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Author Archives: Steve Campbell
Double Tragedy Strikes Idaho Auto Glass and Tint Shop
Two men died from a December 1 shooting at a Twin Falls, Idaho, auto glass and window tint shop. Police responded to an 8:19 p.m. 911 call of shots fired at The Tint Shop V in Twin Falls, Idaho, where … Continue reading
State Farm Reaches a $1.35 Million Settlement with Kentucky AG
The Attorney General of Kentucky on November 29 announced a $1.35 million settlement with State Farm over inadequate disclosures to customers of uninsured and underinsured coverage through its insurance policies. “This settlement with State Farm provides us confidence in State … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged $1.35 million settlement, Attorney General Daniel Cameron, Circuit Court Judge Kathryn Gabhart, insurance policies, Kentucky, Kentucky attorney general's office, Louisville, State Farm, under-insured coverage, uninsured coverage Leave a comment
Safelite Creates ‘Safelite Spot’
Safelite recently introduced the “Safelite Spot,” an interactive play space at the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House in Columbus, Ohio. Children can “drive” the Safelite van and hear the company’s jingle when they honk the horn, zoom cars across the … Continue reading
Giant Windshield Could Lead to Gigantic Repair Bills
Tesla’s high-tech Cybertruck boasts many cool features, but the vehicle’s giant windshield, said to be the largest piece of glass in the auto industry, will cost a lot to replace. Also, the large windshield wiper doesn’t clear the whole windshield. … Continue reading
New Wholesale Location To Open in Arizona
Nielsen & Moller Auto Glass Distributors will open a new wholesale location in Tempe, Ariz., next month “By establishing this new wholesale location, we aim to provide customers with convenient access to our comprehensive inventory, exceptional service, and competitive prices,” … Continue reading
AirPro Approved for Ford Collision and Glass Certification Programs
Ford Motor Company has approved AirPro Diagnostics as a diagnostics and calibrations provider for complete and safe auto repairs. “This approval is yet another example of AirPro’s commitment to meeting OE approvals,” says AirPro Diagnostics president and COO Josh McFarlin. … Continue reading
Former Safelite Executive Elected to La Salle University Board of Trustees
Former Safelite president and alumnus Thomas M. Feeney was one of three industry and business leaders elected to the La Salle University board of trustees. “It gives me great pleasure to welcome these three alumni members to La Salle University’s … Continue reading
Suspension Spring Crashes through Windshield
A woman is in serious condition after a vehicle suspension spring crashed through her windshield in Weston, Mass. Read more here.
Hidden Button on Car Hood Reveals Safety Feature
The Mercedes-Benz EQS 53 AMG has a hidden button on the driver’s side of the hood. On the car’s “4-Matic” logo, drivers can push a button that opens a small tunnel that allows access to the vehicle refill center the … Continue reading
Windshield Smashed after Car Hits Traffic Light Lying in Road
A Fresno, Calif., woman received major damage to her truck after she crashed into a traffic light that was lying in the middle of the road on December 1 in Fresno. The road was very dark and the woman did … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged California, Fresno, traffic light pole, windshield crash Leave a comment
What If You Started All Over? Goodbye Wyoming, Hello Florida
John Payne packed up his van and tools a year ago and made the 2,000-mile trek to sunny Florida. Working from his new home in the Sunshine State, the 39-year-old Auto Glass Safety Council-certified master technician and owner of Payne’s … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged Auto Glass Safety Council-certified master technician, Auto Glass Week, Florida, John Payne, Lakeland, mobile windshield replacement, PayneAGRR, Quick-Set Auto Glass, Riverton, Riverton Auto Glass, windshield repair and replacement, Wyoming Leave a comment
Technology to Combat Distracted Driving, Saving Lives and Money
Spend any time on the road, either as a commuter, professional truck or van driver, or just tooling around your neighborhood, and you’ll likely encounter drivers engrossed in their cell phones or digital devices. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged Bazinga, Bluetooth, Cambridge Mobile Telematics, cell phone use while driving, distracted driving, Israeli tech startup, National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, onboard diagnostics, SavorOne 2014, smartphone apps, vehicle fleets, wearable devices Leave a comment
It’s the Most Dangerous Time of the Year
