Queen Creek, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/18/2012 -- "There's no excuse for filing an insurance claim on windshields that are not damaged."

National Glass Association Auto Glass Division vice president, Leo Cyr, states that there is just not an excuse for anyone filing an insurance claim on undamaged windshields. That being said, insurance companies do recognize that a damaged windshield is a genuine hazard and can pose a threat to occupants of a vehicle.

merely said, as with any auto glass repair, there are appropriate times and inappropriate times to replace a part. In either event, Mr. Cyr Says that only NGA-certified operatives using top quality parts and materials should install a new windshield. Because of the large number of fraud scams aimed at needlessly filing claims for windshield replacements, customers need to be aware of when a windshield can be honestly replaced. Consumers also need to be able to ask the right questions and protect their own information.

Law enforcement across the nation agrees with Mr. Cyr and is cracking down on broken windshield replacement schemes in Gilbert and surrounding Higley and Queen Creek. The good news is that unscrupulous thieves and repair shops owners are being prosecuted, fined, and sent to prison. The bad news for drivers who become victims is that they, too, can be prosecuted, fined, and sent to prison for their participation in stealing from insurance companies and their policyholders.

Those Who Rent Cars are Not Safe from Windshield Replacement Scams Either

Not driving your own vehicle does not necessarily make you impervious to being approached. A slightly various scam on the replacement scam involves rental autos being returned. A renter returns his automobile only to be told that a scratch, crack or rock chip found on the windshield is going to involve a windshield replacement paid for by the insurance purchased in the rental agreement or the driver's personal insurance. Either way, insurance account numbers are exchanged and the policyholder and company are charged hundreds for a new windshield.

One latest, well-recognized case in Billings, Montana concerned an owner of a nationally recognized car rental franchise just last year. Evidence shows that most of the cars involved showed no indicators of windshield replacement but a few confirmed chip repairs totaling about $25.00. One vehicle was involved in 3 windshield replacement claims and the windshield was reported to have shown no signs of any repair or replacement. Following the Broadly-publicized trial, the prosecuting assistant U.S. Attorney said, in his sentencing memorandum, that the case included 250 victims, the theft of $436,692 and deserves severe punishment. The owner/manager was found only because he boasted to good friends he had found a way to commit a perfect, repeating crime. Be mindful when you get your windshield replacement in Gilbert because the same thing could happen here.

Not Just an Insurance Problem, a Lot of Your hard earned money Will End Up in a Con artist's Pocket

A Spokane, Washington company, owned by a married couple was convicted of hosting more than 1,200 fraudulent claims costing insurance holders over $695,000. Another in Los Angeles holds the record at over $14 million in fraudulently received payments after which the company filed bankruptcy. Although in both cases the court ordered restitution to be paid (from the bankrupted companies) guess who really gets left holding that bag on the loss?

How serious is the issue and does it really affect consumers directly?

The trouble is huge. The amount of cash taken out of the public's collective pockets is staggering. According to an auto glass industry estimate the expense of illegal windshield insurance claims costs consumers more than $425 per year on the annual premium for every vehicle in America, each year, for the life of the car! The amount of extra money paid on each insurance premium is almost enough to replace every windshield in America, every year, twice! That money comes right out of everyone's wallets.

What can a person do to protect himself or herself?

How can a consumer know how to tell the difference in legal and illegal services and make sure that the windshield replacement is both suitable and properly done? pretty simple. For your good luck, here are seven basic rules, or questions:

Rule #1 Think
- What are you being asked to do and by whom?

Rule #2 Be reasonable
- Is the integrity of the glass compromised?
- Is the damage in the driver's line of sight?
- Is the damage cosmetic or functional?
- If it is not worth $250 to $300 dollars to you, it probably won't be to your insurance company either.
- Would you claim repairs for a similar paint chip or door ding?

Rule #3 Take charge of the situation
- Did someone approach you, or did you approach the glass repair company in accord with your insurance agent?

Rule #4 Guard your money and your accounts
- Would you give a stranger contacting you access to your bank, cash, or credit accounts by providing them with the number(s)?
- Why would you give them access to the cash behind your insurance policy number? Don't do it!

