6 Questions to Ask Any Auto Glass Shop Before You Book (NuVision vs Others)

Before booking any windshield replacement, six questions separate a shop that protects your safety from one that cuts corners. Most drivers compare on price alone and regret it; the wrong shop can void your ADAS safety systems, install substandard glass that distorts your vision, or leave you with a warranty that covers nothing when a leak develops three months later.

The Auto Glass Safety Council reports over 3,000 certified technicians in the U.S., but tens of thousands of uncertified installers operate alongside them. Nearly 9 out of 10 model-year 2023 vehicles require ADAS recalibration after windshield replacement, a procedure that demands $15,000-$30,000 in specialized equipment many shops don’t own. And the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that properly functioning ADAS features could prevent 2.7 million crashes, 1.1 million injuries, and 9,500 deaths annually. The shop you choose determines whether those systems work or fail.

Here are the six questions that matter, what good answers sound like, what red flags to watch for, and exactly how NuVision Auto Glass answers each one.

Question 1: Are Your Technicians AGSC Certified?

This is the single most important question and the one most drivers never ask. The Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) operates the only nationally recognized certification program for auto glass technicians. Before the AGSC established the AGRSS Standard, the auto glass replacement industry had no consensus on proper installation methods, and people died because of it. Improper installations caused windshields to eject during rollovers, defeating the entire structural safety system your windshield is designed to provide.

AGSC certification requires passing a 70-question exam covering OSHA safety regulations, FMVSS 208 and 212 compliance (the federal standards governing occupant restraint and windshield retention), all types of auto glass replacement from windshields to backlites, ADAS technology identification and recalibration requirements, and the AGRSS Standard for proper installation procedures. The Master Technician certification adds a further requirement of 3+ years of industry experience plus advanced competencies in custom glass cutting, electrical troubleshooting, sunroof repair, and wind noise diagnosis.

What a good answer sounds like: “Yes, all our technicians hold current AGSC certification. We’re a Registered Member Company, which means every tech on staff is required to be certified.” A Registered Member Company also undergoes independent third-party audits verifying compliance with the ANSI/AGSC/AGRSS Standard.

Red flags: “Our guys have years of experience” without mentioning any specific certification. Experience matters, but uncertified experience means no verified knowledge of current safety standards, ADAS procedures, or proper adhesive cure times. Also watch for shops that mention only manufacturer-specific training (like 3M or Dow adhesive training) without the broader AGSC credential, product training alone doesn’t cover the full scope of safe installation practices.

How NuVision answers: Every NuVision technician across Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina holds AGSC certification. We require it before any technician performs unsupervised installations. Our technicians are trained on manufacturer-specific ADAS procedures and follow the AGRSS Standard on every job, not just when a supervisor is watching.

Question 2: What Glass Quality Do You Install – OEM, OEM-Equivalent, or Economy?

Three quality tiers exist in the auto glass market, and most shops default to whatever maximizes their margin unless you specifically ask. Understanding these tiers is the difference between a windshield that performs identically to your factory original and one that distorts your vision, complicates ADAS calibration, and degrades faster.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) glass comes from your vehicle manufacturer’s designated supplier—the same glass that was installed at the factory. It matches exact thickness, curvature, acoustic properties, and optical clarity. It costs 30-50% more than OEM-equivalent. For luxury vehicles, the newest models, and lease returns, OEM is the right choice. Learn how to verify if your replacement windshield is genuine OEM.

OEM-equivalent (aftermarket premium) glass is manufactured to the same specifications as OEM and meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 212 for windshield retention. These windshields frequently come from the same factories producing OEM glass, just under different branding. Reputable manufacturers include Pilkington, Saint-Gobain, AGC, and Guardian. This tier represents the optimal balance of quality and value for 90% of replacements. 

Economy/budget glass meets minimum legal requirements (usually) but can have optical distortion, waviness, thinner construction, and inconsistent curvature. For vehicles with ADAS cameras, economy glass creates a serious problem: even minor differences in glass geometry affect how the camera “sees” the road, making calibration less accurate or impossible on some makes and models. Some automakers will refuse to calibrate a camera sensor on a vehicle with substandard aftermarket glass installed.

What a good answer sounds like: “We install OEM-equivalent glass from [specific manufacturer] that meets FMVSS 212. We can also source OEM for your vehicle if you prefer; here’s the price difference.” Transparency about the specific manufacturer and compliance standard is what you’re listening for.