The year-end holiday period from Thanksgiving through New Year’s remains one of the most dangerous times on U.S. roads and highways, with a spike in crashes that often result in serious injuries or death, according to the National Road Safety … Continue reading
Automaker Demonstrates ‘Tesla Armor Glass’
At the November 30 unveiling of its Cybertruck prototype, Tesla attempted to show the strength of its “Tesla Armor Glass,” which the automaker claims can resist an impact from a steel ball. Designer Franz von Holzhausenz hurled a steel ball … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged Cybertruck, Elon Musk, Franz von Holzhausenz, Tesla, Tesla Armor Glass, Tesla prototype Leave a comment
S.C. County Looks to Install Bulletproof Glass in Cop Cars
The Oconee County, S.C., council voted to install bulletproof glass on law enforcement vehicles in the wake of a deputy shooting. The county must buy more than 100 bulletproof windshields to protect all of the county’s law enforcement officers. The … Continue reading
Man Shot at 7 Times through Windshield
Houston, Texas, police say a man is lucky to be alive after being shot at seven times during an alleged road rage incident. Video from the scene shows several bullet holes in the driver’s windshield. Read more here.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged bullet holes in windshield, Houston, man shot 7 times, road rage, Texas Leave a comment
Dog Critically Injured in Road Rage Incident
San Jose, Calif., police arrested a man involved in a violent road rage incident that severely injured a dog. On November 11, two men were out of their vehicle at a red light during a road rage incident with another … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged California, dog injured, rear sidelite, road rage San Jose Leave a comment
Mygrant Glass Clarifies Windshield Refund Policy
Mygrant Glass sent a notice to auto glass customers outlining the mandatory steps to be taken before returning a windshield that could not be successfully recalibrated. According to a memo from William Stanfield, those steps are: • Pre-scan for DTCs … Continue reading
Straightaway Tire & Auto Acquires Accurate Auto and Wayne’s Automotive
Straightaway Tire & Auto, on November 29, completed the acquisition of Accurate Auto & Tire Service and Wayne’s Automotive. Accurate Auto is a full-service auto repair facility serving the Maple Grove, Minn., market for more than 25 years. Wayne’s is … Continue reading
Technology Is Reshaping Premiums Based on Individual Driver Behavior
Matthew Washer, head of retail specialty trading at Aviva, explained that motor products with connectivity now consider individual driver behaviors, moving away from reliance on conventional risk assessment factors such as vehicle type, age, and location. Read more here.
Man Banned from the Road for Driving with Frozen Windshield
A Scottish van driver was banned from the roads after getting behind the wheel with a frozen windshield and windows. Read more here.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged frozen windshield, Scottish driver, winter weather warning Leave a comment
Golf Course Sparks Safety Concerns
When Sims Turner of Hahira, Georgia, was traveling with his 12-year-old child, the last thing he expected was his windshield exploding. But that is exactly what happened as he drove down a golf course. Read more here.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged golf ball hits windshield, golf course, Windshield exlpodes Leave a comment
State Farm to Waive Deductibles for Repair Again
On November 28, State Farm announced changes to its policies for comprehensive coverage of windshield repairs. Beginning December 1, the comprehensive coverage deductible will no longer apply for windshield repairs for all glass-only windshield damage for State Farm claims. State … Continue reading
Hackers Target K&K Glass (Auto Glass Now)
K&K Glass (Auto Glass Now), on November 21, reported a data breach where an unauthorized party accessed the company’s IT network. The hack exposed sensitive consumer information, including names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, … Continue reading
Electric Cars Revolutionize Mobility with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Electric cars with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are changing how car owners drive. From alerting the driver to potential dangers on the road to lending a hand in tricky parking situations, electric cars with ADAS are at the forefront … Continue reading
It’s Not Just Unsafe; It’s Illegal
With the arrival of the first snowfall of the season in the Kansas City area, law enforcement officials remind drivers that removing snow from all vehicle windows, not just the windshield, is not just a safe practice, but failure to … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged Kansas City, snowy windshields, winter weather Leave a comment
Auto Thefts Rise Keeping Police and Auto Glass Shops Busy
