Why do Insurance Companies inspect Windshields?
- Always Auto Glass
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- Jul 16, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 25
You just filed an insurance claim for a windshield replacement or an auto glass repair, and the customer service agent told you your claim has a "pre-approval review." What does that actually mean?
It means you are going to have a windshield inspection before you can continue with the work.
At Always Auto Glass, we get asked a lot: “Why does my insurance company want to inspect my windshield before approving a repair or replacement?”
It’s a fair question. I founded Always Auto Glass in 2001, but I’ve been in the auto glass industry for 16 years. Even before I was an owner, I was dealing with insurance companies and these inspections. They are just a part of the process—the insurance company has the legal right to review the damage before a claim is approved.
Understanding how this works can save you time, headaches, and even out-of-pocket costs.
How do I send my Insurance Company PIctures of my Windshield?
How to Complete Your Digital Inspection (Step-by-Step)
Once your claim is filed, you’ll receive a text message with a link. This is the part where most people get stuck, but it’s actually pretty simple if you know what they’re looking for. Every insurance company has its own app or web link, but the process is usually the same:
Click the Link: Open it on your smartphone (make sure you have a good signal).
Follow the Prompts: The app will guide you through the specific photos they need.
Take the Photos: You’ll usually be asked for:
The Damage: Clear shots of the chip or crack.
The License Plate: To verify the vehicle.
The VIN #: Usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s door jam or on the dashboard near the bottom of the windshield.
Submit: Once you hit send, the photos go to an automated system or an adjuster. They’ll review it and send back an Approval or a Denial.
My Advice: Don't put this off. The sooner you send those photos, the sooner we can get your new glass installed and get you back on the road. If you run into any issues with the app or the link, just give me a call at 480-519-5743 and I'll help you through it. Putting this off may cause the claim to become void. Starting the whole process over.
How Can Always Auto Glass help me with my Windshield Replacement or Auto Glass Repair Inspection
If you are having a hard time submitting photos for your "Pre-Approval Review," don't let it stress you out. I know life gets in the way—perhaps your work shift is hectic and you can't step away, you don't have a smartphone to handle the digital link, or maybe the app is just acting up and you can't figure out how to get the photos to submit.
Don't worry—I'm here to help. At Always Auto Glass, we don't just fix windshields; we help you navigate the entire insurance headache. If you’re stuck, you can call me directly. Whether it's walking you through the tech over the phone or finding another way to get those images to your adjuster, we will find a solution together. My goal is to make sure your claim doesn't get buried in a stack of paperwork just because an app is being difficult.
We are here to earn your business. Whatever we need to do, we will do it!
Call me at 480-519-5743 and let's get your glass back to 100%
Tips to Prepare for a Windshield Inspection
A little preparation can make the process smoother:
Clean your windshield: Remove dirt, debris, or stickers that could hide damage.
Take photos: Clear photos from multiple angles help your case.
Know your policy: Understand your deductible and coverage before the inspection.
Why Choose a Local Arizona Auto Glass Shop even if your Insurance Companies inspect Windshields
When your insurance company demands an inspection, they often try to steer you toward their "preferred" national glass chains. But remember: Under Arizona law (ARS §20-463), you have the legal right to choose your own repair shop.
Choosing a local expert like Always Auto Glass means:
Ready to get started? Text a photo of your damage or call me directly at 480-519-5743.
Final thought: Insurance Companies Inspecting Windshields
Let’s be real: things are expensive, and your insurance company knows it. More and more companies are joining in on these AI inspections—specifically using the Neural Claim System (NCS) out of Chandler—because they don’t want to pay for every replacement. By making you navigate a glitchy app and take your own pictures, they are betting that a certain percentage of people will get frustrated and just give up. They are using this tech to find any reason not to pay for a full replacement unless the damage is undeniable. If you’re stuck, you can call 877-286-1942 (Option 1) to fix a broken link, or have your agent send a bypass request to advancedinspection@safelite.com.
At Always Auto Glass, we’ve been in the game since 2001. We know the tricks and we know the tech. Don't let a "broken" link stop you from getting your car fixed; they are billion-dollar companies all in bed together. If they owe you a windshield replacement or a chip repair, you need to complete these processes to hold them to it. We’ll be sure to make the installation process a lot smoother than your inspection was.
Just want to Skip the Insurance Headache | $60 Auto Glass Repair near me
If your windshield glass damage is just a minor chip smaller than a quarter, paying cash for a professional windshield repair is a smart move to avoid the insurance hassle. Let’s be real—on many newer vehicles, a full windshield replacement can cost over $1,000 for the glass alone.
When you factor in the advanced ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology—like lane-keep assist and emergency braking—a replacement also requires a precision ADAS camera recalibration to ensure your safety features work correctly.
It’s a solid investment to pay for a mobile chip repair out-of-pocket rather than letting these claims hit your insurance. Even with "no-fault" glass claims, the cost of premiums keeps climbing, and every filing gives them a reason to raise your rates. Save your insurance for the big jobs; let Always Auto Glass handle the quick fix that preserves your factory seal and your ADAS settings.
Our Cash Pricing for Mobile Auto Glass Repair:
Phoenix Area: $60 for the first chip ($20 for each additional).
Tucson Area: $80 for the first chip ($20 for each additional).
Revised 3/25/26
Since this post was originaly writen, we have installed 1000's of windshields. We would like to thank all of our customers!
-Chad Teague
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