Why an Independent Auto Glass Service is Better Than a Dealership

Discovering damage on your vehicle's windshield is an unfortunate issue many drivers face. Whether you heard the crack of a rock or came out of the store to find something had struck your vehicle, discovering a chip or crack in your windshield is always a huge inconvenience.

When vehicle owners find themselves in this unfortunate situation, they have the option to hire an independent auto glass service or bring their vehicle to the dealership. Overall, independent companies often provide superior service and benefits. 

Cost-Effective

Independent auto glass services typically offer lower prices because they have lower overhead costs. This leads to them offering competitive pricing, which benefits the consumer. Independent auto glass services also provide clear, upfront quotes without hidden fees, which isn’t always the case with a dealership. 

Personalized Customer Service

Everyone wants to be treated well wherever they go, especially when dealing with something as inconvenient as a damaged windshield. Independent auto glass companies typically have a more personalized approach and understand customers are individuals. Independent shops are also more flexible and offer mobile services, something you won’t typically find at a dealership.

Convenience and Speed

When you think about bringing your vehicle to the dealership does your mind conjure an image of a waiting room with a muted television and vending machines? Sure, we have our phones, but wouldn't you rather check it in your office or at home? Independent auto glass services offer mobile services, which significantly increase convenience.

Dealerships are also notorious for taking a long time. This is likely to do with the fact that they do all kinds of work. Independent auto glass services focus on one thing, repairing and replacing auto glass, like that damaged windshield. As a result, they're quicker in both response and turnaround time.

Work Quality

Larger establishments, such as dealerships, can sometimes lack quality because they don't maintain that one-on-one relationship with their clients. An independently owned auto glass company will take care to do work of the best quality because they have pride and word of mouth is essential to their success. 

Additionally, independent auto glass companies hire skilled, certified technicians who specialize in one thing: auto glass. Smaller operations may have a larger commitment to high standards in both auto glass repair and replacement. 

Limitations

Dealerships have other potential downsides. First, their options are limited. A dealership may have limited glass options when compared to the independent specialist. Plus, dealerships have bureaucratic processes, which are complex procedures that can lead to delays. Independently owned auto glass services do not have any of these limitations. 

Insurance and Warranty

Many independent auto glass companies work directly with insurance providers, making the claims process much simpler. But this isn’t the only good news for those who live in South Carolina. 

In South Carolina, by law, the insurance company has to waive the deductible for claims on damaged windshields, which means your repair or replacement could come with no out of pocket cost to you. 

A reputable independent auto glass service will also offer a warranty on their work. Dealerships don’t offer that kind of reassurance. 

Supporting Local Businesses

You want to see your community thrive, and you help this along by supporting local businesses. Many independent auto glass shops are owned and operated by your neighbors. Sure, your neighbors might also work at the dealership, but the big boss doesn’t. Independently owned businesses keep our communities alive. Support your community by supporting the businesses that call it home. 

Does Your Damaged Windshield Need Repairing in the Charleston, SC Area? 

If you live, work, or are passing through Charleston, Goose Creek, or the Summerville area of South Carolina and have a damaged windshield, contact us at Clearview Auto Glass. Since the 1990's, Clearview Auto Glass has been servicing the local community with quality auto glass repair and replacement services. All our technicians are certified and Clearview Auto glass is family owned and operated.