Windsor, Ont., auto glass shops say they’ve seen a sharp increase in clients coming in for repairs as car thefts are soaring. The Windsor, Ont. police department received an additional $900,000 in funding to help combat auto theft. Read more … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged auto glass repair shops, auto thefts, Ontario, Windsor Leave a comment
A Will to Succeed Drives Utah Auto Glass Shop Owner
Working toward goals and working harder than anyone else provides the roadmap to success for one Utah-based auto glass franchise owner. This kind of dedication has allowed Greg Malone, franchise owner of Glass Doctor® Auto, to put his Midvale, Utah-based … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGSC-certified technicians, auto glass franchise owner, Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) member company, business manager, Geico Insurance, Glass Doctor® Auto, Greg Malone, installation manager, Jiffy Lube, reputation, Trader Joe's Leave a comment
Just What This Glassmaker Needs
Help wanted. Manufacturer Fuyao Glass America wants to find skilled workers fluent in Mandarin for its new 600,000-square-foot facility in Dayton, Ohio. The company announced the new plant last December 2022, and now it’s time to fill it. According to … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged 000-square-foot facility, 000-square-foot plant, 600, Dayton, equipment installation, Fuyao Glass America, licensed electrician, Mandarin, mechanical engineering, Moraine City, Ohio, PMP/manager, process engineering, quality engineering, skilled workers Leave a comment
N.Y Governor Signs Auto Insurance Consumer Relief Act into Law
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Auto Insurance Consumer Relief Act into law, allowing insurance companies to waive pre-insurance photo inspections for private passenger vehicles. According to the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Inc.’s New York chapter … Continue reading
What in the World Is Going on with the Insurance Agency?
“So, Geico laid off about 6% of their workforce, 2,000 people. Liberty Mutual just laid off about 2% of their workforce, 850 people. We’ve already talked about Farmers and their 11% layoff. What in the world is going on with … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged Farmers Insurance, Geico, layoffs, Liberty Mutal, workforce reductions Leave a comment
U.K. Drivers Increase Deductibles or Switch to Third-Party Insurance to Cut Costs
In a desperate bid to cut costs, U.K. drivers by tens of thousands are increasing the deductible on their insurance policies or switching to third-party-only cover. A leading consumer advocate calls the behavior “deeply concerning.” They warn that reducing insurance … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged insurance deductible, third-party insurance, U.K. drivers Leave a comment
Police Officer Injured When ‘Incendiary Object’ Explodes on Windshield
A Paterson, N.J., police officer was treated for injuries after a blast from an “incendiary object” shattered the vehicle’s windshield and did minor damage to the hood. Read more here.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged incendiary object, N.J., officer injured, Paterson, shattered windshield Leave a comment
Good Samaritans Rush to Help People Trapped in Car after Crash
Good Samaritans rushed to the aid of a driver stuck inside her rolled-over vehicle in Doral, Fla., on November 19. Story here.
The Future’s So Bright at This Company, They Gotta Wear Shades
Despite the general pessimism of many small businesses, the folks at Elk River, Minn.-based ABRA Auto Body & Glass remain optimistic about the future. “This year’s been very good,” says ABRA Auto Glass (AAG) manager Tony Shaw. “Things are finally … Continue reading
Renault Reboots Twingo
Luca de Meo, Renault Group’s CEO, says that the new Twingo aspires to become a “game-changer” as a smaller, budget-friendly city car. The electric “supermini” features a windshield that matches the incline of the short hood, creating the signature single-box … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged electric vehicle, extended rear sidelite, Renault, supermini, Twingo, windshield, windshield design Leave a comment
That’s One Pricey Windshield
The McLaren F1 costs tens of millions of dollars to buy. The chic supercar is also expensive to maintain. Replacement windshields run about $25,000, plus another $8,000 for the installation. Take a look at the car here.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged McLaren, McLaren F1, replacement costs, replacement windshields, supercar Leave a comment
Genesis G1 Hybrid Offers Innovative Windshield Design
South Korean automaker Genesis’ G1 sports a cab-forward design with a windshield that stretches far forward, resulting in a very small hood but increasing the interior space. Read about it here.
