurers have programs to waive comprehensive deductibles for windshield repair. Please click on your insurance company's name below to see its windshield repair policy.
Q: Is A Sudden Impact a participating vendor with all insurers?
A: Yes. Most insurers use third party "networks" or "brokers" to adjust auto glass claims. A Sudden Impact Glass & Windshield Repair is a participant in good standing with every network and all insurers. However, since most of the networks are owned by competing auto glass companies, it is often necessary for the insured to firmly request A Sudden Impact Glass & Windshield Repair.
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