FREE

CONSUMER INFORMATION

WARNING!

Don’t Drive One

More Day With

That Break In Your

               Windshield…

And Don’t Call Your Insurance Company Or Any

Glass Company Until You Read This Message!

Learn 4 Costly Misconceptions About Windshield

Replacement & 9 Questions To Ask Any Glass

Shop BEFORE You Set Up An Appointment!

The Consumer Help Message

            Hello and welcome to this website.  Thank you very much for taking the time to educate yourself before making the critical decision of replacing your windshield.  This task should not be taken lightly.  We are grateful for the opportunity to provide you with the information about auto glass and help you choose a glass company.

            Southwest Auto Glass has been in business since 1992.  And in that time, we have learned that auto glass installations are the subject of much confusion.  In fact, people have so many misconceptions about auto glass installation that we decided to offer this consumer information message so when you need to select an auto glass company, you can make an informed, intelligent decision.

            In just a moment, I’ll share with you four costly misconceptions about getting new auto glass, offer a few suggestions to help you save time, and then we’ll give you nine questions you should ask every auto glass company before you set up an appointment.

            If you’d like to skip over this consumer information and speak to a live glass expert, call 888-949-9899.  We promise to give you all of the accurate information you need to make the right choice.

Now here’s

Misconception # 1:  All glass is the same.

No. Usually the best glass is the one that the manufacturer installed in the car when it was new.  Aftermarket glass tends to be thinner and more brittle which will cause it to break easier, and they don’t fit your car properly.  Many of these cheaper windshields must be forced to fit your vehicle.

Also, an aftermarket windshield may deduct from the value of your vehicle when you trade it in, and you may be charged by your leasing company for not having the original equipment.

Misconception #2:  Your windshield is not considered part of the safety equipment of your car. 

No.  The engineers of today’s vehicles use the windshield to help restrain you and your family from being ejected in case of an accident.  It’s also designed to support the roof in case of a roll over and help the airbag deploy properly.

An improperly installed windshield could put you and your family at great risk in case of an accident.

Misconception #3:  You can safely drive your car immediately after a new windshield is installed.

No.  This could be a deadly mistake.  The adhesives that hold your windshield in place take time to set up.  This could be as few as 1 hour to as much as 24 hours.  Make sure to ask the glass shop what brand and type of adhesive is being used in your vehicle.  The set up times will vary greatly with weather conditions. The warmer and wetter the faster the adhesives set up.  The colder and drier the longer it takes to setup. 

Another problem with driving the vehicle too soon is the windshield could shift slightly and cause it to leak when it rains.

Misconception #4:  You must go where your insurance company tells you to go to have your auto glass replaced.

No.  By law as an insured, you have the right to choose any glass shop.  The insurance company cannot direct you or influence you to go to a particular shop as condition for payment.

In addition, many insurance companies use glass networks as a means of handling their claims.  If so, you may be arbitrarily sent to a glass shop that doesn’t adhere to the strict standards that your vehicle manufacturer recommends.

If you have comprehensive insurance on your vehicle, calling around to get prices is a waste of your time since the price has already been negotiated in advance with your insurance company.  If you have no coverage or a high deductible, make sure you get an estimate in writing in advance to avoid any bait and switch tactics used by some glass shops.

Now, to avoid going to the wrong glass shop we’ve made a list of nine questions you must ask the shop before you make an appointment.

They are:

•  Do you use only Original Manufacturers Glass on all your installations?
•  How long will it take for the adhesives to set up before I can safely drive the car?
•  Can you show me in writing from the manufacturer that the cure time is safe?
•  Do you offer a lifetime guarantee against water and air leaks?  And a stress break warranty?
•  Are your installers Certified or do they just learn on the job?
•  Will I only be required to pay my insurance deductible or will there be any other charges?
•  Will you take care of billing my insurance company for me?
•  Will you give a written quote for any charges I may have to pay?
•  If the break is smaller than a quarter…Do you offer windshield repair as an option?

Once you’re satisfied that you’re working with an honest, competent professional glass shop, ask him to submit the insurance claim for you and give you a written quote for any deductible you may have to pay for.

If safety is not a priority, there are many other glass shops in the phone book that can help you.

But, if you want your vehicle to be returned to its original crash worthiness- helping to keep you and your family safe – then I invite you to call us.

We’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide you with a written quote without any obligation.

To reach us call toll FREE at 888-949-9899

We’ll contact your insurance company and bill them directly.  We guarantee our work with a lifetime warranty against stress cracks and leakage, IN WRITING!

Thanks for reading.  We hope you found this consumer message helpful.  If you have any questions or comments – or you’d like us to contact your insurance for you – please call us Toll Free at 888-949-9899.

On behalf of Southwest Auto Glass – Thank you for your kind attention.

Bob Theriot Jr.

Director