Farmers’ Insurance has launched an auto glass inspection program prior to authorizing repairs. Agents were notified of the program in January.

“We launched this glass inspection program across the country in response to concerns raised by some of our customers regarding glass repair claims,” says Mark Toohey, head of media relations for Farmers.

“The bottom line is that we took this action in an effort to provide the best possible service to our customers,” he adds.

From Safelite Group’s perspective, other types of vehicle damage need to be inspected by an adjuster prior to be repaired, so it’s just the natural evolution for auto glass to need inspection as well, says Melina Metzger, public relations manager for the company.

“Since 2009, the implementation of pre-inspections for vehicle glass has been a result of the insurance industry’s need to curb the rash of fraudulent and questionable claims,” she says.

This is a growing trend in the industry, with other companies testing similar inspection programs such as USAA, Elephant and Geico.