21 - Auto Glass Class: How to Get Repairs and Replacements

September 8, 2022

21 – Auto Glass Class: How to Get Repairs and Replacements

Host: Herb Weisbaum /

Guest(s): Kevin Brasler - Checkbook's Executive Editor

You’re driving along when a pebble kicked up by the vehicle in front of you hits your windshield… and cracks it. Chances are that little rock just cost you $800 to $1,500 or more, depending on your ride. These days, a windshield is more than a big piece of glass; there’s a lot of technology embedded in it or located behind it. These sensors feed data to software controlling automatic wipers, lane-departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and advanced steering and braking systems.

No matter how big or small the job, you want it done quickly and for a fair price. In this episode, Checkbook Editor Kevin Brasler explains how to choose a good shop, how to decide about replacement parts—original manufacturer or third-party parts—and how to deal with your insurance company.

Additional Resource:

Auto Glass: Repairs and Replacements

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Guest(s): Alex Knizek, Manager of Auto Testing and Insights at Consumer Reports; Steven Elek, Senior Automotive Data Analyst at Consumer Reports

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Host: Herb Weisbaum /

Guest(s): Mike Quincy - Consumer Reports auto tester and writer; Keith Barry - Consumer Reports veteran auto reporter

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February 8, 2024

56 – A Crash Course on Auto Insurance

Host: Herb Weisbaum /

Guest(s): Kevin Brasler - Checkbook's Executive Editor

Most drivers find a policy, pay the premium, and never think about it again. Big mistake! Checkbook shoppers find huge price differences from company to company. Most drivers will save $500 to $1,000 a year by shopping around and switching if they find a better deal.

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⁠Read Checkbook’s full report on auto insurance.⁠

Support our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/consumerpedia/support

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42 – An Electric Vehicle Update

Host: Herb Weisbaum /

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In the last year or so, we’re finally beginning to see a robust market for electric vehicles. More manufacturers are now in the game, which provides buyers with more choices. So, should you go electric now, or wait, or maybe split the difference and go hybrid?

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Support our podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/consumerpedia/support

auto, electric vehicles, saving energy

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33 – Auto Insurance Based on How You Drive in Real Time. Good Choice or Not?

Host: Herb Weisbaum /

Guest(s): Michael DeLong - Advocacy Associate at the Consumer Federation of America

Auto insurance companies base their premiums on a host of factors, such as the vehicle, driving record, and, in most states, your age, gender, marital status, and credit history. Some also offer discounts if you agree to install telematic technology on your car, which monitors when and where you drive—and how safe or reckless you drive to get there. Is it worth giving up your privacy to see your insurance bill drop by as much as 30 or 40%?

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24 – Finding an Auto Body Shop That Will Do a Bang-Up Job

Host: Herb Weisbaum /

Guest(s): Kevin Brasler - Checkbook's Executive Editor

The best body shops not only do great work but employ staff who can explain and justify exactly what needs to be done. An articulate representative at the body shop will be the key to getting all the work you need performed and paid for by your insurance company.

In this episode, we’ll walk you through the collision repair process from the estimate to the guarantee. We’ll also explain the differences between the three types of parts that might be used, and how to deal with the insurance company—especially if the shop wants to do one thing and they want to do something else.

Read Checkbook’s full report on auto body shops including ratings and undercover price research.

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