Between 2015 and 2019, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported that Arizona recorded the highest number of auto glass claims in the nation. The NICB further indicated that the prevalence of fraudulent activity could contribute to this elevated number of claims.

In Arizona, laws safeguard policyholders from experiencing increased insurance premiums following a windshield replacement. Additionally, the state mandates that insurance providers offer complete glass coverage without a deductible for drivers who have comprehensive coverage.

Insurance industry data reveals a striking trend: between the years 2015 and 2019, a notable 10% of the nation’s auto glass claims originated from the state of Arizona. This figure is particularly significant considering that Arizona has more auto glass claims than larger states like California and Texas, which have populations that are approximately 5.5 times and 4 times greater, respectively.

Fraudsters persist in their efforts to exploit Arizona residents, seeking to deceive policyholders into believing they require a windshield repair or replacement—even when it's unnecessary. Some glass repair companies charge for services without ever performing a replacement, while others frequently swap out windshields that show no signs of damage.



“The notable increase in auto glass claims by 26% over the past five years strongly suggests that there may be a corresponding rise in fraudulent activity taking place within Arizona,” stated Howard Handler, the government affairs director for the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

According to a comprehensive survey conducted by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Florida has notably recorded the second-highest volume of auto glass claims over a significant five-year span. This alarming trend highlights the increasing prevalence of claims related to windshield damage in the state.

Florida law mandates that all automobile insurance policies include windshield coverage without any deductible, ensuring that drivers can repair or replace their damaged windshields without facing any out-of-pocket expenses. This legislation reflects the state's commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its drivers, making access to necessary repairs more straightforward and financially feasible.

“Windshield replacement lawsuits are overwhelming the courts,” stated William Large, President of the Florida Justice Reform Institute. “Vendors exploit assignments to appropriate the rights and benefits of policyholders, filing costly lawsuits based on exaggerated claims. Many of these cases proceed without the policyholder's awareness or consent. In 2019, the Legislature took decisive action to tackle a related issue in property insurance claims, yet the rampant auto glass lawsuits persist, ultimately costing consumers more.” - NICB

These auto glass lawsuits are significantly motivated by a current "one-way attorney fee" provision in Florida law, which enables the windshield bully and their law firm to recover legal fees from the insurer if they win the case, while preventing the insurer from collecting fees from the windshield bully if they emerge victorious. This one-way attorney fee statute was initially designed to "level the playing field in disputes between a policyholder and their insurance company," not to be exploited by a third party in a commercial dispute.

Texas, New York, and California, three of the largest states in the U.S., combined to account for an impressive total of nearly 6 million claims filed between 2015 and 2019. Meanwhile, Arizona and Florida also stood out with a substantial total of 5.2 million claims during the same period.

If you find yourself in need of an auto glass replacement quote specifically in Arizona, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Simply give us a call at (602) 932-2942, and our team will be more than happy to assist you with your needs.