IGA Files Antitrust Complaint Against Safelite with the FTC

The Complaint

The Independent Glass Association (IGA) filed a formal antitrust complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in April 2025, alleging that Safelite's practice of simultaneously acting as a third-party claims administrator (through Safelite Solutions) and a direct auto glass retailer (through Safelite AutoGlass) constitutes illegal anti-competitive behavior.

The Core Allegation

When consumers call their insurance company to report a cracked windshield, many are unknowingly speaking with a Safelite Solutions representative — an employee of the same company that will perform the repair. The IGA alleges this arrangement:

• Systematically steers consumers toward Safelite shops without disclosing the conflict of interest
• Artificially suppresses prices paid to independent shops on insurer-managed networks
• Creates a barrier to market entry for independent glass shops
• Denies consumers the meaningful choice they are legally entitled to

Industry Impact

Independent auto glass shops across the country have reported losing significant business due to Safelite's dual role. When Safelite controls the claims pipeline, independent shops say they are often excluded from insurance networks or paid below-market rates that make it impossible to compete.

Consumer Implications

If you've filed a windshield claim in the past several years, there is a good chance you were steered toward Safelite without being told you had a choice. Federal law and most state regulations require that you be informed of your right to choose any licensed shop at the start of every claim call.