Red flags: “We use high-quality aftermarket glass” without naming the manufacturer or referencing FMVSS 212. Also: any shop that can’t tell you the glass manufacturer before installation. If they don’t know the brand going into your vehicle, they’re likely using whatever is cheapest from their distributor that week.

How NuVision answers: We exclusively install OEM-equivalent glass meeting or exceeding FMVSS 212 specifications. We don’t stock economy glass because the optical quality and safety tradeoffs aren’t worth the marginal savings. We’ll tell you the exact glass manufacturer before your appointment, and every installed windshield carries visible DOT markings (legally required) that you can verify yourself. For customers who want OEM glass, we source it by make and model and quote the difference upfront.

Question 3: Do You Perform ADAS Recalibration In-House?

This question has become the most consequential in the auto glass industry. 68% of vehicles on the road require ADAS recalibration after windshield replacement, and that figure hits 95%+ for 2024-2026 models. The forward-facing camera mounted behind your windshield controls automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning systems that the AAA Foundation found could collectively prevent 2.7 million crashes annually if functioning correctly.

A camera sensor that’s misaligned by even a fraction of an inch will aim at an area significantly off-axis 50 or more feet down the road. That means your automatic emergency braking might not detect a stopped vehicle ahead. Your lane departure system might trigger false warnings or fail to alert you at all. And these cameras cannot self-recalibrate after a windshield change; the physics don’t allow it.

Proper recalibration requires specialized equipment costing $15,000-$30,000, manufacturer-specific software with annual licensing fees, physical calibration targets positioned at precise distances and angles, and 1-2 hours of additional technician time. Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking alone has reached 94% penetration in 2023 model-year vehicles. This isn’t a niche concern anymore; it’s the majority of cars on the road.

What a good answer sounds like: “Yes, we calibrate in-house using [specific equipment like Autel, Hunter, or similar]. We handle both static and dynamic calibration depending on what your manufacturer specifies. Calibration is included in your quote.” The key phrase is “in-house,”  meaning the same shop that installs the glass also performs the calibration, with no subcontracting and no second appointment.

Red flags: “We’ll send you to the dealership for calibration.” This adds $200-$400 and a separate appointment, and it means the shop installing your glass has no oversight of whether calibration actually happens. Worse: “Your vehicle probably doesn’t need calibration” without checking your specific make, model, and year. And the most dangerous red flag: a shop that doesn’t mention calibration at all and hands you the keys without it.

How NuVision answers: We perform all ADAS calibration in-house static, dynamic, or both, following manufacturer-specified procedures for your exact make and model. Our calibration equipment handles the major ADAS platforms across all vehicle brands we service. Calibration is quoted as part of your total price, never a surprise add-on. When your vehicle requires it, we won’t release it until calibration is confirmed and documented.

Question 4: What Does Your Warranty Actually Cover?

Auto glass warranty terms vary dramatically across the industry. The word “lifetime” appears on nearly every shop’s marketing, but the fine print determines whether you’re actually protected. Industry experts note that it’s better to have a robust 90-day warranty than a lifetime warranty filled with exclusions that covers nothing when you need it.

Here’s what to verify in any auto glass warranty:

Duration and conditions: “Lifetime” typically means as long as you own or lease the vehicle. Nearly all auto glass warranties are non-transferable. Some shops require you to report defects within 30 days of discovery or void coverage entirely. Others only honor warranty work at the original service location, a problem if you’ve moved or travel frequently.

What’s actually covered: A strong warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, water leaks caused by installation error, wind noise from improper sealing, stress cracks resulting from installation (not subsequent impacts), and loose or failing moldings. Auto glass work should come with comprehensive coverage against the installer’s errors.

What’s typically excluded: Damage from subsequent impacts (new chips, cracks from road debris), pre-existing rust or frame corrosion that compromises the seal, vandalism, and normal wear. These exclusions are standard and reasonable, but some shops pad their exclusion lists to avoid honoring legitimate claims.

ADAS calibration warranty: This is the newest and most overlooked warranty element. Does the warranty cover recalibration if ADAS systems malfunction after installation? Caliber Auto Glass, for example, explicitly includes ADAS calibration in their limited lifetime warranty. Many independent shops don’t mention it at all.

What a good answer sounds like: “Our lifetime warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, water leaks, wind noise, and stress cracks from installation for as long as you own the vehicle. ADAS recalibration is included. Here’s the warranty document take it home and read it.” Willingness to provide the warranty terms in writing before service is a strong trust signal.

Red flags: Verbal-only warranty promises with nothing in writing. “Lifetime warranty” advertised prominently, but exclusion lists that gut the coverage. Any shop that can’t produce warranty documentation on request. And watch for shops that void the warranty if you have any other shop touch your glass afterward; this is common and means one failed repair attempt locks you into that shop forever.

