Officials report windshield scams in Hardin County

Local law enforcement and the Better Business Bureau are reporting complaints in the Hardin County area regarding potential windshield scams.

Cathy Williamson, manager of the Elizabethtown BBB branch, said two saleswomen recently knocked on her door and attempted to convince her to sign a contract to replace a “damaged” windshield.

The women claimed the windshield likely was damaged because of recent construction in the area and seemed to imply they were reaching out to the entire neighborhood, Williamson said.

Williamson’s windshield is not damaged, she said.

According to a BBB news release, windshield fraud is profitable in Kentucky because the state has a “zero deductible” policy, meaning insurance companies are required to pay the full cost of replacing a damaged windshield.

Though some door-to-door glass repair companies are legitimate, the BBB said, others convince consumers to replace unblemished windshields and then bill the insurance companies, often at an increased price.

In recent weeks, Williamson said she has taken calls from local insurance agents as well as consumers who had questions about potential windshield scams in the Hardin County area.

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and Elizabethtown Police Department reported taking similar complaints from residents in December.

EPD spokesman Virgil Willoughby said the department took several calls in early to mid-December regarding “suspicious persons” that matched the description provided by BBB. However, he said Elizabethtown police did not open any new cases.

Sheriff’s Office spokesman Greg Lowe said deputies received a call a few weeks ago from a resident in the southern portion of the county in reference to a windshield salesperson.

Though a deputy responded and made contact with the salesperson, Lowe said a report wasn’t made.

The county does not require a sales permit for those who go door-to-door, Lowe said, and he encouraged all residents to be “leery” of anyone offering services they didn’t request.

Before car owners replace possibly damaged windshields, Williamson said they should go through the “proper channels” and contact their insurance agents.

“Don’t overreact just because someone knocked on your door,” she said.

Sarah Bennett can be reached at (270) 505-1750 or sbennett@thenewsenterprise.com.