Protect Yourself from
Auto Windshield Replacement Scams
by Mark Huckle
Certified Windshield Repair Technician
Irving, Texas
—Obviously, I'm not saying replacement technicians are con artists, but it is good to know about these auto windshield replacement scams when you need a rock chip repaired.
I recently read a blog post about someone who got a bullseye from a rock flying up off the road. The person decided to try a Do-It-Yourself kit, but then chickened out. Instead, he called a nationally known Replacement/Repair company to come and fix his windshield. I guess he was nervous about them, which is why he posted to this forum looking for feedback.
The Low-Down Dirty Story
I hear that a lot, but that is not what prompted me to write this article. What struck me was one of the other comments...
This guy called the same nationally known company to fix a rock chip. First, the tech looked at the windshield then told the customer the repair was not going to look good and the chip was probably not repairable. Then he said "8 out of 10" rock chips can't be repaired!
The tech charged the customer $90 just to try. The customer was promised if he wasn't happy with the results, he could get a new windshield and the $90 would go toward his deductible.
Sure enough, the finished repair did not look good.
Uncovering Windshield Replacement Scams
Here's why what I read in that forum post ticked me off...there were several scams going on there!
Disclaimer: Not all auto windshield replacement companies use dishonest tactics. But it is good to be aware of these scams.
SCAM #1 - $90 for Windshield Chip Repair?
$90 is much higher than the going rate in Dallas - Fort Worth (and most areas around the country) for rock chip repair.
So what's the scam?
The price is nearly as high as many insurance deductibles! I can't prove it, but it seems that people would throw down the extra $10 to get a windshield replacement rather than pay $90 for a repair they have been told isn't going to look too great.
SCAM #2 - 8 out of 10 Rock Chips can't be Repaired?
I RARELY come across rock chips that cannot be repaired. Not only do I fix them, but I consistently get a significant improvement in appearance...like 85-95%.
The exception is an unusually large bullseye or combination break with the glass all crushed at the impact point. I don't see too many of those. They do happen, but not 8 out of 10 times!
SCAM #3 - Conflict of Interest?
Insurance companies reimburse replacements at a much higher rate than repair. So the auto windshield replacement technician wants to up-sell you.
So here is how the the scam works. The tech gets a customer to refuse a repair by:
- Charging a high price
- Promising poor results
- Delivering poor results
The goal is to get the customer to either change his mind right away, or after he sees the low quality repair, opt for the replacement.
This is a bad deal for the customer who now has to pay the deductible. Not only that, a claim for a windshield replacement may raise their rates.
Insurance claims for windshield repair typically cost nothing out-of-pocket. In Texas, they are no-fault claims so they do not raise your rates.
How to Protect Yourself
Here is how to protect yourself from auto windshield replacement scams:
- If you DO need a windshield replacement, get a referral from someone you trust or ask your repair technician to recommend a qualified company.
- If you have a rock chip, find a "repair only" technician to fix your windshield.
Experienced, professional, windshield repair technicians produce quality repairs that are guaranteed not to spread. It is in their best interest to do an excellent job; their livelihood depends on it!
To schedule an appointment for professional windshield repair by a nationally certified technician, call me at . I will be happy to answer all of your questions!
Have You Been a Victim of a Scam? Tell Us Your Story!
Do you have a windshield repair or replacement scam story to tell? Share it here! By sharing your story, you may save someone else from getting ripped off by the same type of scam.
We only accept stories directly related to windshield repair or replacement scams. We are interested in how you got ripped off, not the name of the company. We reserve the right to edit or delete libelous language!
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