How NuVision answers: We provide a lifetime workmanship warranty covering materials, installation defects, water leaks, wind noise, and stress cracks from installation for as long as you own the vehicle. ADAS recalibration is covered. Warranty documentation is provided in writing at service completion, not verbally, not buried in fine print. We honor warranty claims at any of our locations across Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina, so relocating doesn’t void your protection.

Question 5: Is Your Quote the Total Out-the-Door Price?

This is where most pricing disputes originate. A shop quotes $250 for windshield replacement. You show up (or the tech arrives), and suddenly there’s $350 in ADAS calibration, $75 for mobile service, $45 for materials, and $30 for disposal. Your $250 replacement is now $750.

A complete windshield replacement cost includes five components, and every quote should itemize all of them:

• Glass: $150-$600 depending on vehicle and quality tier
• Labor: $50-$150 for removal, preparation, installation, and seal verification
• Materials: $25-$75 for urethane adhesive, primer, and moldings
• Mobile service: $0-$100 depending on provider and region
• ADAS recalibration: $150-$400 if your vehicle requires it

For a standard sedan without ADAS, the total cost runs $200-$350. With ADAS, expect $500-$750. Luxury ADAS vehicles range from $800 to $1,200. These numbers hold across our service areas, though Phoenix runs at the low end due to market competition, while coastal South Carolina runs higher.

What a good answer sounds like: “Your total for a 2022 Honda CR-V is $675. That includes OEM-equivalent glass, labor, materials, mobile service to your location, and ADAS recalibration. No additional charges.” The specificity matters; they’ve looked up your vehicle and given you a number that won’t change.

Red flags: “Starting at $199” on the website with no vehicle-specific pricing. Quotes that exclude calibration or list it as “if applicable” without checking your vehicle. Any reluctance to provide a written, itemized breakdown. And shops that require deposits or full payment before service are not reputable; reputable shops charge at completion.

How NuVision answers: Every NuVision The quote is the total out-the-door price: glass, labor, materials, mobile service, and ADAS recalibration (when required) included. No hidden fees, no surprise add-ons, no “starting at” language. We provide an itemized breakdown before you commit, and the quoted price is the price you pay at completion. We also help you compare insurance coverage options against cash pricing so you know the most economical approach for your situation. If your deductible exceeds the replacement cost, we’ll tell you that upfront rather than push you into filing a claim that doesn’t benefit you.

Question 6: Can I See Your Reviews and Business Verification?

Online reviews are easy to manufacture, but patterns within reviews reveal the truth about a shop’s operation. You’re not just checking the star rating; you’re looking for specific operational signals that indicate consistency.

What to look for in reviews:

• ADAS mentions: Do customers specifically mention that calibration was explained, performed, and documented? This indicates the shop treats ADAS as standard procedure, not an afterthought.
• Technician names: Reviews that name specific technicians suggest a stable workforce. High turnover is common in auto glass and correlates with inconsistent quality.
• Issue resolution: Every shop gets occasional complaints. How they respond matters more than a perfect 5.0 rating. Look for professional, specific responses that resolve the problem rather than generic copy-paste replies.
• Warranty claim stories: Reviews describing successful warranty claims are the strongest trust signal. It means the shop actually honors its promises.
• Recency: Reviews from the past 6 months reflect current operations. A shop with great reviews from 2021 but silence since may have changed ownership, lost key technicians, or shifted priorities.

Business verification beyond reviews: Check for an active Google Business Profile with a verified address, current photos, and posted hours. Confirm the shop has a physical location (not just a P.O. box) in your service area. Verify they carry general liability insurance and auto damage coverage — a legitimate question to ask any shop that’s working on your vehicle. For Florida shops, SB 1002 compliance is now table stakes for legitimacy; any shop that offers cashback incentives or assignment of benefits is operating outside the law. If you need alternatives to Safelite in Florida, verified business credentials should be your starting point.

Red flags: No Google Business Profile or an unverified one. Reviews that all appeared within the same week (purchased reviews). No response to any negative reviews. And shops that can’t provide proof of liability insurance when asked.

How NuVision answers: Our verified Google Business Profile shows real customer reviews across every service area. We respond to every review, positive and negative because accountability is the minimum standard, not a marketing strategy. We carry full general liability coverage, our technicians are individually insured, and our physical locations in Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina are verified and inspectable. We welcome the scrutiny because it’s exactly what a customer should demand.

