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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
State Farm, on November 15, notified national glass program members of changes to its Offer and Acceptance (O&A) agreement effective December 15. The Offer and Acceptance (O&A) agreement directs auto glass shops to confirm that the vehicle on dispatch matches … Continue reading
Daniel Wheelwright says he has had three such chips grow into big-time cracks. He says when the windshields could not be repaired, they had to be replaced: three of them in two years. That third claim, apparently damaged his relationship … Continue reading
In this article, you’ll find details about the average cost of windshield replacement, the factors that affect the cost to replace a windshield, and your options for getting a new one. Along with that, the article offers a few recommendations … Continue reading
The vehicle’s wheel throws up a rock in front of you, and suddenly your windshield is chipped or cracked. Damaged windshields are a common complaint among car owners. It’s essential to understand why they happen and what you can do … Continue reading
On June 30, Tom Feeney will retire from Safelite after a 35-year career with the auto glass company. Feeny previously served as president and CEO for 14 years, and was credited for the company’s significant growth during that time. Feeney … Continue reading
Hoodoos are geological formations in the southwest United States. “Hoodoos stand out not only geologically, and we want to be a company that stands out,” Sean Dodson says of opening Hoodoo Glass LLC of Farmington, N.M. on June 1. His … Continue reading
If enacted into law, the act will take effect on January 1, 2023 and apply to all auto insurance policies issued, renewed, altered or modified on or after that date. Click here to read more.
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Safelite Group, owner of Safelite AutoGlass, acquired the assets of Frontier Glass in Buffalo, N.Y. The deal was completed on May 27. “We’re pleased to welcome Frontier Glass associates to the Safelite family,” says Safelite Group president and CEO Renee … Continue reading
Today is National Heat Awareness Day. If not already, auto glass technicians will soon repair and replace glass in the summer heat. It is 100% possible to avoid heat illness and stroke if you know what to look out for … Continue reading
The secrets to success are different for each business. But, one thing is certain for these auto glass retailers: revenues continue to grow lightning fast as they put the COVID-19 pandemic in their rearview mirrors. AGRR takes an in-depth look … Continue reading
National Windscreens celebrated the opening of its new supercenter in Slough last week. The center is the first of its kind for the company in the United Kingdom with a focus on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), according to a … Continue reading
In today’s digital world, it can be difficult to know which websites to trust. GlassBYTEs.com and AGRR™ magazine encourages you to only use Auto Glass Week’s official site when booking a hotel room for this year’s event. Event management cannot … Continue reading
“I’m the first one in my family, of 11 kids, that has done something as far as a business pushing myself to have something of my own,” Platinum Auto Glass owner Fred Quezada said. Click here to read more.
Mike Williams manages three franchise locations in B.C., in Vancouver, Aldergrove, and South Surrey. He has found that working in glass is a community-minded, people-first profession, one that has turned out to be—clearly—the right fit. Click here to read more. … Continue reading
Kelowna in western Canada is the latest location for NOVUS Glass, and joins Fix Network’s global portfolio of locally owned and operated aftermarket franchise centers. Kelowna’s operations manager Scott Maciag has worked in glass repair and replacement for 12 years, … Continue reading
D’Ieteren Group, which owns 50.01% of Belron, the owner of Safelite AutoGlass and Safelite Solutions in the United States, continued its plan this week to buy back shares for nine to 12 months. The Group’s board of directors decided in … Continue reading
The secrets to success are different for each business. But, one thing is certain for five auto glass retailers: revenues continue to grow lightning fast as they put the COVID-19 pandemic in their rearview mirrors. AGRR takes an in-depth look … Continue reading
The Caliber family, including Caliber Collision, Caliber Auto Care and Caliber Auto Glass, celebrates 25 years in the industry by giving back to the communities it serves. In 2022, Caliber will gift 46 vehicles to individuals in need of reliable … Continue reading
Getting a chipped windshield in any car is almost as common as getting a flat tire. It’s happened to almost all of us and we either bought the repair kits or called the dealer and got it replaced. While more … Continue reading
Today, glassBYTEs.com takes a look at top auto glass retailers this year compared to AGRR’s 2020 list. Who remains on top? Were there any major changes? In the number one spot this year and in 2022, Belron and Safelite remain … Continue reading
Last, but certainly not least, ignoring a windshield chip is not good for your car, because it increases the likelihood that the damage will worsen. Click here to read more.