Business Optimism Falls
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported on November 17 that small business owners are not optimistic about the current economic environment. The group’s “Optimism Index” decreased by 0.1 points in October to 90.7, marking the 22nd month below … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Leave a comment
Deer through Windshield Claims Man’s Life
An 18-year-old died, and another person was hospitalized on November 18 after a deer crashed through the windshield of a vehicle in Brown County, Wis. Read more here.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged Brown County, deer, man dies, Wisconsin, Wisconsin drivers Leave a comment
A Lifetime in Auto Glass Highlights Technician Training
Stan Turner began his life-long career in the auto glass industry at the ripe old age of 12, handing tools to installers at a friend’s dad’s shop in Greenville, S.C. His brother Danny, who is 11 years older, worked at … Continue reading
Department of Labor Dedicates Apprenticeship Week
The auto glass industry is no stranger to workforce shortages. Like many blue-collar trades, the industry struggles to find willing workers. As with the construction industry, which has monthly worker shortages of around 300,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of … Continue reading
Swedish Automaker Makes Rear Sidelites Obsolete
Swedish-made Polestar 4 makes the rear sidelite and rearview mirror obsolete with its new crossover coupe that uses a camera setup instead, which the automaker says offers benefits beyond visibility. The car uses a roof-mounted camera system that projects its … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged Polestar 4, review mirror, roof-mounted camera, sidelite, Swedish automaker Leave a comment
High Speed and Frosted Windshield Claim Life of 16-Year-Old Driver
A 16-year-old Pennsylvania driver died on November 13 after his car collided with a tractor-trailer. Witnesses to the crash say the car was traveling at high speed and had a heavily frosted windshield. Read more here.
Arizona Police Officer Pulled Through Windshield after Crash
A Mesa, Ariz., police officer had to be pulled through the windshield of his patrol unit after being involved in a November 13 crash at East Baseline Road and North McQueen Road on Monday afternoon. Click here to read more. … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged Arizona Police, Mesa Ariz., Pulled Through Windshield Leave a comment
Auto Glass Future Bright for Boyd Group
Boyd Group Services president and CEO Timothy O’Day expressed confidence in the steady growth of the company’s auto glass segment during a November 10 third-quarter 2023 earnings call. “I’m pretty excited about our auto glass business and the opportunity that … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged acquisitions, Assured Automotive, Auto Glass Authority, auto glass segment, Auto Glass Service, Autoglassonly.com, Boyd Autobody & Glass, Boyd Group Services, collision repair business, earnings call, Gerber Collision & Glass, Glass America, steady growth, third-quarter 2023, Timothy O’Day Leave a comment
Software Glitch Causes Some Mercedes-Benz Sunroofs to Close
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall on November 1 for 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 models due to a software glitch that could cause the vehicle’s sunroof to close unexpectedly when the car is in “car wash … Continue reading
Alert Auto Glass Employees Saw Something, Said Something
Employees at a Washington State auto glass shop may have prevented crimes and violence when they brought what they saw in a customer’s car to the attention of local law enforcement officials. On October 4, Fife, Washington police arrested Brady … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged 2015 Mazda 3, 9 mm handguns, ammunition, auto glass shop, body armor, Brady Lee Eltz, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Cascade Auto Glass, crimes and violence, customer’s car, glass replacement, gun sites, holsters, latex face masks, local law enforcement officials, machine guns, prior criminal convictions, rear sidelite, Special Agent Nathan Petrulak, U.S. Attorney's Office, Washington state, weapons, Western District of Washington 1 Comment
Avoid Tailgating That Shiny New Mercedes; Its Sidelites May Fly Off
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on November 3 issued a recall notice for seven 2024 Mercedes GLC 300 vehicles in the U.S. due to the chance of front, rear, and fixed sidelites coming loose. Citing an issue with … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged 2024 Mercedes GLC 300 vehicles, Adhesives, detached windows, front airbags, loose sidelites, Mercedes-Benz AG (MBAG), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), recall notice, Recall notice 23V-741, road hazards Leave a comment
