Choosing Between Certified Auto Glass Shops and Dealerships: What You Need to Know

When your vehicle's auto glass needs repair or replacement, you have a important decision to make: should you take it to a certified auto glass shop or you car dealership? Both options have their advantages, but several reasons might make a certified auto glass shop the better choice for your auto glass needs. Here’s an in-depth comparison to help you choose the best option for you.

1. Expertise in Auto Glass

Certified Auto Glass Shop

• Specialized Training: Technicians at certified auto glass shops undergo extensive training focused specifically on auto glass repair and replacement. This specialization ensures they are highly skilled and knowledgeable about the latest techniques and technologies.
• Continuous Education: Certified auto glass shops require their technicians to stay current with ongoing education and certifications, ensuring they are always up-to-date with industry advancements and safety protocols.

Dealership

• General Training: Dealership technicians are typically trained across all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair. While they are knowledgeable, their expertise is not as specialized in auto glass as those at certified shops.
• Less Frequent Updates: Dealerships may not always emphasize the same level of continuous education for their technicians regarding auto glass specifics.

2. Quality of Materials

Certified Auto Glass Shop

• OEM and High-Quality Glass: Certified shops use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass, ensuring that the replacements match the exact specifications of your vehicle’s original parts.
• Superior Adhesives and Tools: Certified auto glass shops only do auto glass. A local auto glass shop is more likely to own the most advanced tools, resins, adhesives, and equipment to help them do their job.

Dealership

• OEM Parts Available: Dealerships also have access to OEM parts, but will rarely have access to after market options that best suit your budget.
• Potential for Higher Costs: Dealerships have a larger markup on parts, which includes auto glass.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

Certified Auto Glass Shop

• Competitive Pricing: Certified shops often provide more competitive pricing compared to dealerships, offering high-quality services at a lower cost.
• Insurance Friendly: Many certified shops work closely with insurance companies, simplifying the claims process and potentially reducing out-of-pocket expenses. In New York for example, if you have comprehensive auto insurance, then your auto glass is covered without risk of effecting your policy. You may have a deductible to pay, your local auto glass shop will go over your options that are best for you.
• Go Direct to the Source: A certified auto glass shop specializes exclusively in auto glass services. From getting the exact windshield, car window, rear glass, or sunroof for your vehicle to precise installation and ADAS calibration, your certified auto glass shop manages every aspect of your vehicle's glass needs.

Dealership

• Higher Prices: Dealerships typically charge higher rates for labor and parts, which can make repairs and replacements more expensive.
• Insurance Limitations: While dealerships do work with insurance companies, the costs might still be higher even after insurance coverage.
• Middleman: Dealerships many times use local auto glass shops that are certified to work on their vehicles. In many cases your local, certified auto glass shop has local dealerships that they do the auto glass repair and replacement for. This makes the dealership a middleman which will have a higher cost to the customer.

4. Advanced Technology Handling

Certified Auto Glass Shop

• ADAS Certified: Many modern vehicles come equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which require windshield calibration after a windshield replacement. Certified auto glass shops have the necessary tools and training to handle these systems effectively. Check out our blog about ADAS technology to learn more about ADAS, click here.
• Specialized Equipment: Certified glass shops are equipped with the latest technology and equipment designed specifically for auto glass repairs and replacement, ensuring precise and safe installations.

Dealership

• Comprehensive Diagnostics: Dealerships may have the tools to handle ADAS and other complex vehicle systems, but their technicians may not have the same level of specialized experience as an experienced auto glass technician who is highly trained and certified in ADAS technology.
• Broad Focus: Their focus is broader, covering all aspects of the vehicle, which can sometimes lead to less emphasis on the specifics of auto glass.

5. Convenience and Customer Service

Certified Auto Glass Shop

• Mobile Services: Many certified shops offer mobile glass services, coming to your location to perform repairs or replacements, adding to the convenience of using your local auto glass shop.
• Personalized Customer Experience: local auto glass shops often provide personalized service, focusing on customer satisfaction and building long-term relationships.

Dealership

• In-House Services Only: Although dealerships usually have nice waiting areas, they typically don't offer mobile glass service. Expect to wait around in a nice waiting area with coffee and snacks for a few hours while your auto glass gets repaired.
• Corporate Structure: While professional, the service experience at a dealership can be less personalized due to their structured, high-volume business model dealerships have.

6. Warranties and Guarantees

Certified Auto Glass Shop

• Extensive Warranties: Certified shops often provide up to a lifetime warranty on their work, ensuring that any issues will be addressed without additional cost.
• Satisfaction Guarantees: Local certified auto glass shops work for years to build their brand. Large corporate shops or dealerships have a brand you have heard of. Local family owned and operated, certified auto glass shops have to build their brand over many years by giving the best customer experience possible each and every day.

Dealership

• Manufacturer Warranties: Dealerships offer warranties, often tied to the vehicle’s manufacturer, which can be advantageous.
• Potential for Limited Coverage: However, these warranties can sometimes be more restrictive and less comprehensive compared to those offered by certified shops.

Dealership or Local Auto Glass Shop, What's Best For You?

While both certified auto glass shops and dealerships offer valuable auto glass services, certified auto glass shops can usually save you money and give you a more personalized experience. If you are in the Albany, Amsterdam, Saratoga Springs, Canajoharie area, we hope you choose Craftsman Auto Glass for your auto glass repair or replacement. To learn more about our local, certified auto glass shop, click here or check out our reviews online! Our family owned and operated auto glass company is certified in all personal and commercial vehicle glass replacement and repair. We also are a preferred partner of your insurance provider and will assist in an insurance claim. If you are in The Capital Region in the need of a reliable auto glass service, contact our team for a free quote today!