Do not get caught in an Auto Glass Replacement Scam!
Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, or Rio Verde: There is an average of 80,000 auto glass replacements in Arizona every month!
However, just how many of these auto glass replacements in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek and Rio Verde were actually performed by a reputable Auto Glass Shop?
Persistent auto glass technicians representing auto glass shops have approached us all at gas stations or car washes, saying things like:
"I can repair those chips in your windshield within minutes"
"We just need your insurance policy information and you will be on your way with a new windshield"
However, repairing minor chips or cracks is one thing; a total auto glass replacement when it is not necessary costs everyone, including you, additional money and possibly even jail time!
In some states, insurance companies are mandated by law to waive the deductible for damaged or broken windshields in an effort to encourage vehicle owners to make the repairs. However, some Scottsdale auto glass shops are using that loophole to convince consumers they can have new windshields free since they are fully covered.
Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, or Rio Verde Residents: The dishonest auto glass shops, also referred to as "glass claims harvesters," will rent parking lot space from Arizona auto repair facilities, car washes or gas stations in an effort to seek business through unnecessary auto glass replacements. Once the car owner agrees to the deal, the harvester will subcontract the windshield replacement with another, less expensive Scottsdale auto glass shop and turn a profit from your auto insurance claim. Some harvesters will impersonate the insured and make multiple auto glass replacement claims.
The following are several Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, and Rio Verde auto glass replacement scams you should be aware of:
- Replacing expensive windshields, which only have a small chip or crack that should otherwise have been repaired.
- They might also bill the auto insurance company for several chips when in fact only one was repaired. Some con artists may even charge your insurance company for several windshield replacements without you knowing it!
- The crooks might convince motorists to participate by offering freebies such as steaks, movie tickets or car washes. In addition, they might offer cash rebates or inflate the repair bill that they will be presenting to the auto insurance company.
Oftentimes, these "fly-by-night" auto glass operators may be inadequately trained and work out of pickup trucks in parking lots, quickly disappearing after the shoddy auto glass repairs. You might see them approach people at car washes, gas stations or convenience stores. In addition to the safety risk from cheap substandard auto glass or shoddy workmanship, you could face increased premiums or possible loss of coverage due to multiple hits on your policy.
Moreover, the worst possible scenario is you could be fined and even face jail time for insurance fraud! Everyone else's premiums also increase in the end due to fraud losses passed onto honest policyholders.
According to Doug Ashbridge, Director of Special Investigations for Farmers Insurance Group, property casualty insurance fraud costs consumers 20 billion dollars each year and is probably present in as many as 10 percent of claims filed.
"FRAUD ALERT" Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, or Rio Verde: If approached by an auto glass representative insisting on an unnecessary windshield replacement, just say no! Report the incident to your state insurance department. If you need auto glass repairs, contact your auto insurance agent for reputable auto glass shops in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, or Rio Verde.
Video: Auto Glass Replacement Scams (and Insurance Fraud)
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SunTec Auto Glass , an Auto Glass shop in Scottsdale Arizona, has highly trained and certified auto glass technicians and is a member of the National Glass Association (NGA). We also endorse AGRSS (Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards Council) which is dedicated to the safe replacement of auto glass in Scottsdale. Contact us for reliable, honest service and industry expertise. Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, or Rio Verde customers, take advantage of our free mobile service.
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