Winter is over and summer is around the corner, but auto glass shops continue to struggle with the same challenges the new year presented in January. Costs of materials, availability of glass and the price of gasoline impact business. Patricia … Continue reading
In addition to adding 11 new locations in the first quarter of 2022, Boyd Group Services Inc. reported sales increased 32% compared to the first quarter of 2021. Boyd Group experienced $556.8 million in the first quarter of this year. … Continue reading
The startup declined to disclose its valuation but said it’s serving nearly 100 customers, 80% of which are in Greater China, including mid-sized factories with thousands of workers run by Foxconn and Fuyao, one of the world’s largest auto glass … Continue reading
The precision 3D printed component, now known as the Drill Stop Collet, is used to hold the tiny glass drill used in windshield repair, and it has made this critical drilling process quick, reliable, and automatic. In the past, learning … Continue reading
Driven Brands shot to the number three spot in AGRR magazine’s 2022 list of Top Auto Glass Retailers in the category of companies with $100-$200 million in revenue. In April 2022, the company announced it was acquiring All Star Glass, … Continue reading
Auto Windscreens joined the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign, the world’s largest and fastest growing group of companies aligning to help halve global emissions by 2030. According to a company statement, Auto Windscreens is committed to the Science Based Targets … Continue reading
The AGSC/NWRD ROLAGS 2 Standards Committee (windshield repair) will meet on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET. The meeting will be held electronically by Zoom. The agenda, related documents and instructions for joining the Zoom … Continue reading
In celebration of National Small Business Week, glassBYTEs.com spoke with small business owners about why they got into auto glass, why they stay and what they think of the industry’s future. Innovation and Calibration Intermountain Auto Glass opened in Boise, … Continue reading
ADAS services are set to experience at least a 17 percent increase through 2030. Click here to read more.
In response to the growth of the Group’s businesses and the changing urban environment, D’Ieteren Group has launched a project to upgrade its historic site and head office. In so doing, it is demonstrating its commitment to keep its roots … Continue reading
When you have a damaged windshield, it impacts your driving in several ways. At first glance, it might seem like a minor issue — but the reality is that driving with a damaged windshield is a precarious proposition. Click here … Continue reading
Casha Griffin is facing seven counts, including money laundering, altering or removing a vehicle identification number and car theft. A storage locker that was searched yielded guns, electronic equipment and an auto windshield removal saw and windshield repair tools. Click here … Continue reading
The key word for Driven Brands Holdings Inc. (DBHI) in 2022 is growth. And auto glass services are part of that growth. In a conference call discussing quarterly results last Wednesday, president and CEO Jonathan Fitzpatrick said 2022’s growth will … Continue reading
Safelite’s efforts led to passage of new laws in Utah and Arizona. As its efforts moved east, however, Safelite butted heads with another group that is offering its own vision about how to safely make repairs: The Auto Glass Safety … Continue reading
Driven Brands Holdings Inc. has acquired All Star Glass, A chain of 30 auto glass shops located primarily in California, Arizona, Texas and Nevada. “We pride ourselves on offering simple, convenient solutions to the consumer and our glass services are … Continue reading
During windshield and side glass replacement and performing collision repairs requiring repair to the front and/or rear window channels, it is important to utilize Ford OEM repair procedures to ensure complete proper repairs are performed. Click here to read more. … Continue reading
When you have a damaged windshield, it impacts your driving in several ways. At first glance, it might seem like a minor issue — but the reality is that driving with a damaged windshield is a precarious proposition. Click here … Continue reading
AirPro Diagnostics announces Fred Iantorno as vice president of strategic solutions. Iantorno will assist the company in technology integration opportunities and market awareness of the company’s calibration system, the AirPro Auggie. “We are excited to welcome Fred to the team … Continue reading
Building and supporting the next generation of technicians are vital to the auto glass repair and replacement industry. Auto Glass Week 2022, Sept. 14-16 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, will address this with Career Day, … Continue reading
Tesla says it is the second largest insurer of Teslas in Texas, one of its first auto insurance markets. Click here to read more.
In most states, comprehensive insurance covers replacement after you pay your deductible. Click here to read more.
