Auto Windshield Repair Scams

by Mark Huckle
     Certified Windshield Repair Technician—Obviously, I'm not saying replacement technicians are con artists, but it is good to know.

Disclaimer: Not all windshield replacement companies use dishonest tactics. But it is good to be aware.

REPAIR SCAMS #1 - $90 for Windshield Chip Repair?

This guy called a 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 replacement windshield and the $90 would go toward his deductible.

Sure enough, the results were not good. $90 is much higher than the going rate in 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 replacement rather than pay $90 for a repair they have been told isn't going to look too great.

REPAIR SCAMS #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 bulls-eye or combination break with the glass crushed at the impact point. I don't see too many of those. They do happen, but not 8 out of 10 times!

REPAIR SCAMS #3 - Conflict of Interest?

Insurance companies pay a much higher rate for replacement. So the replacement technician wants to up-sell you.

So here is how the scam works. The replacement 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 results, opt for the replacement.

This is a bad deal for the customer who now has to pay the deductible for a new windshield. Not only that, a claim for replacement may raise their rates.

Insurance claims for windshield repair typically cost nothing out-of-pocket.

Here is how to protect your self from auto windshield repair 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 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!