In Florida, “harvesters” can be found wandering parking lots and carwashes in search of vehicles with damaged windshields. They often come bearing gifts such as gift cards, steak dinners and discounted hot tubs as part of their sales pitch. Their offer is simple – free windshield replacement covered by comprehensive insurance, all they need is a signature.
Once the signature is collected and the repair is made, the glass shops send inflated bills to insurance companies, leading to denial of claims or reduced payouts. This has sparked a whole industry of out-of-state companies and lawyers who file numerous lawsuits against insurance companies for payment and legal fees.
In the state of Florida, this practice has led to a significant surge in auto glass lawsuits, with more than 46,000 filed thus far in 2023. Advocates argue that laws meant to protect consumers have actually played a role in fueling this trend, making this business a leading factor behind the state’s high insurance costs.
The problem has exacerbated Florida’s already high auto insurance premiums, now standing at an average of $2,560 which is the highest in the country. While insurers blame hurricanes and a high percentage of uninsured drivers for the soaring premiums, they conveniently overlook the fact that these costs are partially due to auto glass litigation.
This issue has drawn attention from both legislators and industry groups, leading to the passing of two laws aimed at curbing this practice. The laws were enacted to stem the proliferation of these “windshield bullies” and make it tougher for auto glass shops to operate unchecked.
However, despite these efforts, auto glass lawsuits continue to emerge, showing that the problem persists. Concerns have been raised over how the enforcement of these new laws will play out and whether they will effectively address the root cause of the issue.
