Insurance Fraud within
the Auto Glass Industry
Wickenburg, Wenden or Wellton residents: At some point, we have all been overcharged for something, or mislead as to the quality of a product. In addition, the same goes for auto insurance companies. There are many fraudulent auto glass insurance scams within the auto insurance industry. While we believe most auto glass companies are honest, some auto glass companies use fraudulent tactics and scams as their usual course of business. Whether in the form of improper billing practices or the misuse of an individual’s auto insurance policy information. 
Some auto glass company tactics may be devious and even at times aggressive, for the pursuit of business. This can cause insurance policy holders a lot of grief. This is not to say that all auto glass companies use disreputable means of conducting business. This is just to say that it can happen and there are things you can do to protect yourself against becoming a victim of fraud.
"Trivia Question"
Wickenburg, Wenden or Wellton residents: Will my rates increase if I have my windshield replaced or my windshield repaired?
Answer: No, ARS20-263 makes Arizona a ‘no-fault' claim state, which means your insurance premium, cannot be directly increased because you filed an auto glass claim.
One auto insurance company was charged $199.95 to replace the front door window on a 1991 Subaru. The auto glass used was misrepresented to the customer and was billed to the auto insurance company as original equipment alternative glass. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the front window had come from a salvage yard and the true cost was $65.00. Then there was $1,082.06 billed to an auto insurance company for a windshield replacement on a 2003 Lexus and the true cost was only $144.83 and then a woman from Florida told police, after she was caught breaking windshields that she received $45.00 for each windshield she referred to an auto glass company. Who pays for these fraudulent claims in the end? The answer is anyone who insures a vehicle.
Insurance companies have begun to enact regulations related to auto glass repair or auto glass replacement claims. They are now requesting that their clients call them, so they can send out an auto glass claims representative or equivalent to inspect and record all damages before any repairs are carried out. Just as auto insurance companies are employing protective strategies in order to reduce fraud, so should you.
Here are some of the most utilized scam techniques employed by fraudulent auto glass companies, and some tips to protect you against becoming a victim of auto insurance fraud.
1. Inflating real damages: A fraudulent auto glass shop may convince a customer that their windshield needs to be replaced, when in fact your windshield may only require a chip repair. If a chipped windshield was repaired, then you should only be billed for just a chip repair, and not a complete windshield replacement. Educate yourself regarding federal windshield safety standards on the U. S. Department of Transportation website.
2. The use of poor quality replacement glass: A fraudulent auto glass company may represent to you, and to the auto insurance company that they used original equipment manufactured glass or an original equipment manufactured glass equivalent. When in fact, they used an inferior piece of glass or worse yet, a used piece of glass. Then, they billed the auto insurance company for the higher quality or premium glass. Inspect your bill to be sure all charges are correct and make sure you were not billed for a more expensive piece of glass than was actually installed.
3. Charging for phantom damages: A fraudulent auto glass company may bill your auto insurance company for several windshield chip repairs, when in reality only one chip or ding was repaired. Alternatively, a fraudulent auto glass shop might use a customer’s auto insurance policy information to file several claims. Once the auto glass company has that information, a customer may be at their mercy. Filing multiple auto glass insurance claims within a short period, may result in non-renewal of your auto insurance policy. It is a good idea to check with your auto insurance company from time to time, to ensure that there are no additional auto glass claims made against your auto insurance policy.
4. Fly-By-Night Operators: Auto glass companies that may have poorly trained technicians can disappear after completing shoddy work and may provide no warranty or contact information. Auto glass companies that are certified with the National Glass Association and are members of the BBB may give some form of comfort, but in no way can guaranty that you may not become a victim of fraud. Ask if their technicians are certified and if their certification is up to date with the National Glass Association. Be sure the auto glass company guarantees all repairs with a written warranty and read all documentation and warranty information before any work begins.
5. Crooked Body Shops: Most body shops may be honest, but there are some crooked operators that may attempt to deceive you when you bring your car in for repairs by involving you in an auto glass repair or replacement scam. Do not buy something you were not planning to buy based on aggressive sales pitches. You could serve time in jail for insurance fraud by inadvertently becoming involved in a scam. You may find yourself in need of an auto glass repair in the near future and allowing a company to replace your windshield unnecessarily could come back to haunt you, just say no.
6. Potential Installation Safety Issues: After having an auto glass company repair or replace your damaged glass, you receive a phone call and you are informed by an auto glass company representative that the glass you recently had installed or repaired was done incorrectly. The auto glass company representative then persuades you to replace or repair the glass for a second time. It is easy to learn the proper procedure for auto glass replacement or windshield repair. This type of knowledge would be helpful in protecting you in this situation. Referring back to the documentation and warranty information you received from the previous auto glass installation or repair would be appropriate at this time.
"Trivia Question"
Wickenburg, Wenden or Wellton residents: Is it illegal to drive with a broken windshield in Arizona? Answer: Yes, Arizona law ARS28-957.01. (A) Makes it illegal to operate a vehicle with a windshield that is not adequate and it is solely up to the ticketing officer and what he deems adequate.
Arizona is a prime target due to the predominantly rocky desert landscaping. Arizona also has ‘windshield bullies’, people who turn up around such places as car washes, parking lots, gas stations, or even your own drive way. In 2011 alone, fraudulent auto glass claims increased by as much as twenty-three percent, which is a significant amount passed on to the policyholders in the form of higher premiums. Auto glass replacement or auto glass repair can be a simple, satisfactory process as long as you do not allow yourself to become a victim by fraudulent means. Arming yourself with the information provided can give you confidence that you will receive exactly what you require and at a fair cost. Remember, auto insurance premiums increase due to fraud, and the cost is passed on to you, the policyholder.
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SunTec Auto Glass is a family-owned business located in Arizona, serving most of Maricopa and Pinal counties. We are auto glass repair professionals and specialize in windshield replacement, auto glass repair, window tinting and glass etching. The installation team at SunTec Auto Glass maintains the highest level of certification available in the windshield repair and auto glass replacement industry. From headlights to taillights, from the east valley to west valley, whether you are looking to have a windshield replaced or even a side window replaced such as a door glass, quarter glass, or vent glass the team at SunTec Auto Glass can do it. If you live in Wickenburg, Wenden or Wellton, look no further. For professional help and premium quality automotive glass, parts and moldings. Contact us today.
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(480) 782-5489