Rule #5 Is the person doing the work, at a legitimate place of business, skilled and NGA-certified to do such repairs?

Rule #6 Were you offered an incentive?
An incentive is, by no means, an indication of fraudulent activity. Most every business offers items on sale, coupons, discounts or other incentives to attract your business. The question is, is the value of the incentive unreasonable? Is the total value more than what your deductible would be? Is it more than what the windshield would be? (See Rule #1 and Rule #2)

Rule #7 Are you paying a reasonable price for actual services rendered at a known location?
Beware of invoices carrying an address other than where the repairs are made, especially rural addresses. Rural companies are allowed to charge insurance companies more for parts and labor than companies located in densely populated and competitive areas.

So, what's wrong with it?

False windshield replacement claims is a form of insurance fraud. Insurance fraud is just another form of fraud. Fraud is a felony crime. All parties involved can be charged, tried, and convicted. Be informed and alert. Ignorance of the facts is not an excuse to assist in costing all of us millions of dollars every year.

(http://www.suntecautoglass.com/)SunTec Auto Glass is a family-owned company located in Arizona, serving Maricopa and Pinal Counties. We are windshield replacement professionals and specialize in (http://www.suntecautoglass.com/windshield-replacement/)windshield replacement, (http://www.suntecautoglass.com/auto-glass-repair/)auto glass repair, window tinting, and glass etching. We replace vehicle glass for cars, trucks, vans, and even RV's and specialty vehicles.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Queen Creek, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/20/2011 -- (Bill Burke of Suntec Auto Glass has years of experience in the Auto Glass industry. All of the technicians at Suntec Auto Glass are highly certified. The information he is providing regarding how to avoid the scams, is an accumulation of his years dedicated to this industry. He is sharing to protect not only the industry itself, but the consumer as well.)

A vehicle's windshield acts as a significant part of a highly engineered crash management system?

How does this impact the consumer? Well, without appropriate installation of Original Equipment auto glass windshields and adhesives by licensed professionals, it could be a rather serious or even fatal impact. OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, means the vehicle's windshield or other auto glass is produced from original equipment-style tooling and meets the manufacturer specifications for safety and quality to protect you in case of an accident.

A windshield can add as much as 60 % to the support of the roof during roof crush and rollover accidents! In front end collisions, the windshield is the backboard for the passenger side airbag. The windshield actually absorbs the force of the airbag upon deployment of speeds up to 200 miles per hour. Thus, the use of OEM auto glass parts is essential.

Why Only OEM Auto Glass Parts?

Stringent standards. OEM auto glass standards and specifications are more stringent than Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Auto glass standards require 100% windshield retention in frontal barrier crash tests, while DOT only requires 80 percent! Furthermore, the higher standards of auto glass parts ensure that an automobile can be brought back to pre-accident condition. Some aftermarket parts do not match the tolerance, thickness, and shape of auto glass parts; therefore, they can have a higher rate of leakage, wind noise, imperfect fit, solar performance, and optical distortion. In other words, your safety could be at risk.

For the full story go to: http://www.suntecautoglass.com/apache-junction-superior-gold

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Queen Creek, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/20/2011 -- Bill Burke of Suntec Auto Glass has years of experience in the industry. All of the technicians at Suntec Auto Glass are highly certified. The information he is providing regarding how to avoid the scams, is an accumulation of his years dedicated to this industry. He is sharing to protect not only the industry itself, but the consumer as well.

In this guide we will reveal some of the normal ways thieves approach drivers in an attempt to make money off their insurance policy, and subsequently, from the increase in their premiums. Also discussed is what has been happening to some of the thieves who have run such scams.

There are more ways to carry out auto glass replacement scams than probably anyone could know. Windshield replacement scams are aimed at defrauding insurance companies and have involved both large and small glass replacement or repair, and also car rental companies.

It may seem tricky to see the difference, sometimes, between honest companies offering gifts as sales promotion or discounts, and dishonest companies offering gifts as a form of enticement or bribes to get the innocent motorist personally involved in these insurance fraud schemes. Windshield replacement scams can be somewhat basic to spot but involve a Tiny imagined and judgment on the part of the consumer.

