General Terms and Conditions

The following terms govern all services provided by Tinting Chicago Inc. Customers are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these terms and conditions by reviewing our website at tintingchicago.com or otherwise prior to commencement of services.

• Vehicle Inspection: Customers must inspect their vehicles for any damage concerns. Tinting Chicago Inc. is not liable for any issues arising if the vehicle’s battery is disconnected or power is lost during the installation process, resulting in the loss of personal vehicle settings.
• Booking Security: We reserve the right to collect debit or credit card details to secure bookings.
• Refusal of Demands: Tinting Chicago Inc. reserves the right to refuse or deny customer demands beyond the booked detailing.
• Zero Tolerance Policy: We do not tolerate verbal or physical abuse toward our staff under any circumstances.
• Service Termination: We reserve the right to refuse or terminate service for any client who does not agree to our terms or acts unprofessionally.

Gift Certificates

• Price Exceedance: The final service price may exceed the value of a gift certificate.
• Additional Charges: Redeemers may incur additional charges if they choose a package exceeding the gift certificate’s value.
• Non-refundable: Gift certificates are non-refundable and cannot be redeemed for cash.

Tinting Chicago Inc. warrants that our work will conform to the agreed terms of service. We will repair or replace work that does not meet our standard of performance as the customer’s sole remedy for non-conforming work. For product warranty information, you must visit the manufacturer’s website or brochure for specific details regarding the product(s) you ordered. Tinting Chicago is the installer, not the manufacturer. However, if there is an issue with the product, our manufacturers do stand behind their products, so please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. Removal services are provided only on an as-is basis without warranty, as Tinting Chicago Inc. cannot be responsible for the underlying condition of the vehicle.

Any warranty work must be approved by Tinting Chicago Inc. in advance. We do not warranty the film or vinyl, PPF, or ceramic coating against scratching, nicks, or cuts due to normal wear and tear. Broken or replaced glass is not covered under warranty. Please note that minor dust and/or dirt particles in some applications are unavoidable and not a basis for reperformance of the work. The window film(s), vinyl, and ceramic must be intact for any warranty issues. Do not remove window film(s), vinyl, ceramic coating, or PPF, or the warranty is void. Only state-compliant window films are covered under the lifetime warranty. You are solely responsible for conforming to applicable state laws governing permissible window tinting. This is Tinting Chicago’s sole and exclusive warranty. In no event will Tinting Chicago Inc. be liable for lost profit, lost time, or for consequential or indirect damages of any kind, regardless of the form or basis of the claim. See below for additional warranty information for specific products and services.

TERMS OF PAYMENT, LEGAL FEES, AND DISPUTES: All quotations are valid for 30 days. The service price will be agreed upon before work begins. Window tinting, being custom work, is non-cancelable after materials are ordered. Tinting Chicago Inc. reserves the right to request debit or credit card information for payment assurance. Full payment is due upon vehicle pickup, acknowledging Tinting Chicago’s lien on the vehicle until full payment is received. Unpaid invoices at delivery are deemed past due, incurring storage and collection fees, including attorney and court costs at 18% per annum or the maximum legal rate. 

DISPUTES: Customers must submit complaints in writing, allowing Tinting Chicago Inc. to address and resolve issues before legal action. Customized film installations necessitate Tinting Chicago’s involvement in resolving issues, including removal and reinstallation, before any chargebacks or stop payments. If the customer initiates a chargeback or stop payment, they’re liable for incurred legal fees and costs if the matter favors Tinting Chicago.

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE: Tinting Chicago Inc. isn’t liable for vehicle loss or damage due to fire, theft, or accidents. Customers must insure their vehicles. Tinting Chicago’s liability for damages it causes is limited to repair costs or the service price, with the company reserving the right to repair damages through its services or third-party contracts.

ACCURACY OF SPECIFICATIONS: Estimates depend on the accuracy of customer-provided specifications. If modifications are needed after job acceptance, we’ll promptly inform you. Customers can then decide to cancel or modify the order. While we accept telephone affirmations and orders, customers are responsible for any miscommunication. The customer’s signature on any work order is conclusive regarding agreed-upon services and prices. We strive for accurate quoting but will notify of any necessary adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances or costs. Window film, vinyl wrap, ceramic, and paint products come in various options chosen solely by the customer; thus, we’re not liable for their choice or any buyer’s remorse.

