Do I Have to Use a Big Box Company for Auto Glass Replacement?

When your windshield or any other glass on your vehicle sustains damage, the first thing you’re likely to do is file a claim with your insurance provider. Once you’re on the phone with a representative, they’ll probably encourage you to receive auto glass repairs from one of the big box auto glass companies in their network. Odds are, this big box company is either Safelite, the nation’s largest auto glass replacement company, or one of the other auto glass companies in their network.

A close look at online reviews will tell you that Safelite has a very poor record of providing substandard auto glass replacements to customers. Given this information, you probably don’t want to work with them but it might not sound like you have a choice. Do you have the option to work with a reliable local auto glass replacement company in Minnesota? The short answer is yes, but read on to learn more.

 

Why Working With a MN-Local Auto Glass Company is Your Best Bet

The reason auto insurance companies tend to be so adamant that you work with these big box auto glass companies is that they have an arrangement with Safelite. They help Safelite by sending business their way, and Safelite helps them by assisting with customer service; so the person you’re speaking with when you try to file a claim may actually be working for one of these big box companies.

The main reason that Safelite and their affiliates don’t perform reliable work is that they work with their own auto glass instead of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) auto glass. OEM auto glass, which is used by smaller local auto glass companies like Glass Masters, is perfectly designed to fit with your specific make and model of vehicle. The aftermarket auto glass installed by big box companies will not be a perfect fit for your car and is also substantially less durable than OEM glass.

Your insurance provider might try to scare you into working with Safelite or a similar company by making claims that you’ll have to pay out of pocket for a significant amount of your replacements but this is a lie; auto glass companies collect what they’re owed from insurance companies, not from customers. You’re free to bring your car to any auto glass replacement company in Minnesota that you want to.

In case you’re still on the fence, here are 4 great reasons to choose a smaller local auto glass company in Minnesota:

1. As mentioned above, they use OEM glass that is much more reliable.
2. Local auto glass shops are active in your community and staffed by members of your community.
3. Small businesses prevent big box companies from monopolizing the auto glass industry.
4. Smaller auto glass companies are reliant on good customer reputation since they don’t have the option to hide behind a huge corporation.

Get Your Auto Glass Replaced at a Reliable Shop

If you need to replace your windshield or other glass on your car, don’t trust the job to a sketchy big box company. Call Glass Masters today for the most reliable auto glass replacement services in the greater Twin Cities area!