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Consumer Alert:Consumers Warned About Fraudulent Glass Repair Companies

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 -- If your car windshield has any small glass chips or cracks, be careful about where you take it to be fixed.

GEICO is alerting its policyholders and consumers about fraudulent glass repair shops -- frequently set up in malls, county fairs, local car wash operations -- that are taking advantage of people.

Fraudulent glass companies often operate by doing improper repairs, causing cracks or chips to ultimately spread. This may necessitate the replacement of entire windshields and windows if repairs aren't done correctly.

GEICO considers these practices a form of fraud as policyholders turn in claims for inflated glass repairs by companies who knowingly make improper glass repairs. GEICO works with local police units to identify fraudulent glass repairers.

"We're particularly concerned about the potential safety hazard for our policyholders and for consumers," said Steve Rutzebeck, GEICO's director of claims security, Special Investigative Unit.

"We know that many of these fraudulent companies do not take the time to install the replacement glass properly. That's why we take fraudulent auto glass repair seriously and why we vigorously investigate questionable glass claims."

GEICO's policy is to repair small glass chips and cracks at no cost to policyholders with comprehensive coverage. In most cases GEICO will provide a free, safe, quality repair at the policyholder's home or workplace.

"We need to make sure that our customers are well educated on the practices of these shops," said Suzanne Worthen, GEICO's general manager for centralized services. "They should always contact their insurance company first before letting anyone repair their vehicle."