But remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t true – a saying that often applies to these situations.  These bold auto glass sales tactics vary from approaching drivers at car washes and gas stations, to aggressive telemarketing to actually damaging windshields, then approaching owners at home or work about replacement.  Their work practices also range from the completely above board to down and dirty – some lie to insurance companies about everything from the quality of glass to the location where the repair was done.  (They have even been known to spam perfectly good auto glass blogs!)

The worst of the worst work in teams: one repairman does the work, then another comes by and approaches the same driver, stating that the work is of inferior quality and needs to be re-replaced.   When these charlatans convince drivers to sign off on this work they are securing one’s complicity in defrauding their own insurance company.  And usually the car owners still find themselves with cheap glass and bad installation – and maybe slightly higher insurance premiums.

So drivers beware!  If you weren’t seeking out a service for you car, don’t trust a stranger who approaches you to tell you what they can do for your automobile.  An auto glass replacement company with a good reputation doesn’t need to be aggressive to make it in this business!

For more recent news about the problem with windshield bullies check out these articles at MSNBC’s Red Tape Chronicles and The Consumerist.

Auto Insurance is an extremely competitive market with so many companies marketing their customer’s annual savings over other companies.  But often you have shopped around and annual savings aren’t making a big difference in your monthly payment.  Then how can you tell the difference in what you get from an insurance provider when you really need them?

As an auto glass shop that works with many different insurance providers every day, we have a clear perception of how each company treats it’s customers and the standards they require of the shops that do the repairs.  We are glad to know that Allstate carefully researched how repair shops that provide excellent customer service and superior repair work can save them frustration in the long run.

With this knowledge, recent internal policies have shifted preference to shops providing the highest quality service over the lowest possible price.  Deals and other shops that provide exceptional service and excellent  repair work have to appreciate the changes.  But the insured should also welcome the fact that an insurance company has taken into account their personal satisfaction with the entire claims experience.  Thanks Allstate!