It’s a Frog! Auto Glass Techs Design a New Tool
Tool designers at Frogitout.com came up with a simple, ergonomic tool for cutting auto glass during installations called “Glass Knuckles.” As the name implies, the tool resembles the brass knuckles tough guys use to increase their punching power in fights, … Continue reading
Can Insurers Sue Glass Shops? Florida Supreme Court to Decide
A panel of judges in the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals tossed the question of whether insurance companies may sue auto glass shops under Florida’s Motor Vehicle Repair Act up to the Florida Supreme Court. The case builds on … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged auto glass shops, Florida Supreme Court, Florida’s Motor Vehicle Repair Act, Geico, Glassco Auto Glass, insurance companies, judges, legal news, National Auto Glass Specifications (NAGS), sue, U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals Leave a comment
The Ultimate Sea Glass
The ultimate sea glass isn’t blue-green. You won’t find it on the beach either but in the ocean. Luxury market publication Robb Report called a 143-foot catamaran, debuting at this year’s Monaco Boat Show, “one of 2023’s most polarizing launches.” … Continue reading
Michigan Auto Glass Shop Sees Value as AGSC Member Company
After more than 40 years in the auto glass industry, taking care of their customers and maintaining a good reputation remains a priority for Lou and Rose Denning of Denning Auto Glass in Coldwater, Mich. Safety is at the top … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged 40 years, AGSC-trained, Auto Glass Industry, Auto Glass Safety Council, Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC), certified auto glass technicians, COVID-19, Denning Auto Glass, good reputation, heavy equipment, Lou and Rose Denning, membership, registered member company, taking care of customers, tractor trailers, Walmart distribution center Leave a comment
Safelite Group Acquires California Company
With a nod to Cheryl Crow, Safelite® Group soaked up more than sun in California last week. On October 31, the company closed a deal to acquire the assets of California-based Absolute Auto Glass, Inc. With a location in Santa … Continue reading
Chilly Temps Present Challenges for Auto Glass Installations
Jack Frost’s visit this week in many areas of the U.S. provides a good reminder of the unique challenges auto glass installers face when temperatures drop below freezing. On November 1, the first snow of the season frosted the Rocky … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged 110 degree temps, auto glass installers, Auto Glass Safety Council, below freezing, challenges, condensation, Don’s Mobile Auto Glass, Georgia, Great Lakes, Jeff Oliver, Maine, moisture, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, New England, nitrile gloves, northern Plains, Peter Brown, Rocky Mountains, safe drive-away times, snow, summer, temperatures, Tiny & Sons Auto Glass, urethane bonding Leave a comment
Fourth Time is the Charm for James Chapman
James Chapman, an Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC)-certified master technician at Richardson Glass Service in Newark, Ohio, won the gold medal in the Auto Glass Technician Competition at Auto Glass Week at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach last … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC), Auto Glass Technician Competition, Auto Glass University, Auto Glass Week, certified master technician, gold medal, James Chapman, Richardson Glass Service, virginia beach, Virginia Beach Convention Center Leave a comment
Lewiston Auto Glass Shop Expresses Condolences
Portland Glass of Lewiston, Maine, bore the effects of the mass shooting in that city last week. The company closed its shop while the area was on lockdown in the aftermath of the October 27 mass shooting that claimed the … Continue reading
Auto Insurance Claims Inflation Outpaces U.S. Consumer Price Index Inflation
Insurance claims inflation rose faster than the underlying consumer price index (CPI), greatly exceeding the rate of auto insurance premiums, according to a study released July 21, 2023, by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). The study, “Auto Insurance: … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), auto insurance premiums, better infrastructure, consumer price index (CPI), critical auto parts, fewer accidents, insurance claims inflation, lower claims, private passenger auto insurance, property casualty insurers’ premiums, Robert Passmore, safer roads, study, supply chains, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. private passenger vehicle damage claim, underwriting, “Auto Insurance: The Uncertain Road Ahead”, “Motor Vehicle Insurance CPI” Leave a comment