Exchange often superfluous?
With Free Glass Repair Autoglass attracts its customers. But in most cases, the disk is replaced free of charge. Far too often, experts say. They complain of panic through the industry leader.
The TV and radio advertising of Germany's largest auto glass is everywhere: "A blow hole, and pull your disc." With success: Only 2011 800.000 customers flocked to the 250 Autoglass branches to make even the smallest repair stone chips in the windshield. Finally, the glass repair, to be closed at the damage in the disc with a transparent resin, free of charge for semi-or fully comprehensive insured cars. That's the theory. In practice this rarely occurs. Around two thirds of all cases, the changes Autoglass windshield completely. Because: The area where the repair is technically possible and allowed (not too close to the edge, not in the field of vision), is rather small. In addition, the significantly more lucrative for Autoglass replacement disc for the driver is not free, he pays at least his self-interest, usually between 150 and 500 euros.
The approach of the industry giants, recently criticized the Federation of auto glass in the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung":
"Autoglass has convinced people that every little stone chip has to be repaired during the advertising encourages motorists fear.." And with great success. Autoglass as 2009 began to advertise on television, the number of insurers reported glass damage is increased by 212,000, the cost of regulation by 98 million euros, according to Stephan Schweda by the General Association of German Insurers (GDV). Now consider many auto insurers to abolish the free disk repair again to dissuade motorists, for minor impacts to Autoglass and Co to run.
The question remains:
Has to be repaired at all any stones? AUTO BILD readers Sven Seifert is waiting for two years on the "Carglass plan" after a stone struck him in his front window and initially panicked. Even readers Werner Tiedemann realized that stone chips are often not as explosive as it wants to make the Autoglass ad. When the auto glass replacement glass for him vehemently urged Tiedemann went to the TUV. Comment to the detriment of the auditor: "Ridiculous!" According clearly falls out of the advice of independent experts: As long as the stones out of view from under the nose of the driver or as long as a crack is not already created - stay calm and ignore the advertising!