Auto Glass Shops Can Expect Business from Sandy
November 7, 2012

by Casey Neeley, cneeley@glass.com

According to auto insurance claims, auto glass repair and replacement shops can anticipate big business following super storm Hurricane Sandy.

In an email to glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR™ magazine, Elizabeth Stelzer, public relations coordinator for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. says, "To date, we have more than 2,600 auto claims," as a result of the storm.

Amy Preddy, State Farm media specialist, tells glassBYTEs.com, "State Farm has received more than 13,900 auto claims as of end of day November 5. Impacted states include Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania."

"Most of the vehicle damage resulting from super storm Sandy appears to be flooding," says Safelite Solutions spokesperson Melina Metzger. "With that said, units are currently up from last year in Long Island and New Jersey by roughly 10 percent. We have been able to meet customer demand thanks to the work of our dedicated catastrophe response team who have traveled to New Jersey and New York for extra support."

"Helping our customers in their time of greatest need is our primary focus, and we have dedicated considerable resources to ensure that we are well positioned to respond as promptly as possible to everyone who has experienced a loss from Sandy," said Ted Gramer, Liberty Mutual Insurance executive vice president and chief claims officer for Personal Insurance in a statement. "Once safe to do so, customers should reach out to us by phone, internet, mobile application, or at either of our two mobile customer care locations with their claims or questions."

As thousands of auto claims continue to roll in, shops should be on the lookout for potential customers.

In a press release issued by Safelite in the wake of the hurricane damage, officials advised customers to try "covering the broken windshield or window with plastic and securing it with painters' tape" until they are able to get the windshield repaired or replaced.

Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance have all confirmed that they will not process these claims through hurricane deductibles. State Farm does not offer hurricane deductibles; therefore, customers have the ability to process the claim through comprehensive coverage.

This story is an original story by AGRR™ magazine/glassBYTEs.com™. Subscribe to AGRR™ Magazine.
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