Why do Insurance Companies inspect Windshields?

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. Understanding the process can save you time, headaches, and even out-of-pocket costs. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Insurance Companies Inspect Windshields

Insurance companies inspect windshields for several reasons:

• Safety: Your windshield isn’t just glass—it’s a critical part of your car’s structure. A properly installed windshield helps your airbags work correctly and keeps the roof from collapsing in a rollover.

• Damage verification: Insurers need to confirm that the damage matches your claim. This helps prevent fraud.

• Repair vs. replacement: Not all chips or cracks require a full replacement. Insurance inspections help determine the most cost-effective solution.

• Policy compliance: Some policies require inspections before coverage is approved.

• How Insurance Companies Inspect Windshields

Inspections can vary, but most follow a similar process:

• Visual check: An adjuster looks for chips, cracks, and the overall condition of the windshield.

• Measurement tools: Small gauges measure crack length and depth to assess repairability.

• Photography: Photos are taken for documentation and claim records.

• Third-party verification: In some cases, the insurer may use a certified shop or adjuster to verify damage.

What Inspectors Look For

During the inspection, the main things insurance companies check include:

• Size and location of damage: Cracks in the driver’s line of sight or long cracks often require replacement.

• Type of damage: Chips, cracks, or previous repairs all factor into approval.

• Windshield condition: Existing damage or wear may affect the claim.

• Vehicle specifications: Some cars require OEM (original equipment manufacturer) windshields, which can influence coverage.

Steps in the Windshield Inspection Process

Here’s a typical inspection timeline:

1. Report the damage: You contact your insurance company to start the claim.

2. Schedule the inspection: The insurer sets up an appointment with an adjuster or certified shop.

3. Windshield evaluation: The inspector examines the damage in person.

4. Documentation: Photos and measurements are recorded for the claim.

5. Claim decision: Based on the inspection, your claim may be approved for repair, replacement, or occasionally denied.

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.

• Be honest: Accurate details about when and how the damage occurred help avoid delays.

Why Choose a Local Arizona Auto Glass Shop even if your Insurance Companies inspect Windshields

Large national chains may dominate the ads, and work with insurance companies to complete inspections, long story short, its not up to us when its your Insurance Companies inspect Windshields but local Arizona businesses like Always Auto Glass offer real advantages:

• Same-day or fast scheduling in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Tucson, and surrounding areas.

• High-quality OEM and aftermarket windshields.

• Direct communication with trained technicians—no middleman.

• Personalized service and honest recommendations.

When it comes to windshield inspections, knowing what insurance companies look for and how the process works can make a big difference. At Always Auto Glass, we make it easy, fast, and affordable to get your vehicle back on the road safely.

Call us today at 480-519-5743 to speak directly with an auto glass professional. We’ll guide you through the inspection process and handle the repair or replacement with care.

Final thought: Insurance companies inspecting windshields

Insurance companies processing through a 3rd party Safelite Solutions (a sister company of Safe Lite auto glass) are sometimes sent to what they call a preauthorization review. This is something that customers must complete before we are given the authorization to do the installation. Even if your insurance company has verified you have a zero deductible you will be required to manually submit photographs of your vehicle and the damage to your windshield. Here is a link to the 3rd parties website: https://www.welcome.neuralcs.com/welcome

Here is the phone number you can call in order to get an expired link sent back to your cell phone or send the link to a different cell phone: 877-286-1942 Option 1

If you want to completely bypass this, you must contact a real employee of your insurance company, and have them email them with a bypass request here: advancedinspection@safelite.com

Insurance companies have the right to inspect the damage before they pay. Unfortunately, there is no human interaction after the inspection has been sent unless you contact an employee that works directly in the auto claims department of your insurance company. (Remember, your insurance company hires a 3rd party for auto glass processessing) Many customers end up not completing the inspection, becoming frustrated and annoyed. Be sure to complete it A.S.A.P because the link will expire causing you an extra phone call. Below is the tutorial on how to complete the auto glass inspection for your claim if has been sent to inspection by a 3rd party insurance company.

Thank you for your business, and sorry for the inconvenience.

We will be sure to make the installation process smoother than your inspection process.

Special thanks to all of our customers that continue to go through this process to help support local business!

-Chad Teague