Windshield damage, while a common occurrence, is more than just a cosmetic repair. A cracked or chipped windshield can impact a windshield’s structural integrity, cause dangerous shattering, and even inhibit the support needed for safety equipment such as airbags. Consequently, Florida has enacted legislation allowing properly insured drivers to get their damaged windshield replaced through an insurance claim without any out-of-pocket costs.
Getting Paid For Their Services is Far More Difficult
But for those auto glass businesses that do the actual repairs, getting paid for their services by the insurance company is often far more complicated than doing the work itself. In many cases, windshield replacement shops end up fighting with the insurance company to get paid for an insurance claim replacement, often ending up in litigation.
Tampa Bay windshield replacement litigation lawyers have seen an exponential increase in these cases when insurance companies refuse to pay claims to these small business owners who want to be paid fairly.
Small Businesses Rely on Prompt and Fair Payment for Their Services
Florida insurance companies are large, for-profit enterprises. Consequently, saving money is integral to their bottom line and their shareholders’ happiness.
In anticipation of this new Florida insurance law, these large insurance companies have contracted with windshield replacement businesses that agree to do the work for significantly discounted prices. Unfortunately, for those other smaller repair businesses that aren’t in the insurance company’s “approved network,” it can be difficult, if not impossible, to get adequately paid for their work after a claim.
Most Tampa Bay auto glass shops are small independent businesses that use industry standards to set their prices and rely on prompt and fair payment for their services for their livelihood. But many of these business owners have discovered that for a simple windshield replacement covered by an insurance claim, they are frequently denied fair payment by the insurance company, often forcing them to seek legal remedies.
When the Insurance Industry Sets the Rules
Under policy liability limits, insurance companies are only responsible for paying for a windshield replacement that does not exceed “prevailing competitive” prices. But these prices have been driven down by large insurance companies that contract for work done at a significant discount from those customarily charged.
Although a business may charge what is typical for windshield replacement in the industry, insurance companies often deny that payment based on their contracted discount rate. Repair facilities should not have to fight to be paid for their work.
Unfortunately, there is little in the way of current legislation that ensures fair payment to Tampa Bay windshield repair shops to end this cycle. Until there is, small businesses are often left to fight in court for what they deserve. Experienced Tampa Bay windshield replacement litigation attorneys work diligently to ensure that small businesses get paid fairly for their services.
Experienced Tampa Bay Windshield Replacement Litigation Lawyers
At Ged Lawyers, LLP, our Tampa Bay windshield replacement litigation lawyers help auto glass and windshield repair businesses get paid fairly for their work. We have spent our careers holding big insurance companies accountable for their unfair practices. If you own a repair facility that has been denied payment for insurance claim work, let our experienced team of professionals help. Call us at (561) 995-1966 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
