FAQs


Please Note: Call Alderfer Glass Co. first – we can help! Pennsylvania and Federal insurance claim law allows you to choose the auto glass shop of your choice. If you have any concerns and/or questions regarding an auto glass job or insurance claim please call ALDERFER GLASS CO. at 1-877-267-GLASS to speak personally with an auto glass representative.
Q. Does My Insurance Provide Glass Damage Coverage?

All types of auto glass damage are covered by comprehensive insurance. Your insurance policy covers all the glass components of your car- not just the windshield. Auto glass damage resulting from road hazards and/or vandalism would be covered by the comprehensive section of auto insurance, however incidents caused by moving vehicle accidents is covered by the collision provision of your policy. View our insurance help info page here.

Q. Is Alderfer Glass Co. a "Participating Vendor" and what is Insurance Steering?

Insurers use third party “networks” or “brokers” to adjust auto glass claims on their behalf. ALDERFER GLASS CO. is a respected member of all auto glass networks and is approved to do all work for insurance claims. However, since some of the networks are owned by competing national auto glass companies, it is often imperative for the insured to request ALDERFER GLASS CO. as their shop of choice or you will be directed elsewhere. This process is illegal and is called insurance steering. If you request ALDERFER GLASS CO. by name they are required to allow you to use us as your provider. For more info on steering go here.

Q. Do I Need an Appointment?

You should call ALDERFER GLASS CO. first to make an appointment at any of our four locations, but you can call your insurance carrier first should an Alderfer representative not be available. Your insurer will provide you with the claim process as it applies to your insurance company. You will need to call a 1-800 number and talk with a billing network to set up your claim. To have ALDERFER GLASS CO. provide your auto glass services you must firmly request Alderfer Glass as your shop of choice. Otherwise you will be directed to network owned shops sometimes from out of state. View our insurance help info page here.

Alderfer Glass Co. has waiting areas at all 4 store locations for easy in-shop appointments and has Wi-Fi access in all 4 stores. Most stores are located within easy walking distance of restaurants and activities. Mobile service is offered at all 4 stores as well.

Q. What About Payment?
For an insurance claim it is not necessary for you to pay us first and collect from your insurer. ALDERFER GLASS CO. can directly bill for services rendered as long as the proper procedural steps are taken. You will be responsible for your deductible if one applies payable at the time of installation to ALDERFER GLASS CO. Please call us at 1-877-267-GLASS to clarify any insurance questions you may have. We also repair and replace windshields on a ‘cash’ basis.  We accept all major credit cards including VISA, MasterCard and Discover.
Q. Will My Insurance Rates Rise?
Your rates should not increase as a result of your auto glass claim. However only your insurer or insurance agent can directly answer whether your rates will be modified and give details on your individual policy.
Q. Does Insurance Cover Windshield Repairs?
Most insurers will waive the comprehensive deductible for windshield repair, however certain providers have begun to institute a “cash only” procedure and requires the customer to pay for repairs. You should call ALDERFER GLASS CO. direct at 1-877-267-GLASS to determine your options on windshield repair. Repairs can also be done individually on a cash basis.
Q. Do you Use High Quality Replacement Glass?
ALDERFER GLASS CO. uses only the best OEM and OE quality parts on the market today wherever possible. Not all replacement glass is the same. Manufacturers like PPG and Pilkington make both replacement parts and original equipment (OEM) parts installed at the factory, both of which are used by ALDERFER GLASS CO. technicians. High quality, cutting edge adhesives by SIKA provide industry leading installation potential and quick drive away times. Our technicians are also factory trained by SIKA and are extremely experienced in their field, some serving over 30 years.
Q. Why insist on OEM or OE Equivalent Glass?

OEM glass is sourced directly from your automobile manufacturer and is a perfect match to the glass originally in your vehicle. ALDERFER GLASS CO. has access to OEM parts from all manufacturers and can install at your request. Typical replacements are done with OE equivalent parts from manufacturers like PPG and Pillkington. OE equivalent parts are made using the same quality control and tooling as original windshields and have greater consistency in shape and color. These manufacturers produce windshields for use in automotive assembly for domestic and foreign automakers, and in some cases these manufacturers made the original windshield for the vehicle.

Visual clarity is maximized and optical distortion is minimized when compared to aftermarket only parts. Some of our national competitors make their own glass and offer bargain prices – but their parts will never be found in a new vehicle. Price for OE equivalent parts is only marginally higher, but the success rate on warranty claims and customer satisfaction is significantly elevated. Dozens of companies make aftermarket auto glass but only a few are OE equivalent – insist on proper parts for a successful replacement in your vehicle.

Q. What is a "Full-Cut" Installation and Why Should I Care?

“Full-Cut” installation method refers to how a technician removes your old windshield and urethane system. In this method all glass and urethane (windshield glue) is removed down to the bare metal of the auto body and a new primer is applied before installation of the new glass – this is how your windshield was originally installed at the factory. The primer is especially important – without this any marks left on the body of your vehicle will rust hidden from your view until it is too late.  

Compare this to a “Close-Cut” method used by our competitors whereby they remove only the windshield and apply urethane directly onto the old urethane. This may save time but can be more risky, potentially cause rust issues and be prone to leaks. It may also compromise the safety of your vehicle if done incorrectly. ALDERFER GLASS CO. technicians are instructed to use only a “Full-Cut” method to remove any urethane adhered parts on a vehicle.

Q. Is my Glass a Component of my Vehicle Safety?

In short – YES!!!  It is important to note that the glass components of vehicles are integral to safety. For instance, in a front-end collision the windshield provides up to 45% of the structural integrity of the cabin of a vehicle, and in a rollover up to 60%. It is very important that proper materials are used to insure secure fit and proper adhesion. Windshields also allow proper passenger airbag function and minimize roof collapse in a rollover accident. For more information see www.safewindshields.com.

Q. What is PPG Prostars?
Our shops are certified with PPG Prostars and have access to industry-based training and resources insuring proper installation and the highest quality parts. ALDERFER GLASS CO. is a leader in auto glass installation practices and procedures and has impact beyond the local area in regards to such issues.
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