Insurance Company Windshield RipOff.
The three most valuable tips you should know before calling your insurance company to report a broken windshield.
Check your auto policy to find out if you are covered. You should have comprehensive insurance with a $250 deductible or lower to make it worth your while. I’ve seen people pay a $500 deductible when the windshield should have only cost $200 on a cash purchase.
Some insurance company’s actually have windshield coverage that you can buy separately. Typically it’s only a few bucks a month for it. Ask your agent.
Now that you have verified your insurance coverage you should do your own research for a well respected Denver Windshield company.
Check your Insurance Policy for Coverage
When you call the insurance company to report a claim you are, in many cases actually talking to a glass company who will send out their own crews. That’s right read it again. You think that because you called the insurance claim number on your auto insurance card, that you are talking to the insurance company. Many times you are talking to a big, conglomerate glass company.
Do not be force fed what the person on the other side of the line is telling you. You should do your homework to pick the right windshield company for you and if they try to tell you that you have to use their contracted glass company they are lying. It’s called illegal steering and should be reported to the Colorado Division of Insurance.
Finally. many insurance companies will waive your deductible if you are only having a small chip repaired. So if you have a large comprehensive deductible chances can be good that your insurance company will waive that so you can get a free repair.
For further questions call your Denver Windshield expert. Contact Dave at 720-296-8942
Is Windshield Repair a Rip Off?
First lets define “repair” over replacement.
A repair is when you have a rock chip in your windshield that has compromised the integrity of the glass. A repair is done using a material called a resin. The resin is injected into the damaged windshield and is sealed.If the rock chip is fairly new then it can seal up nicely and the old damage may not even be noticeable.
The beauty of the chip repair is that it’s pretty inexpensive to have done (usually $40-$50). The original seal (around the windshield) is not broken and the strength and integrity of the windshield is as strong or stronger than it was before. Most windshields that have to be replaced, started out as minor rock chip damage.
A windshield repair can look unblemished and will be stronger than the original glass
The replacement of the windshield comes with it’s own set of problems like inferior glass being used or an incompetent or careless installer.
A good rule of thumb is that if you can cover the damaged windshield with a dollar bill. then it can be repaired. There are a handful of repair technicians that can repair a crack as long as 18 inches. The cost on that typically would run $75-$100. (still cheaper than a windshield replacement)
You can buy repair kits at a local auto parts store and do it yourself. The caveat here is that if you don’t know what you are doing you could do more damage by “running a crack”, then you would have to replace it.
So is it worth the money to repair the windshield? Yes it is if you have a knowledgeable pro on your side.
You may also want to check with your insurance company to see if they cover the cost of a repair. Many full coverage auto policies do, and even though you may have a $500 deductible your insurance company may pay to have it repaired. Ask your agent about that.
However if you want to talk with a Denver windshield repair professional, feel free to do so at 720-296-8942.
Dave has completed thousands of windshield repairs. Dave will give you the low down on which insurance companies pay for the repairs.
Picking the Wrong Denver Windshield Company can be a Deadly Mistake.
There are over 400 Denver windshield companies listed in the phone book. So how do you know which one you should choose? Here’s a hint. Don’t choose the cheapest company to install your windshield or you could end up dead.
This windshield stayed intact in the accident likely saving the drivers life
Most people overlook the fact that the windshield is one of the most important components in the vehicles safety system. It is responsible for up to 70% of the strength of your car, in a rollover. The windshield also helps to insure that your airbags are deployed properly in an accident. So before you call an auto glass company make sure to ask if they do all of these things.
Do they do a “full cut out” of the windshield. A full cut out is important to not only the fit in the pinch weld for cosmetic reasons but also for safety reasons. It you are in a crash and the windshield is ejected from the car you could be ejected as well. Your best chance of survival in a crash is when you remain in the vehicle.
Make sure to ask if they also use a pinch weld primer. The primer keeps the pinch weld (the metal frame) from rusting, after getting scratched, from extracting the windshield. This will reduce the chance for air leaks as well as well as create a sturdy bond so that the windshield will meet the manufacturers specs for safety.
Many windshield companies in Denver use an aftermarket glass. There seems to be an argument between deciding on whether or not you should use aftermarket or original glass. Original glass is the glass that was installed in the car at the factory. Aftermarket glass manufacturers don’t have the legal rights to make the glass to OE standards. It usually is cheaper glass that does not have the same thickness as the OE glass. If you are going to trade your car in, or do a lease return, make sure that you have OE glass. You could be dinged by the dealer.
Ask the technician what a safe “drive away time” is for your vehicle. The windshield is held in place by urethane or adhesive. The urethane needs to fully cure or harden before you go tootling off down the road. If you are in an accident before the adhesive is fully cured, you could be ejected through the windshield.
Lastly, find out what kind of warranty the company has. If you have a leak or any problems with your new windshield you should be able to depend on a reputable company. Ask for references and certifications so you know you are dealing with a reputable Denver Windshield company.
To talk with a windshield expert call Dave at 720-296-8942.