AUSTIN DAILY HERALD
THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018
Austin Daily Herald
BUSINESS REVIEW
Name of the business: Austin Windshield Plus, LLC Owner of the business: Terry Schmidt Please provide a brief history of the company: Terry purchased the business in June of 2013 from a relative. It was then known as Viking Auto Glass & Bumper, which was in operation locally for many years. In late 2015, the name was changed to Austin Windshield Plus as part of an overall rebranding strategy under new ownership. How many employees do you have? 1 employee; self employed, with occasional assistance from family and friends. Tell us a little about your business. What are your specialties? We provide auto glass repair and replacement services. For no extra charge, we can often come to you with our mobile service van, or you can bring your vehicle in to our shop in Austin. What are some of the new things your business is doing? What are you most proud to tell customers, and why? Auto glass insurance claims are a large part of our business. We have filed hundreds of claims through TPA’S (Third Party Admin-
istrators) for all your local insurance companies. To name a few; American Family, State Farm, Progressive, Allstate, Geico, Auto Owerners, Farmers, USAA, Travelers, Met Life, and many more. Austin Windshield Plus is listed as a “preferred vendor” with 2 major TPA’S, and offer a workmanship warranty on the install for as long as you continue to own that vehicle. What sets you apart from other companies and why? As often as possible, we offer free local rides or transportation of your vehicle if you need that service. We provide very friendly service because we love what we do. Our lead technician received an Auto Glass Safety Council Certification in 2015. We study new industry advancements and trends so we can remain knowledgable to better inform and serve our clients. What are your goals for the upcoming year? One clear goal is to learn much more about the vehicle option: “Lane Departure Warning System” (LDWS). This advanced driver assist feature is becoming more commonplace on modern vehicles, and will be seen more frequently in years to come. Some vehicle manufacturers require that the new windshields built-in LDWS cameras or sensors
be “recalibrated” to match the factory settings – while others provide some that are “self re-calibrating”! It’s allot to research and learn, but that is a goal we are already working on gaining more knowledge about. What is your address? 1309 4th Street SE What is your website? www.austinwindshieldplus.com Any other information that would be helpful to know? If your insurance policy includes auto glass coverage you wish to utilize, be aware of the following Minnesota statute 72a.201: “In Minnesota consumers have the legal right to have their windshield replaced by the glass shop of their own choosing. Insurance companies and third-party administrators can not tell you where to go.” The easiest way to handle an insurance claim is to call Terry first, at (507) 4376771. Terry will submit the paperwork for you, and warranties the quality of the installation for as many years as you continue to own the vehicle! And lastly, Austin Windshield Plus sends out a huge thank you to Mower County & Austin residents for supporting us and helping us grow and succeed – support your local businesses, and Shop Mower / Grow Mower!
Terry stands behind copies of auto glass insurance claims he has submitted to TPA’S on behalf of hundreds of local policyholders.
The Business Review is a weekly feature produced by the Austin Daily Herald Advertising Department. For more information, call 507-434-2220.
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