Owning and operating an auto glass repair shop can be a rewarding experience. In fact, there are thousands of companies across the country who have run their own windshield repair companies for decades—passing the business down from one generation to another.
However, recent changes in regulation, safety procedures, and the way insurance companies handle glass claims has made the industry much more difficult that it was in the past. This is why it is so important to work with an attorney who understands the unique facets of your business and what it takes to ensure you are fully protected.
Proper Auto Glass Business Procedures
One way we help auto glass companies is by making sure all written warranty paperwork and documents handed to customers meet legal standards. It is important that this documentation includes safety protocol recommendations for the client, such as safe drive away times and other pertinent details. We do this to protect your business against unnecessary auto glass lawsuits in the future.
Another service we provide is to help glass firms determine what standards are legal within the industry and whether or not their marketing plans meet these guidelines. Windshields are a very critical part of a vehicle’s safety system, and government regulators are very strict when it comes to how glass companies offer their services to the general public.
Insurance Agents, Auto Glass Replacement Referrals, and Third-Party Billing
It used to be insurance agents had the option of selecting which auto glass repair shops they referred their policyholders to. This allowed for healthy working relationships between these agents and local repair shops.
Today, most insurance companies force agents to utilize a third-party company for glass claims. Not only does this give them the upper hand when it comes to who they are able to dispatch to the customer, it makes it easy for insurers to only work with companies that accept their cost structure. Not only is this an unfair business practice, in some areas it is also illegal.
Many glass companies also encounter problems with insurance providers short paying repair bills and refusing to fully settle the claim. This deeply hurts small businesses—including family-owned repair centers—and makes operating in this industry very difficult. Contacting a legal representative who understands how this process works is essential to making sure you receive a fair settlement amount and change what these insurers are allowed to do.
Reasons to Contact an Auto Glass Attorney
There are several instances when contacting a lawyer is important if you own an auto glass company. One is when you first form your business and need guidance on what paperwork is necessary. This ensures you are starting your company off on a good path from the beginning and not missing any pertinent filings.
Second, you should contact an attorney who specializes in auto glass cases anytime you feel there is an issue with a client that could result in a future lawsuit. This includes instances where a customer is claiming additional damage was done during an installation or even that poor workmanship led to a bigger incident after leaving your shop.
It is also a good time to contact an attorney in regards to insurance business practices. If you feel that an insurance company or agent has engaged in steering, short pays, slander, or in any other way taken action that has harmed your business. Just like the windshield replacement industry, these firms have a very strict set of guidelines they have to follow when it comes to working with third-party entities.
Representing Small Business in Auto Glass Lawsuits
Finding the right representation in an auto glass lawsuit doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Our firm has a track record for handling __ cases in the auto glass industry and is ready to help. Learn more about our services for repair companies now.