6 Steps to Finding and Selecting the Right Windshield Repair Company

By Leonard Paulsen

Looking for any type of repair service can definitely be a daunting task, and a windshield repair company is no exception.  As soon as you begin researching your options, you will notice huge differences in price.  Of course, the first question in your head is "why is there such a huge price difference?!" and "should I be worried if I go with the cheaper option?".

Well, to answer the second question first, yes and no.  If it is really a CHEAPER option, then yes.  If it is just a less expensive option, all while maintaining the same level of quality, then you may not need to worry.  So "how do I know?!"  you are probably asking.  First, and foremost, if you are looking for the least expensive, but reliable option, check to make sure that they have a business license (yes, there are many that don't).  Do they have liability insurance?  This is very important, especially since we are talking about the windshield of your car, which is a big safety concern!

Lastly, do they have a physical shop location?  Well, you may ask, is that really necessary if they are licensed and insured?  While not necessarily 100 percent necessary, it is definitely good for two reasons.  One, it shows the business is probably established enough to be able to afford a shop (which is not cheap), and even more importantly, you have somewhere to go if something is wrong with the repair afterwards!

Okay, so you have picked a few windshield repair shops that meet those three criteria, but there are still big differences.  Why?  At this point there are three more areas to evaluate.  The first two are direct impact on necessary overhead.  Number one is the size of the building that they have, and the location.  Obviously, a large, 30,000 sq/ft building has a way larger overhead, than say a 4-5k sq/ft shop.  Number two is, what is the brand of windshield that they will be installing.  Just like anything, there are premium brands, and less expensive brands.  Just keep in mind, that while there are some benefits to premium glass, the less expensive versions still meet safety requirements, and all glass will break if struck by a hard object.

The third item to look at before you choose a windshield replacement company, is their reviews.  Always check to see what other customers have had to say.  More importantly, recent reviews.  Employees can turnover in shops, just like any business, and there may have been hiccups in the past, but make sure that current reviews look good.  If you see something questionable, ask what type of guarantee they give.  If they are even half reputable, they should offer a lifetime warranty on the actual work performed.

So, what have we determined through these steps?  The first three allowed us to determine how legit each option was, as well as ensure that there is someone to hold accountable for their work.  The second three, allowed us to determine whether cost differences were from a company just having higher overhead (while offering the same product and service).  If you can find a reliable company, with good reviews, and offering you a product that satisfies you, by all means, go with that option.

Being that safety is a huge concern here though, I strongly urge you to not just go with the cheapest option, just because it is the cheapest.  Many people do, and while some are happy, many are frustrated and regretful afterwards.  But this doesn't mean you have to use the most expensive option either.  Just follow these steps while doing your research, and you will greatly increase your chances of getting a great deal, as well as great service!

Pro Tip:  Also make sure to ask companies about price matching, especially the local businesses (not franchise).

While we all hope that we will never have the need for a windshield repair service, the fact is that most of us will.  Follow these steps, and happy searching!

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