VEHICLE STORAGE FEES: Vehicles left beyond 2 days past the authorized pickup day incur a $50.00 per day storage fee, per occupied space, until picked up and paid for.

RETURNS: Once ordered, cut, or installed, window film, vinyl, or PPF cannot be returned. Custom-ordered materials require 100% payment upfront, and cancellation doesn’t warrant a refund. Tinting Chicago may consider returns or refunds for usable materials, subject to discretion, with a 25% restocking fee if permitted.

WINDOW TINTING TERMS

All window tinting is done at the end user’s discretion and risk. Tinting Chicago recommends adhering to the legal limit set by the Public Act (P.A. 100-346) of the Illinois General Assembly for passenger vehicles. Customers must comply with state window tint laws and take full responsibility for legal obligations post-installation. Tinting Chicago isn’t liable for non-compliant tinting or associated traffic tickets [4].

Installation parameters require vehicles to be delivered clean and free from debris. Additional cleaning incurs a fee, and the company isn’t responsible for pre-existing damage. Any existing scratches, cracks or other damage will be visible through the film. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDITION OF THE GLASS/VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE WINDOW FILM BEING INSTALLED OR WHAT IS UNDERNEATH THE WINDOW FILM ONCE IT IS INSTALLED. 

Per the IWFA (International Window film Association) the glass with applied films shall be viewed at right angles to the glass from the room side and at a distance no less than six (6) feet. Viewing shall be carried out in natural daylight, not in direct sunlight. The installation is deemed acceptable if all of the following are unobtrusive after the 30-60 day cure period: Dirt Particles, Hair and Fibers, Adhesive Gels, Fingerprints, Air Bubbles, Water Haze, Scores and Scratches, film Distortion, Creases, Edge Lifting, Nicks and Tears. Note that some of these conditions may exist and the installation will still be within acceptable parameters. If any of these conditions still exist after 30-60 day period, we request the customer return at such time to have us evaluate the film. 

WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE BRING A FRESHLY CLEANED CAR TO THE CHECK-UP SO WE CAN SEE AND ADDRESS ALL AREAS AT THAT TIME.WE CANNOT DO AN INSPECTION OVER THE PHONE, VIA EMAIL OR THROUGH PICTURES; WE MUST SEE THE VEHICLE/GLASS AT OUR LOCATION FOR INSPECTION.

In most cases bubbles and haziness will subside in the 30 days cure time. We DO NOT require a 30-day check-up for window film. However, if you see any areas of concern, please return to our location with the vehicle so we can see the vehicle firsthand and to be able to address any issues at that time.

Installation time is based upon many factors including but not limited to, film selected, curing time, places where window film is being installed, size of windows, size of vehicle, complexity of installation areas and any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. We will make every effort to give reasonable time frames for installation but reserve the right to change them at any time for any reason.

REMOVALS: Tinting Chicago offers window film removal services. All removals for window film are quoted separately and are based on a per hour basis. Window film removal can be very time-consuming and costly and is billed as such. Tinting Chicago is not responsible for the condition of the glass underneath the film being removed or for any damage that occurs when such material is removed from the glass/vehicle. Tinting Chicago is not responsible for any damage that occurs to the vehicle while fulfilling a customer request for a specific action.

Aftercare instructions include avoiding extreme weather and refraining from rolling down windows or washing them immediately after installation. Customers should expect bubbles and haziness until the film fully cures. Avoid using abrasive washing clothes as well as drying towels when cleaning the film. Do not use any ammonia-based products to clean the film, only use tint safe products. 

Water is used in the installation process, and customers should notify Tinting Chicago of any water-sensitive materials. WATER USAGE. Water is a necessary component in our business. It is used in the installation of window film and applied with a spray bottle or pressurized spray canister. Please inform Tinting Chicago beforehand of any water sensitive material in the work area that needs to be removed. The company will not be liable for any damage due to contact with water.

