State Farm Stance On Windshield Repair

As many of you are aware, State Farm will no longer be waiving their customer’s comprehensive deductible for windshield repairs in 11 states, starting January 1st, 2006. Many in the industry have taken this to mean that State Farm or perhaps even the entire insurance industry is anti repair. This couldn’t be further from the truth. State Farm and the insurance industry as a whole, still view windshield repair as a “common sense,” cost saving alternative to windshield replacement and are promoting it as such. The debate will rage on as to how these changes will affect our industry, but one thing is certain. Windshield repair is here to stay.

Here are a few excerpts from the State Farm website, and their policy regarding windshield repairs:

”Would you throw away a good suit because of a small tear, or a wooden table because of a small scratch? Most likely you'd have it repaired if possible. Now, the same kind of commonsense approach applies when your auto windshield is damaged. Safe repairs can be made of most small breaks, and it makes sense to do so since a new windshield may cost $300 or more.”

Will the repair take much of my time or effort?

”Chances are the repairer has mobile equipment and will come to you. If you take your vehicle to a convenient facility to have the work done, repairs usually take 20 to 30 minutes and can be done while you wait.”

What's in it for me?

”By helping hold down insurance costs, you will be helping hold down your own premiums. (When insurance losses go up or down, State Farm adjusts premiums to reflect the changes.) There may even be some direct savings available to you, depending on where you live and other conditions. Please ask your State Farm agent for details.”

To view the entire page, go to http://www.statefarm.com/claims/shldrepr.htm
 

-Matt Larson