Tom Feeney, former CEO of the Safelite Group and current executive chairperson of Belron North America, is assuming additional roles in the automotive insurance industry. Hi Marley, creators of a communication platform designed for the insurance industry, announced last week … Continue reading
NOVUS Glass, an automotive glass repair and replacement services provider, adds St. Albans, Vermont to its franchise locations. According to a company statement, St. Albans is “a fully equipped facility with cutting-edge windshield repair and replacement tools and technologies. The … Continue reading
Bill Knight Automotive is a car dealership with Ford dealerships in Tulsa and Stillwater, Okla., Lincoln and Volvo dealerships in Tulsa, and collision repair centers in Tulsa, Stillwater, Broken Arrow, and Owasso, Okla. The company employs more than 320 people … Continue reading
Herb’s Glass & Mirror in Elgin, Ill., began as an auto glass shop 68 years ago. Known for the place to go to have windows in classic cars replaced, the business later also replaced windows in historic homes. A message … Continue reading
What do the carmakers say about pre- and post-calibration scans? While many do not address glass replacement directly, they do have positions on the necessity of performing scans when calibration or recalibration has been performed. Here’s what the manufacturers say, … Continue reading
Attendees, competitors, and sponsors— register today for Auto Glass Week™ 2022 (AGW). Auto Glass Week 2022 is designed specifically for your personal and business growth, filled with new prizes, hot networking opportunities, and educational development. Register now and benefit from … Continue reading
Your windshield is damaged, but perhaps you don’t think getting it repaired or replaced is your top priority. It should be. In addition to being part of the structural integrity of your car, a damaged windshield is unlikely to pass … Continue reading
Go! Glass, an automotive glass repair and replacement company part of the Driven Brands family, celebrates winning Ottawa’s best glass repair with FACES Magazine 2022 Ottawa Awards for Go! Glass Ottawa. “Like every other industry, we’ve been affected by the … Continue reading
If the Senate Bill 1410 recently passed in Arizona becomes law, auto glass shops that neglect to tell customers about calibration before they begin a glass replacement would be fined $2,500 —each time. The bill requires that customers be informed … Continue reading
Aside from needing a windshield replaced or windows done in their home, neither Lorraine or Greg Tornga had any experience with the glass repair or installation industry. But when the tech bubble burst post-9/11 and left Greg suddenly unemployed, the … Continue reading
San Antonio-based Glass Dawg is ready to launch its new windshield repair shop branch in Boerne this summer. With top-of-the-line automotive glass services, technicians at Glass Dawg offer auto glass repair and replacement services at flexible rates. Glass Dawg technicians can … Continue reading
Legislation has been introduced in Washington, D.C. to protect the rights of consumers and small businesses to repair vehicles “to make the same tools, parts, and documentation available to owners and independent repair providers.” The legislation would cover a variety of … Continue reading
The Blue Jackets have their uniform partner. In an announcement made Saturday, the team and Safelite Auto Glass announced the first uniform partnership in franchise history. Safelite’s logo will adorn the Blue Jackets’ sweaters beginning in the 2022-23 NHL season. … Continue reading
Norman and Betty Jo Cash are thankful for the support of their auto glass and Windham, Maine communities. “I had a serious bout with COVID, but I’m doing remarkably well, considering,” says Norman, 53. He and his wife, Betty Jo, … Continue reading
Total Auto and Home insurance claims were $2.5 billion in 2021, down from $3.1 billion in 2020. Auto hail claims totaled $480 million. Click here to read more.
NOVUS Glass North Shore has opened for business in North Shore, British Columbia. It will service North and West Vancouver and the North Shore areas of British Columbia. The new franchise is owned by Armin Ojani and Neil Steenkamp. “We pride … Continue reading
Claire Lamarche and Jean-Francois Joyal, owners of UniGlassPlus/Ziebart Carleton Place in Carleton Place, ON, are Franchisees of the Year. The two were honored at the International Franchise Association (IFA) 62nd Annual Convention in San Diego, Calif., “for being an outstanding … Continue reading
In Collision Company v. State Farm, Brad Buck seeks $10 million from the auto insurance company for allegedly aggressively steering business away from his Kirksville, Miss., collision repair shop. The lawsuit also names the Missouri director of insurance and three … Continue reading
What’s your latest money multiplier? For Gilbert Quesada, owner of All Star Glass in Bosque Farms, N.M., repeat customers are facilitated and funneled with window film. “A customer will schedule a windshield replacement, and see all of my film and … Continue reading
The question of whether or not windshield breaks can be repaired in the camera sweep area of vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) may soon be answered with a “yes.” NOVUS Glass Inc. is awaiting a patent of a … Continue reading
A broken or cracked windshield is one of the most common vehicle repair problems motorists face. According to Insurance Journal, 30% of all automotive insurance claims are windshield-related. Approximately 14 million windshields are replaced in America each year. Drive long … Continue reading
United Kingdom insurance broker Brightside has appointed Auto Windscreens a preferred provider for auto glass repair, replacement and ADAS calibration. Auto Windscreens maintains auto service centres across the United Kingdom, as well as mobile units. “We’re proud to be working … Continue reading
The threat of more winter storms is a cause for concern from auto body shops across the metro. They say hailstorms in Norman last year, plus supply chain issues, have caused a major backlog at garages across Oklahoma. Click here to read … Continue reading
My 1998 Toyota Camry developed windshield cracks at the upper corners recently. They grew longer, so I took it to a national chain for a windshield replacement. They looked at it and said they wouldn’t replace the windshield until the … Continue reading
The phone at Mr. Windshield Auto Glass on Western Avenue has been ringing off the hook this week. “I haven’t stopped,” said Suzy Rocheleau, a customer service representative. “I haven’t even caught my breath.” Click here to read more.