VINYL WRAP TERMS

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDITION ON THE VEHICLE’S PAINT SURFACE PRIOR TO THE VINYL BEING INSTALLED. IF MOLDING NEEDS TO BE REMOVED FOR INSTALLATION, WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REMOVING AND INSTALLING MOLDING, ESPECIALLY IF THE CONDITION OF MOLDING NEEDS REPLACEMENT.

VEHICLE PREPARATION: Wash vehicle using just using ONLY water and soap before dropping off. Even though we prep and clean the vehicle for installation of the vinyl wrap, wax and other chemicals will prevent the vinyl from sticking to the surface. Do not wax or clay bar or leave any other coating on the surface of the car. Any wax or chemicals left on the vehicle by waxing and or clay bar will result in bubbles and vinyl will not cure properly. Tinting Chicago is not responsible if the vinyl will not stick and cure properly due to wax or other chemicals used before installation. 

There will be an extra Charge of $120.00 per Hour for removing existing vinyl. Tinting Chicago is not liable for any damage if asked to remove any parts from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION PARAMETERS: All vinyl material needs to be applied to “like new” vehicle finish for the best results. Vinyl material is a pliable plastic material.  We make every effort to make it look as seamless as possible, however, there may be curves, bumps, rivets, moldings and deep-channeled curves that the vinyl will not be able to conform to. In some cases, relief cuts need to be made or patches need to be installed to cover certain areas. Stretching will result in some shrinkage as it attempts to return to its original form/dimensions. As it shrinks, some minor tenting and lifting does occur and will be addressed if necessary, in the 90 day review period. There must be an excellent body of paint and its finish to the vehicle substrate. Any rust, bubbling, caulking, scratches, dents or other damage will be visible through the film, and such surface imperfections may damage the film or cause the film to fail prematurely. Areas repaired with body filler must be sanded, epoxy primed and finished with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) paint or clear coat. Also, any areas with Caulking need to be re-caulked over the installed vinyl. Any recently applied finish must be fully cured for a minimum of 30 days prior to film being applied. The wrap material that is used for vehicle wraps does not stick very well to plastic or rubber parts, such as window trim, side plastic moldings, and plastic door handles. It is advised that these areas NOT be wrapped with adhesive vinyl. Initially the vinyl will stick, but over a short period of time such as a few months, the vinyl will fall off these areas.

Installation time is based upon many factors including but not limited to, film selected, curing time, places where vinyl material is being installed, size of vehicle, complexity of installation areas and any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. We will make every effort to give reasonable time frames for installation but reserve the right to change them at any time for any reason. It will take approximately 30 days for the wrap to cure. 

 WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE BRING A FRESHLY CLEANED CAR TO THE CHECK-UP SO WE CAN SEE AND ADDRESS ALL AREAS AT THAT TIME. WE CANNOT DO AN INSPECTION OVER THE PHONE, VIA EMAIL OR THROUGH PICTURES; WE MUST SEE THE VEHICLE/WRAP AT OUR LOCATION FOR INSPECTION.

Note: although vinyl manufacturers guarantee the material to last up to 5 years, and some high-end materials for 7 to 10 years, the actual lifespan of a vehicle wrap will be considerably less, usually 2-4 years depending on the weather and after care. No warranties on Chrome, Plastic, Caulking and Non-Factory Finished paint.

AFTER CARE: Keep the car out of direct sunlight for the first 2-3 days after installation.

Hand wash your vehicle bi-monthly with a nice soft sponge or rag. Strong jets can cause the vinyl to lift at the seams. Brushes and bristles can scratch your vinyl. And colors can start to fade and dull with repeated exposure to harsh chemicals and abrasives. All of these things are harmful to the vehicle wrap and should be avoided. Use aftercare products with a low pH, such as  “Windex Vinegar multi-Surface”,  to clean the vehicle. Spray onto a microfiber towel or directly onto the surface. Wipe the surface clean, then turn the towel and dry. This cleans and protects the wrap and will help ensure that it looks brand new for years.

Never wax or clay bar your vinyl-wrapped vehicle. It will degrade your vinyl and shorten the life of your wrap. It will cause the vinyl material to turn yellow and crack.

Take care of edges particularly on doors/trunk/hood. Should any damage occur, contact us immediately. Do not try and fix it yourself or the warranty will be voided.

Remove bugs and bird droppings immediately as these can stain the wrap. Soak them and wipe them off without scraping.