The critical to avoid becoming a victim of this kind of fraud is in awareness of kinds of scams being done, the ramifications of becoming involved in a scam operation, and knowing how to clearly discern the difference between honest offers and dishonest ones.

For The Full Story Go To:
http://www.suntecautoglass.com/cityavondale-glendale-goodyear

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Queen Creek, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/20/2011 -- Bill Burke of Suntec Auto Glass has years of experience in the industry. All of the technicians at Suntec Auto Glass are highly certified.

The information he is providing regarding how to avoid the scams, is an accumulation of his years dedicated to this industry. He is sharing to protect not only the industry itself, but the consumer as well.

Windshield Replacements are so much more than typical automobile maintenance, in fact they are an extremely essential part of vehicle safety. Contacting the 1st shop nearby that will do windshield replacements in Phoenix, Sunnyslope, Laveen, Cashion and Tolleson areas, is not always the greatest solution.

Reason? The windshield serves a greater purpose than protection from weather, wind and bugs. It's in fact a vital part of a car's safety net and helps support the roof of the car. Actually, the windshield should be taken as seriously as seat belts and airbags.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration said more than 12,000 people die after being ejected from a vehicle or are critically injured during a rollover every year. The National Glass Association (NGA) has confirmed that a substantial percentage of those fatalities take place because the windshield does not remain firmly bonded to the roof. The percentage is actually higher since not all cases are documented.

Before hiring a Windshield Replacement professional, make sure they meet these 5 criteria!

For The Rest Of The Story Go To:
http://www.suntecautoglass.com/windshield-replacement

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Queen Creek, AZ -- (SBWIRE) --12/19/2011 -- Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Guadalupe Clients, Suntec Auto Glass - Your local Windshield Shop - is very pleased to honor 'Car Care Month'. Windshield Replacement and Auto Glass Repair is as important as any other upkeep on your automobile.

It can be intimidating enough driving on the roads and freeways without having to be concerned about breaking down in the middle of traffic or in an unsafe environment! Even though you feel you have the most reputable auto on the road, it doesn't take much neglect to go from safe to sorry!

Regular car upkeep is essential – not only to your vehicle, but to your loved ones as well. More than five percent of vehicle accidents result from unperformed automobile maintenance; resulting in 2,600 deaths, 100,000 disabling injuries and a cost of more than $2 billion every year according to the Car Care Council.

A recent survey by the Car Care Council found:

38% of cars had low or dirty engine oil
28% had inadequate cooling protection
54% had low tire pressure
19% needed new belts
16% had dirty air filters
And don't forget - Proper windshield replacement and auto glass repair saves lives.

Leased cars are probably the easiest to preserve as they actually include indicator lights on the dashboard that tells you when it's time for maintenance. Any new auto purchased from a dealership includes the warranty and maintenance schedule; however, the dealership, and your local mechanic, will also send out reminders. For those used vehicles that might not come with a maintenance schedule, there are websites such as http://www.Edmunds.com which provide the appropriate information for just about every make and model vehicle.

critical components that are checked at every service interval include automatic transmission fluid, battery and cables, belts, engine air and oil filter, exhaust, fuel filter, hoses, power steering fluid and tire inflation and condition. These should be checked according to the following schedule:

Every three months or 3,000 miles
Every six months or 6,000 miles
Every 9 months or 9,000 miles
Every 12 months or 12,000 miles

In addition to the above, your vehicle should be checked monthly for lights, tire inflation, check engine light on and windshield washer fluid.

October is designated as Fall Car Care Month by the Car Care Council! This means that volunteer car specialists all across the country will help buyers prepare for the upcoming winter season and educate about proper car care safety. Subaru has announced their support of Fall Car Care Month. Owners of Subaru's can bring their vehicles into local dealerships for free inspections with particular focus on areas that minimize fuel consumption. ?

As your local Auto Glass Company we ask you please don't neglect your auto glass repair and windshield replacement this October. Make sure you're ready for a safe and smart winter.