NOVUS Glass has made the Franchise 500 list for 2021. At number 101, up from number 140 in 2020, the company has 2,013 franchises worldwide. Founded in 1972, NOVUS was founded after Dr. Frank Werner replaced three windshields with small … Continue reading
As if the supply shortages in the auto glass industry weren’t challenging enough, in the last week officials at some auto glass shops that do business with Mygrant Glass have noticed the glass company’s online absence. “We’re going through some … Continue reading
The morning after Christmas, Fresno Glass LLC of Fresno, Calif., had three visitors—and none of them were Santa Claus. The glass shop, which provides auto, commercial and residential glass services, was broken into and $50,000 to $100,000 worth of tools … Continue reading
Mr. Chip Windshield Repair held a ribbon cutting with the Flushing Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of its new location in downtown Flushing. Click here to read more.
Automotive services provider Driven Brands Holdings Inc. has acquired auto glass repair firm Auto Glass Now for $170 million, thus expanding its presence in the U.S. Click here to read more.
Driven Brands Holdings Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., acquired Auto Glass Now’s more than 75 company-operated locations in the U.S. on Dec. 30. Auto Glass Now joins Driven Brands with more than 20 years of auto glass repair, replacement and … Continue reading
There were times when the windshield lived up to its name, being nothing more than a piece of glass with the sole purpose of protecting against the wind. Click here to read more.
While it’s not unusual this time of year for cars to be burglarized, auto glass companies say this year it’s reaching an all-time high. The phones at car repair shops have been ringing like crazy. Click here to read more. … Continue reading
Aaron Bradford and James Chapman met at Auto Glass Week 2021 in June as competitors in the Auto Glass Technician Olympics. Chapman, from Zanesville, Ohio, won third place, while Bradford placed fourth. “He beat me by one point,” Bradford says. … Continue reading
Garth Noye feels lucky to be alive after a major fire and massive explosion rocked a Midland commercial area Wednesday morning. Noye, who works at Speedy Auto Glass, was one of the dozens of onlookers, who watched as fire crews from … Continue reading
State police in Connecticut shared dramatic images of a tree branch that smashed through the front windshield of a vehicle as a powerful Nor’easter pushed through the region Wednesday. Police said the incident happened just after 7 a.m. on Interstate … Continue reading
Several auto glass companies rose in ranks on the Franchise Times Top 400 for 2021 list. Rankings are based on sales in 2020 by companies with franchised locations. Glass Doctor is ranked at number 238 with 191 locations, including 179 … Continue reading
Driving on roadways does not come without risks. While most of the time your morning commute to work is uneventful, it is not uncommon for a passing car or truck to throw a rock at your windshield. Click here to … Continue reading
Delta Kits Inc., supplier of windshield repair and headlight restoration supplies and equipment, has launched a new website for the European market. Working with Ogo Sense, a digital marketing company in Portland, Maine, and windscreen repair distributors Heinrich Hermanus (Germany) … Continue reading
Government Employees Insurance Co., GEICO Indemnity Co., GEICO General Insurance Company and GEICO Casualty Co. (collectively Geico) filed a complaint in Arizona Federal Court against defendants, Auto Glass Express (AGE) and its owners and managers, Danielle Dean and Saxton Lafasto … Continue reading
Both the House and the Senate introduced new forms of legislation last week in Florida. The aim is to prevent shops from offering incentives to customers in exchange for making insurance claims for windshield replacements or repairs. House bill, H169 … Continue reading
Auto glass repair is gaining interest in other industries under the automotive umbrella, like window film. T&T Tinting Specialists, Inc. (T&T), located in Hawaii, has had windshield repair as an additional service for several months. T&T’s CEO and president, Tommy … Continue reading
VITRO is back as a Platinum-level sponsor at Auto Glass Week™(AGW), taking place September 4-6, 2019 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. VITRO is a world-wide leading manufacturer of automotive glass for the OEM and ARG market. It … Continue reading
Online registration for Auto Glass Week™ 2019 is now open! The international event will take place September 4-6 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. Auto Glass Week is designed for the original equipment (OE) and aftermarket auto glass … Continue reading
