How Florida’s ‘unscrupulous’ auto glass shops fuel
an insurance crisis
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/how-florida-s-unscrupulous-auto-glass-shops-fuel-an-insurance-crisis/ar-AA1jNwaK
Related: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/11/12/auto-glass-florida-insurance/
They roam Florida parking lots and carwashes in search of cars with damaged windshields, often bearing gifts; gift cards, steak dinners and discounted hot tubs are the common ones.
Insurance companies call them “harvesters,” and their sales pitch to car owners is simple: Auto glass shops can offer free windshield replacements because it’s covered by comprehensive insurance. All they need is a signature.
But after the signature is collected and the repair is made, the glass shops send exorbitant bills to insurers, who often deny or pay out a lesser amount for the claim. Lawyers then sue the insurance company for payment and the cost of legal fees, often settling hundreds of lawsuits at a time for a hefty sum.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/how-florida-s-unscrupulous-auto-glass-shops-fuel-an-insurance-crisis/ar-AA1jNwaK
Related: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/11/12/auto-glass-florida-insurance/
They roam Florida parking lots and carwashes in search of cars with damaged windshields, often bearing gifts; gift cards, steak dinners and discounted hot tubs are the common ones.
Insurance companies call them “harvesters,” and their sales pitch to car owners is simple: Auto glass shops can offer free windshield replacements because it’s covered by comprehensive insurance. All they need is a signature.
But after the signature is collected and the repair is made, the glass shops send exorbitant bills to insurers, who often deny or pay out a lesser amount for the claim. Lawyers then sue the insurance company for payment and the cost of legal fees, often settling hundreds of lawsuits at a time for a hefty sum.