SunTec Auto Glass is an Auto Glass shop in Tempe, Ahwatukee, Guadalupe and most of Maricopa and Pinal counties, we specialize in Phoenix windshield replacement, auto glass repair, window tinting and glass etching. Contact us to handle those chips and breaks in your windshield… Complete your car care the right way.

SunTec Auto Glass is a family-owned company located in Arizona, serving Maricopa and Pinal Counties. We are windshield replacement pros and specialize in windshield replacement, auto glass repair, window tinting, and glass etching. We replace vehicle glass for cars, trucks, vans, and even RV's and specialty vehicles.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

It is approximated that there are an average of 80,000 auto glass repairs in Arizona every month! But just how much of this auto glass repair in Scottsdale (or surrounding areas of Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek and Rio Verde) was actually performed by a honored Auto Glass Shop?

Queen Creek, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/16/2011 -- It is estimated that there are an average of 80,000 windshield repairs in Arizona every month!

But just how much of this auto glass replacement in Scottsdale (or surrounding areas of Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek and Rio Verde) was actually finished by a trusted Auto Glass Shop?

We have all been approached by tenacious auto glass technicians representing Fountain Hills auto glass shops at car washes. They say things like:

"I can repair those chips in your windshield within minutes"

"We just need your insurance policy information and you will be on your way with new auto glass"

However, repairing small chips and cracks is one thing; a total windshield replacement when it's not even necessary costs everyone, including you, additional money and possibly even jail time!

In some cases, insurance companies are expected by law to waive the deductible for damaged or broken windshields in an effort to encourage automobile owners to make the repairs. However, some Scottsdale auto glass shops are using that loophole to convince consumers they can have new windshields at no cost since they are fully compensated.

The dishonest Scottsdale auto glass shops, also referred to as "glass claims harvesters," will rent parking lot space from Arizona auto repair facilities, car washes or gas stations to seek business through unneeded auto glass replacements. Once the car owner agrees to the deal, the harvester will subcontract the windshield replacement with another, less expensive Rio Verde auto glass shop and turn a profit from your insurance claim. Some harvesters will pretend to be the insured and obtain multiple auto glass replacement claims.

The following are several Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, and Rio Verde auto glass replacement scams you should be aware of:

- Replacing expensive windshields which only have a small crack or chip that could easily be fixed.

- They might also charge insurers to replace several chips when only one chip was repaired. Some con artists charge your policy for several windshield replacements without you knowing it!

- The crooks might persuade motorists to participate by offering freebies such as steaks, movie tickets or car washes. In addition, they might offer cash rebates or inflate the repair bill to cover the deductible.

Oftentimes, these "fly-by-night" auto glass operators are poorly trained and work out of pickup trucks in parking lots, hastily vanishing after the poor quality auto glass repairs. You might see them approach people at car washes, gas stations or convenience stores. In addition to the safety risk from cheap substandard auto glass or shoddy workmanship, you could face increased premiums or possible loss of coverage due to multiple hits on your policy.

And the worst possible scenario? You could face jail and fines for insurance fraud!
Everyone else's premiums also increase in the long run due to fraud losses passed onto honest policyholders.
According to Doug Ashbridge, Director of Special Investigations for Farmers Insurance Group, property casualty insurance fraud costs consumers $20 billion each year and is probably present in as many as 10 percent of claims filed.

If you are approached by a Scottsdale auto glass shop insisting on an unnecessary windshield replacement, just say no! Report the incident to your state insurance department. If you need auto glass repairs, contact your insurance agent for reputable Scottsdale Auto Glass Shops.

About SunTec Auto Glass
SunTec Auto Glass , an Auto Glass shop in Scottsdale Arizona, has highly trained and certified auto glass technicians and is a member of the National Glass Association (NGA). We also endorse AGRSS (Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards Council) which is dedicated to the safe replacement of auto glass in Scottsdale. Contact us for reliable, honest service and industry expertise. Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, and Rio Verde customers, take advantage of our free mobile service.

SunTec Auto Glass is a family-owned business located in Arizona, serving Maricopa and Pinal Counties. We are windshield replacement professionals and specialize in windshield replacement, auto glass repair, window tinting, and glass etching. We replace vehicle glass for cars, trucks, vans, and even RV's and specialty vehicles.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm