It’s Just A Windshield, Right?
· by Matt Fox · posted June 27, 2008
· filed under Auto category.
I was reminded recently about the importance of the glass in your windshield in your car or truck.
A friend, and client of our firm, was having their car washed before heading out of town last week. In the windshield there were two dime size rock chips. Naturally, the friendly windshield repair company that rents the opportunity space from the car wash quickly runs over and says, “We can replace that windshield while you wait and if you have full glass insurance it won’t cost you anything. We just need to call the insurance company with you and we’ll get it done.” (If you’ve been to any car wash you’ve seen the nice smiling young kid running up to your car and running his finger over spots on your windshield with scientific precision.)
Well, my client agreed. While talking with the insurance company the adjuster said they wouldn’t pay to replace the windshield but if the glass company would repair the chips they would gladly pay for it. Of course, the glass company only wanted to replace the windshield so nothing was done at the time.
Now you may be screaming about the injustice of the insurance industry and what a scam it is to pay for all this coverage and the insurance company won’t even pay for a simple and obviously damaged windshield. And, you will be partially right but read on…
Auto manufacturers engineer cars and trucks with safety designs you would never consider. The windshield is part of the structural integrity of your car/truck. When you replace a windshield you’re replacing a huge safety mechanism designed within certain specifications. This can alter the way a car absorbs a crash and the effectiveness of airbags. It’s considered to be the third most important safety feature right after seatbelts and airbags. Keep this in mind…
I contacted the insurance company to ask why they declined coverage and find out how to help our client get this fixed. There answer was, the dime size chips were repairable and the glass company is not on their approved list because they habitually replace 97% of the windshields they want to repair.
A glass company makes a lot more money when they replace a windshield instead of repairing the chip. This glass company has a bad history with insurance companies and has been through many name changes. They’re also known for the use of lower quality glass and glue. The two important parts of replacing a windshield.
If you don’t have to replace the windshield, don’t. Get it repaired. A good glass technician can repair a windshield so you would never even know there was a chip or crack.
If you ultimately need to replace your windshield contact your insurance company to start the claim process. If you don’t know a reputable glass company the claims department can refer you to a couple on their approved vendor list to choose from.
In my opinion, this is safer for your family and more convenient too. The glass company will repair or replace your windshield at your home or office. This beats sitting for an extra 30-60 minutes in an uncomfortable and smelly car wash.
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