Full Glass Coverage

[0hunter]

I am new to this business, and what I am finding here in Arizona is most people have full glass coverage and will just wait to have their windshield replaced once it gets bad enough. How do those of you who have full glass coverage in your state handle this? I would also like to hear what type of arrangements you all have with replacement shops for referrals. Any help in these two areas would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[CGlenn]

Ohunter,

I always tell my customers that no matter what, it is better to repair than to replace. If at all possible, keeping the original factory seal is always the best choice. Unfortunately, there are way too many replacements being done wrong out there. There are guidelines set up on how to properly install windshields and they ARE THE LAW since they are a safety issue! People still choose not to abide by these laws. The same can be said about repair, although there are no laws, just guidlines. The difference is that an improperly INSTALLEED windshield has been documented in many instances to cause dismemberment and even death in accidents. On the other hand, a repair that is done incorrectly has never been documented, to my knowledge, to cause the windshield to fail or cause bodily harm. Also, if the windshield is REPLACED incorrectly, the new windshield can be succeptible to water and air leaks. I'm sure replacement people may have a different opinion, but these are the things that I tell my customers and it works!!

Chris

[Bill D]

CGLENN,
With due respect, please show me a law pertaining to installations! There are guidelines. I am waiting to apologize. Otherwise, you are lying to your customers. No different than telling your customers you are experienced, but have only just started this business.

[GlassStarz]

I usually tell them Repairs are generally not considered a claim by your insurance company a replacement is. We all know after a couple claims your rates go up or you get dropped im here now and the repair is free what ya gonna do?

[Layne]

I find that the high cost of insurance is influencing people's decision to switch to a reasonable deductible. I do encounter some that have full coverage---but most of them prefer repair to replacement. I agree that the key reason is to maintain the factory seal.

[Dave M]

GlassStarz,

If you are telling customers that repairs are not considered claims, why do some Insurance companies give us claim numbers?

[GlassStarz]

They give you a claim number as a identification # not because its a blame claim When I squashed bambi with the Mercedes last year (And I do mean SQUASHED! 3 hunks) my allstate guy broke it down for me too many blame claims and things get more expensive or they drop you all together. animal hits are a no blame as well as dem chips that make us our living. Granted some insurance companys are different but thats why I tell mr customer Most dont. If his does whoops

[Bois]

I have my own vehicles insured by Allstate. My policy states that if I have 3 or more glass claims (including rock chips) within a 36 month period, my deductable amount may increase. Also, an Allstate agent told me that although a rock chip claim itself won't cause a premium to go up, you could be penatlized if you would change insurers for some reason. New insurers would look at the rock chip as a claim.

[mafsu]

Why all the negative responses about claims. You'll never sell anything if you don't believe in the value of it. I'm not an insurance agent, but I am sure a repair and a replacement don't carry the same weight when looking at claims. It saves them money and that's what they are all about. Of course they are starting to count them as claims, like I said above they are all about the money.
Their are a multitude of reasons for a customer to choose repair over replacement. Many are listed above, I'll add to them.

In almost all cars built since 1990 the windshield is considered a part of the frame, most people wouldn't want to replace a part of the steel frame in their vehicle if they didn't have to. Why replace the glass if you don't need to.

Laminated glass can not be recycled. That windshield will sit around in a landfill for at least a thousand years after it is pulled out.

To reemphasize what is listed above safety is the number one reason. A windshield is integral in crush resistance during a rollover. It is also integral in air bag deployment. An improperly installed windshield will allow the roof to crush on it's occupants, or the airbag will blow it out and the occupants will hit the dash. Noone wants to risk the lives of their family members so this is the best selling strategy.

[Bill D]

Delta,
This thread has several statements made that I believe are incorrect, and hope you can answer for all of us.
Are there any laws regarding glass installations?
Can laminated glass be recycled?
I say no and yes. What say you?
Thank you.