Know Your Rights When It Comes To Windshield Replacement

If your vehicle’s windshield needs to be replaced and you don’t contact your insurance agent for a service referral, you will need to know your rights when you call the claims center 800 number provided by your insurance carrier. Making a wrong decision could compromise your vehicle’s appearance as well as your safety.

As an insurance policyholder, you always have the right to have the work done by the auto glass service center that you prefer. You have the right to demand top-quality service and products.

Paul Rice, director of PPG PROSTARS, a nationwide alliance of certified auto glass technicians, tells car owners, “Windshield replacement is a multistep process, and each step of the process must be done properly or it could affect the fit and functionality of the windshield.” He adds, “Your vehicle’s continued safety performance depends on the proper installation of the replacement windshield. An improperly installed windshield can contribute to passenger-side airbag failure and possible roof collapse if an accident should occur.”

Rice offers four important tips to remember when making decisions about replacing your windshield:

1. You can choose the auto glass shop. If you know a reputable shop in your area, specify your choice when calling to report windshield damage. The choice is completely up to you.
2. You can demand quality work. Ask if the specific technician assigned to your vehicle has the training, industry certifications, and experience to ensure a quality job. And ask if they have worked on your model vehicle before.
3. You can demand quality glass and adhesives. To get the most secure windshield fit, ask for replacement glass made by an Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM, like PPG because PPG replacement glass has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. Make sure the technician uses the proper urethane adhesive based on weather conditions. You should know in advance the safe driveaway time specified by the adhesive manufacturer.
4. You can insist on a written, nationwide warranty. A reputable glass shop will stand behind its work. Securing a nationwide warranty will assure you of service -- no matter where your travels take you.

Rice says, “The more informed you are, the better.” He recommends that car owners keep a copy of the attached windshield replacement checklist in their glove compartment. “This handy guide will help you make sure quality work is performed on your vehicle,” he says, “so ask that it be completed by the technician who fixes your windshield.”

In the Twin Cities Metro Area, Rightway Auto Glass, located at 8573 Jefferson Hwy., Osseo, MN is a certified auto glass shop that can provide quality work. For convenient auto glass repairs and replacements, call (763) 420-7014.

View Know Your Rights When It Comes To Windshield Replacement as a PDF.