Jun 24, 2023
Safelite Vs OEM Windshields
Even though Safelite generally enjoys a positive reputation among customers, some have noted negative experiences due to noncompliance with warranty policies and service levels.
https://www.autoglassindallas.com/are-safelite-windshields-as-good-as-oem
Insurance policyholders tend to avoid shops competing against them, thus weakening competition and decreasing auto glass shop owners' profitability.
Cost
Safelite was able to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic by offering lower prices than its competitors and offering OEM quality windshields at competitive rates, although their cheaper aftermarket glass does not hold up well against cracking and other problems. Furthermore, their warranties weren't as comprehensive as those provided by Glass America.
Safelite may not be responsible for it directly, but their representatives regularly steer insurance policyholders toward their shop during phone conversations with insurers – which is unethical and should not be tolerated. Customers have voiced this issue on various online forums while USAA filed a lawsuit against Safelite over this very practice.
Warranty
Safelite provides a limited lifetime warranty on its repair, recalibration and replacement services; however this doesn't cover windshield damage caused by external factors or you as car owner; also, domestic glass production plants or technicians' workmanship aren't covered under their guarantee.
Safelite Auto Glass' use of its network to steer customers away from other auto glass shops has proven so controversial that the state of Connecticut filed suit. Safelite countered that steering customers towards its stores was protected under the first amendment, while customers should focus on fighting between their insurance provider and auto glass shop rather than being caught up in this battle. Rather, consider going with Glass America instead for your auto glass needs.
Reputation
Safelite provides a range of services, including windshield replacement and car window repair. Their windshields come from domestic plants and comply with all federal safety standards; customer service ratings on Better Business Bureau are A+; overall, reviews tend to be positive – however it's advisable to read individual location reviews for verification purposes.
There are numerous positive Safelite reviews online, but they vary considerably in tone due to the company's practice of steering policyholders away from independent glass shops in favor of its own service centers. USAA even initiated legal proceedings against Safelite in Connecticut due to this practice – according to NBC Connecticut reporting that Safelite argued this action violated their first amendment rights and refused to stop doing it.
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