Several factors can reduce a vehicle’s value after repair, even if the repair is isolated to the windshield or other glass.  This document outlines a comprehensive but not exhaustive list of circumstances that can reduce a vehicle’s value following installation of defective glass or a negligent installation.

Defective Glass

Glass that is thinner than the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) glass will cause diminished value (DV) because it has:

• Less resistance to breakage, stone chips and cracks.
• Weaker structural integrity where the glass represents a structural member.
• Diminished capacity to prevent intrusion or ejection.

• Less resistance to breakage, stone chips and cracks.
• Weaker structural integrity where the glass represents a structural member.
• Diminished capacity to prevent intrusion or ejection.

Windshield Laminates

Thinner, weaker, and generally inferior windshield laminates will cause DV because:

• Inferior windshield laminates can cause distortions in the image seen through the windshield thus affecting the driver’s view.
• Thinner laminates can cause passenger ejection in severe accidents.
• Inferior laminates can allow moisture penetration between the glass and yellowing.
• Weaker laminates can cause breakage in the event of removal and reinstallation.
• Inferior laminates can cause passenger compartment intrusion.

Tint, Shading and Edging

Improper color, shading, edging or tinting on replacement glass can cause DV.

Improper Logo

The improper manufacturer logo, design, numerical designations and other visible characteristics of the glass will cause DV because:

• A logo on one glass that doesn’t match logos on the other factory glass indicates previous trauma or damage.
• Missing VIN identification on replacement glass will indicate previous trauma or damage.

Defective Installation

Poor quality, inferior, or defective glass installation will cause DV because:

• Improper installation can prevent proper adhesion, causing water leaks and possible passenger ejection in case of a serious accident.
• Faulty installation can permit water to enter the passenger compartment causing damage to the vehicle and its components. Moisture inside the vehicle can also cause dangerous fogging of windows and decreased visibility.
• Some glass removal technicians can scrape, cut and damage the paint in the window opening causing rust, water damage and adhesion problems.
• Failure to remove old sealant and adhesive properly can cause improper application, poor fit, adhesion problems, water leakage, and potential passenger ejection.
• Use of improper adhesives can cause improper application, poor fit, adhesion problems, water leaks, and potential passenger ejection.
• Improper installation of door glass can affect the operation and secure closing of passenger doors leading to potential safety hazards.
• Failure to remove all broken glass and shards represents a safety hazard to small children as well as evidence of previous trauma or damage to the vehicle.

• Improper installation can prevent proper adhesion, causing water leaks and possible passenger ejection in case of a serious accident.
• Faulty installation can permit water to enter the passenger compartment causing damage to the vehicle and its components. Moisture inside the vehicle can also cause dangerous fogging of windows and decreased visibility.
• Some glass removal technicians can scrape, cut and damage the paint in the window opening causing rust, water damage and adhesion problems.
• Failure to remove old sealant and adhesive properly can cause improper application, poor fit, adhesion problems, water leakage, and potential passenger ejection.
• Use of improper adhesives can cause improper application, poor fit, adhesion problems, water leaks, and potential passenger ejection.
• Improper installation of door glass can affect the operation and secure closing of passenger doors leading to potential safety hazards.
• Failure to remove all broken glass and shards represents a safety hazard to small children as well as evidence of previous trauma or damage to the vehicle.

Conclusion

Insurers and glass installers must take precautions to prevent the above listed causes of diminished value on replacement glass.

content & design 2002-2008 David Williams and SafeCollisionRepairs.com

About Safe Collision Repairs

For more than ten years, David Williams of Wheelersburg, Ohio's Safe Collision Repairs has worked with consumers and attorneys in the tri-states of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia to expose unsafe auto repairs and maximize recovery on auto insurance claims. Some of the company's services include Post-Repair Inspections, Prepurchase Inspections, Auto Damage Assessments, Lemon Law Investigations, Expert Court Testimony and Diminished Value Calculations using an advanced version of Network Information Communication's WreckCheck program.

Inquiries can be directed to: Safe Collision Repairs David A. Williams Post Office Box 70 Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694 (740) 456-1111 (740) 355-4056

Disclaimer

The content expressed on this website and in the article above represents the opinions of David A. Williams. Williams is neither an attorney nor public insurance adjuster, but is an expert, consultant, and writer specializing in the field of automotive collision repair and valuations. The information provided herein is not intended to be a substitute for legal or insurance advice. Because collision repair is a continually evolving science, any text, materials or links found herein are provided without claim or guarantee to their accuracy or completeness.