How to avoid Scarborough Auto Glass repair scams

Whether a rock appears out of thin air, or if you end up being the victim of an act of vandalism, windshield cracks and chips are quite common. If the chip is in a very inconvenient place on the glass, you have to have it repaired immediately. In your eagerness, you have to avoid falling prey to an auto glass scam artist. According to many Scarborough Auto Glass experts, most mechanics and repair men in the industry are generally honest. Unfortunately, every batch has its bad apples. Even in well known and respected repair shops there are fraudulent repairmen that will take you for a spin if you do not keep an eye open. Here are some ways you can watch out for potential con men.

Know the Difference: Windshield Repair vs. Replacement

As many Scarborough Auto Glass technicians have said, if the mechanic looks at the glass and his first reaction is to tell you that the chip is un repairable, go see another mechanic for a second opinion. Most auto glass scam artists use lines like, '8 out of 10' cracks cannot be repaired. In your case, that may be true, but in most cases, professionals can handle almost any kind of chip or crack. Get a second opinion from a reputable garage before you decide to change your windshield all together. Also, watch out for terms like, 'It can be repaired but you will not like what it looks like after'. This is another common trick used to fool customers. The mechanic will charge a high price to fix the crack but will intentionally do a lack luster job. Then, they will suggest that the money you already spent on the repair will go towards a windshield replacement. These are complete lies. The adhesive used to repair car windows have the same refractive index as the windshield. Once repaired properly, a chip or crack is invisible. If after a repair, you can still see fault lines, than the mechanic did something wrong. Most scam artists take this approach, instead of suggesting a replacement from the get go. If they ask you to change the glass immediately, you might put your guard up. So they give you a high price for the repair, hoping you would opt for a replacement. If you still do not budge, they will intentionally mess up the repair job. Once the windshield is further damaged, you will have no choice but to go with a replacement. To avoid being scammed, always get a second opinion if the repairman asks for a high price or requests a windshield replacement. If the price is too low, do the same thing. With the cost of labour and the type of work that needs to be done, there is a certain price threshold. A price too low may indicate a jack of all trades looking to make something extra on the side. 

Appearance is Key

 Auto glass repair shops are usually located in industrial areas. Most of them look shabby, greasy and at times downright unsanitary. Repairmen are supposed to look grimy and rugged. A lot of times, these places have the best mechanics and best possible deals. Even still, try to avoid places without a proper, well organized front desk. The shop does not need flashy uniforms or posh counter tops, just try to avoid the absolute bottom of the barrel establishment that also moonlights as a chop shop. Do not trust someone who works out of the back of a truck.  Chose a shop online or one which has been recommended to you by someone you trust. Never, ever trust someone who approaches you at a car wash or in the parking lot. It is an easy marketing method but almost every single time, they are usually scams. You do not need any immediate repairs but a fraudster will approach you at the car wash and pitch you a long winding story as to why you need to have your car looked at.  Many windshield scam artists go to local neighbourhoods and knock on peoples doors. If you see these people, try to keep your car in the garage. There have been instances where such individuals intentionally damage your windshield before approaching you. These fraudsters usually try to entice you by offering gift vouchers and tickets. Even if the offer sounds goods, stay clear, reputable auto shops always look to expand and build their business through repeat clientele. They have websites and marketing campaigns but the majority of their business comes through referrals and through good solid work that keeps customers satisfied.

Insurance Coverage

Dishonest repairmen will always tell you that you insurance will cover everything. This is just a trick. Once they get their hands on your insurance information, they can charge sky high repair costs to cover their shoddy work. They can even make claims for unnecessary repairs and in some cases for work they have not even done. Every time you make an insurance claim for a repair or when a scammer makes the claim, your insurance premium rises. If you have made other claims recently, you may end up filing too many and lose your policy or the insurance company may force you to upgrade your plan. If claims are widespread, the premiums could rise for everyone across the board. This may sound farfetched, but according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, between 2009 and 2010, auto glass fraud shot up by 527%. With so many scams operating in the industry there is a very possible chance that insurance premiums may rise for everyone. The financial problems associated with this are bad enough, but you could even be jailed for fraudulent insurance claims. So, when a repairman says that your insurance will cover all the costs or is eager to get your insurance information, be very diligent. Make sure you are dealing with true professionals, who are not out to rip you off. The shop may also make a claim that it is the only one authorized by your insurance company to make repairs. Do not take their word for it and double check with your insurance company.

Certification

 As mentioned before, grimy repair shops often have the best mechanics and the most satisfying deals. If you do find one such shop, always look at the certification of the mechanics. The sign of an uncertified mechanic is one who offers to keep all the repairs of the books. There is no reason for a mechanic to make such a suggestion. This is a choice that should only be up to the customer. Even if you are at a really nice place, ask to see their certification if it is not on the wall in their waiting area. Do this whenever you go to a new mechanic or someone you have never worked with before.

In Conclusion

A mechanic, who practices fraudulent activities, is someone who is not well versed in auto repairs. They will probably do a horrendous job and make a real mess of it. The windshield pays a vital part in the deployment of the airbags, if it is not replaced properly, it could pop out during a collision or if the job was done really poorly it could pop out while you are driving. Windshield repairs and chips have to be repaired perfectly. The windshield holds the weight of the car's roof and acts as added protection, especially in a head on collision. The crack has to be repaired in such a way that the structural integrity of the windshield remains the same as the day it first came of the production line. So, these auto glass con men do not just impact you financially but could affect your physical health. Only a trained expert  should repair your auto glass.