Florida state Sen. Dorothy Hukill’s proposed amendment to current legislation that would require an insurer’s inspection prior to a windshield repair or replacement cleared another Senate committee hearing. “[Auto glass repair] companies have been lurking in parking lots, waiting by … Continue reading
Prepare for three action-packed days of education, competitions and exhibition floor walking on October 4-6 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Glass Mechanix Solutions, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is set to head to Auto Glass Week™ 2017 … Continue reading
An Ohio judge has granted an extension in the timeline for the discovery phase of the lawsuit filed against Safelite Group, Inc. by Richard Campfield and Ultra Bond. Judge Michael Watson of the Eastern Division of the Southern District of … Continue reading
The National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA) board of directors recently elected Troy Mason, CEO of Techna Glass Inc. in South Jordan, Utah, as its new president. The position took effect on July 1. Mason has a number of hopes for … Continue reading
Auto insurance premiums have seen a surge in recent years—up 21.5 percent since 2012, according to consumer price index (CPI) figures from the U.S. Department of Labor. These stats represent one of the largest increases in a five-year span, second … Continue reading
Unswept Spokane Streets Lead to Increase in Windshield Repair
Winter Storm Jupiter has emerged as a major ice storm, sweeping across the middle of the country with the potential for widespread damage – and disrupting auto glass businesses in the Midwest. Continue reading
Dr. Frank David Werner Sr., who patented a two-part epoxy windshield repair resin, died May 7 at age 94 in Jackson, Wy. In 1972, Werner partnered with Gerald Keinath and founded a business in the basement of Keinath’s home in suburban Minneapolis that became Novus. Continue reading
The parties in the Campfield-Safelite suit have asked the court to reschedule the initial expert disclosures since the court has not yet ruled on a motion to dismiss. Plaintiff Rich Campfield, founder of Ultra Bond in Grand Junction, Colo., filed a lawsuit in August 2015 alleging misleading advertising by Safelite in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Continue reading
Rich Campfield, founder of Ultra Bond in Grand Junction, Colo., has filed a response to Safelite’s recent motion to dismiss the case he filed in mid-August against Safelite Group, Safelite Solutions and Safelite Fulfillment. The case alleges that the company … Continue reading
The three-day international event featuring automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition floor, is proud to once again welcome Glass Mechanix, a leading provider of windshield repair technology, headlight restoration and insurance processing software. Continue reading
Windshield repair recently took center stage on a YouTube channel TV show. DriveClean host Larry Kosilla invited Josh McCooey, chief operating officer of Glass Mechanix Solutions, on his show to discuss the history, science and techniques behind a quality windshield repair. McCooey returned the favor by chipping the windshield of Kosilla’s Porsche 964 on purpose to show how a repair works. Continue reading
HSG is bringing back its “Save a Windshield, Plant a Tree” program. Beginning this summer and throughout the year, HSG will plant one tree for every automotive glass insurance claim resulting in a windshield repair instead of a replacement, according to the company. Continue reading
Kerry Soat, owner of Fas-Break in Chandler, Ariz., says that after 27 years, his business is strong. What are his biggest challenges? Finding new people and staying abreast of all the changes. Continue reading
Mike Boyle, doing business as Surface Dynamix, has responded to a recent motion by GlasWeld for a default judgment against him and his son, Christopher Boyle. The response is the latest in the suit, filed by GlasWeld in December 2012, alleging patent infringement. Continue reading
GlasWeld general manager Dennis Garbutt has retired, and the company has promoted director of operations Seth Schuepbach to the general manager position, effective September 2. “Dennis has been an integral part of our growth and success over the past half-decade,” … Continue reading
Christopher Boyle, one of the parties involved in GlasWeld-Mike Boyle lawsuit, filed a Markman brief Thursday. In the brief, Christopher Boyle laid out his interpretations of the terminology involved with the alleged patent infringement case. GlasWeld and Mike Boyle (Chris’ father, doing business as Surface Dynamix) submitted their briefs late last week. Continue reading
Danny Kale of Glasspro took home the gold medal for the NordGlass Auto Glass Technician Competition and Braulio Lopez of Repair and Go -Espana S.L. in Lugo-Galicia, Spain grabbed the gold for the GlasWeld Windshield Repair Competition in honor of … Continue reading