Windshield scams are rampant in Arizona, particularly in areas like Phoenix, Sun City, Sun City West, and Youngtown. This article provides essential tips to help you identify and avoid some of the most common scams you might encounter.
Have you ever been told that a tiny chip on your windshield necessitates a complete replacement? Be cautious of aggressive salespeople from unreliable auto glass shops who might be trying to scam you. These scams are particularly prevalent in Phoenix, Sun City, Sun City West, and Youngtown.
In a June 2007 press release titled "Windshield Repair Industry Responds to Illegal Claims Harvesting," several windshield repair technicians in Phoenix and its neighboring areas were arrested for insurance fraud. The National Glass Association (NGA) has issued an industry alert urging members to be vigilant against "claims harvesting." This fraudulent practice involves filing fictitious insurance claims for windshield repairs that were never performed or charging insurance companies for more repairs than were actually delivered.
NGA Vice President Leo Cyr stated, "Windshield repair at car washes and other automotive service centers is a perfectly legitimate and workable business model when executed with properly trained technicians doing legitimate repairs. The problem is not windshield repair or where those repairs are performed. The problem stems from the actions of a few people that tarnish a legitimate industry populated by dedicated professionals."
Jay Sampson, Chairman of NGA’s National Windshield Repair Committee, emphasized the significant benefits of windshield repair:
According to Leo Cyr, "The NGA condemns any and all forms of fraud—insurance or otherwise. There can be no excuse for filing an insurance claim if the windshield is undamaged. By the same token, windshields are vital automotive safety components. To operate a vehicle with a damaged windshield could adversely affect proper deployment of some passenger side airbags or compromise the structural integrity and crush resistance of virtually all vehicles."
When approached by someone offering windshield repair services at a car wash or parking lot, always ask if they are an NGA-certified professional auto glass technician. Here are some criteria to look for:
SunTec Auto Glass of Phoenix meets all four critical criteria for professional windshield repair or replacement:
We will be posting a part 2 to this article, where we will show you some of the typical ways scammers approach drivers in an attempt to make money off your insurance policy, and subsequently, from the increase in your premiums!
By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from scams and contribute to a safer, more sustainable environment.
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