NuVision vs. Others: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s how these six questions typically play out across different shop types. This comparison reflects industry patterns based on publicly available warranty terms, certification requirements, and common customer-reported experiences; individual shops may vary.

National chains like Safelite, Caliber Auto Glass, and Glass Doctor have scale advantages, nationwide warranty coverage, and established processes. Where NuVision differentiates is in the combination of all six factors: certified technicians, OEM-equivalent glass standard, in-house ADAS calibration is included in every applicable quote, with a written multi-state warranty, fully transparent pricing, and verified local accountability across every service area.

Why These Questions Protect You

Your windshield provides up to 45% of your vehicle’s structural rigidity during a rollover. It’s the backstop that supports proper airbag deployment in a frontal collision. And in modern vehicles, it’s the mounting platform for camera systems that can prevent crashes before they happen. A small chip that turns into a crack is serious enough, but a poorly chosen shop compounds the risk.

Asking these six questions takes five minutes. It eliminates shops that cut corners, identifies the ones that invest in proper equipment and training, and gives you a documented basis for comparison that goes beyond price alone. The cheapest quote is meaningless if the shop installs economy glass, skips ADAS calibration, and provides a warranty with loopholes that void coverage the moment you need it.

Whether you’re using full glass insurance coverage or filing a claim for the first time, the shop you choose matters as much as the coverage you carry. Do the homework. Ask the questions. Then book with confidence.

NuVision Auto Glass serves drivers across Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina with AGSC-certified technicians, OEM-equivalent glass, in-house ADAS calibration, lifetime warranties, and transparent pricing. See what our customers say on our Google Business Profile, then get your own quote.

Get a Free Quote – Transparent, Itemized, No Surprises →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AGSC certification, and why does it matter for windshield replacement?
AGSC (Auto Glass Safety Council) certification is the only nationally recognized credential for auto glass technicians. It requires passing a 70-question exam on FMVSS compliance, ADAS identification, proper adhesive application, and the AGRSS installation standard. Certified technicians have verified knowledge of current safety procedures. Over 3,000 technicians hold the certification nationally, but many more operate without it.

How do I know if my vehicle needs ADAS recalibration after windshield replacement?
If your vehicle has lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, or forward collision warning, it almost certainly requires recalibration. 95% of 2024-2026 models need it, 75-85% of 2020-2023 models, and 40-60% of 2015-2019 models. Your auto glass shop should check your specific make, model, and year before quoting not guess.

What happens if ADAS calibration is skipped after windshield replacement?
The forward-facing camera can misread lane markings, fail to detect stopped vehicles, trigger false braking events, or completely stop functioning. Insurance companies may deny claims if an accident involves uncalibrated ADAS systems, and vehicle warranties may be voided. A sensor misaligned by a fraction of an inch aims significantly off-target at highway distances.

What’s the difference between OEM and OEM-equivalent auto glass?
OEM glass comes from your vehicle manufacturer’s designated supplier and is identical to the factory windshield. OEM-equivalent meets the same FMVSS 212 safety standard and is often made in the same factories under different branding. OEM-equivalent costs 30-50% less than OEM and is appropriate for 90% of replacements. Economy glass is the lowest tier and may compromise optical quality and ADAS performance.

Should I choose a national chain or a local auto glass company?
Both can deliver quality work; what matters is how they answer these six questions. National chains offer broader warranty coverage and established processes. Quality local and regional shops like NuVision often provide more personalized service, competitive pricing, and direct accountability. The worst choice is any shop chain or independent that can’t answer these questions clearly.

What should a windshield replacement quote include?
A complete quote should itemize glass (specifying quality tier), labor, materials, mobile service fee (if applicable), and ADAS recalibration (if your vehicle requires it). The total should be the out-the-door price with no additional charges at service time. For Toyota and Honda vehicles, both OEM-equivalent and OEM glass are widely available, so your shop should offer both options with clear pricing.

How do I verify an auto glass shop’s warranty before booking?
Ask for the warranty terms in writing before service. Review what’s covered (materials, workmanship, leaks, ADAS), what’s excluded (subsequent impacts, pre-existing conditions), the duration, whether it’s transferable, and whether it’s honored at multiple locations. Any shop that won’t provide written warranty documentation before service is a red flag.

Does NuVision Auto Glass offer mobile windshield replacement?
Yes. NuVision provides mobile service at no additional charge across all service areas in Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina. Our mobile-equipped service vehicles carry the same glass inventory, adhesives, and ADAS calibration equipment used at fixed locations, so service quality is identical whether we come to you or you visit us.