VINYL REMOVAL: Tinting Chicago offers vinyl removal services, which will be quoted separately on an hourly basis. Tinting Chicago cannot be held responsible for any paint damage or existing striping damage when we do a removal. Since we do not know the integrity of the existing paint job, or the condition of the painted clear coat, or the condition of any existing vinyl decals, we are not responsible for damage caused by the removal. All removal is done without warranty. 

We cannot be responsible for damage to paintwork when the vinyl is removed and would not advise application of a wrap on a re-sprayed surface, or poor quality/rusted paintwork. Please note, our experience shows that removal of vinyl designed for vehicle wraps from good quality factory original paintwork will not damage the paintwork. However, it is the duty and responsibility of the owner of the vehicle to ensure suitability of the existing surface before it is wrapped.

PPF INSTALLATION TERMS

DISCLAIMERS. PPF is guaranteed by the manufacturer and not Tinting Chicago inc. Tinting Chicago inc only guarantees its installation services, when XPEL Paint Protection Film (PPF) is properly applied by our certified professional installers to the vehicle manufacturer’s applied paint finish, it will help to prevent minor road debris from damaging any such protected area when driven under normal driving conditions.  

Tinting Chicago cannot guarantee any PPF to eliminate stone chips, but the PPF is intended to reduce the chance of damage and impact caused by such road debris under normal driving conditions. Normal driving conditions are defined as ‘driving within the applicable legal constraints in the jurisdiction in which the product has been sold, and the recommended safe driving distances at the various speeds as described in the driver training manual or Highway Code.

Tinting Chicago cannot be held responsible where impact damage causes the vehicles sheet-metal beneath the PPF, to bend, crater or dent. Furthermore, where damage causes the vehicle’s composite body material, carbon-fiber, fiberglass or plastic to dent, crater, crack or flake.

Tinting Chicago may, at our discretion, replace the PPF where we consider that the product has failed to meet the manufacturer’s quality expectations, when we have recourse to the manufacturer.

The film is fully resilient to industry standard automotive aftercare products, but specialized products such as abrasive products, scratch removers, chemical cleaners, engine compartment de-greasers etc may harm the surface of the film.

Tinting Chicago cannot be held responsible for any damage caused to any unprotected part or portion of the vehicle’s vulnerable painted surface. This also includes intentional impacts, impacts from objects other than minor road debris, abuse, vandalism, misuse, fire, collisions, accidents, acts of God, defect(s) in the manufacturers paint finish or damage to the product from harsh, abrasive or corrosive chemicals.

Tinting Chicago cannot be held responsible for any damage to the PPF where the vehicle has been used for any track day, speed trial, amateur, semi-professional and professional racing events, as well as professional vehicular exercises including, but not limited to stunt driving, driving skill demonstrations and driver training (either performance or non-performance).

The PPF should not harm the manufacturer’s factory applied paint finish when correctly removed by our certified installers. However, chip repair, smart repair and vehicles with partial and/or entire re-spray paint finishes may detach even when the film is correctly removed. Tinting Chicago is not responsible for any damage caused under these circumstances.

Re-sprayed Vehicles. Although every care will be taken when working on a resprayed vehicle, because we are not in control in any way of the nature and quality of the respray, we cannot accept any liability for the impact on the respray. There is no way to predict the quality of the respray, Tinting Chicago cannot accept any liability for re-sprayed vehicles and the work is performed without warranty of any kind.

Aftercare Instructions. We would like to bring to your attention some aftercare instructions as also stated on the Tinting Chicago warranty form for PPF products. Do not wash your car for at least 3 days after installation, which will allow for the film to cure to the paintwork of your vehicle, otherwise edge lift may occur which may not be repairable.

Slight milkiness, patchiness, silvering or bubbles may occur or appear after installation. This is nothing to be concerned about, as this is usually due to moisture dissipating from underneath the film from application. This can in some cases take up to 30 days to disappear. 

Once the initial waiting period is over, you can and should clean the film on a regular basis with a regular car shampoo and then apply XPEL ceramic boost (recommended at least once a year) or XPEL PPF Sealant.

If using a jet wash, you should not use the appliance at less than 3 feet from your vehicle, as this may cause damage to paintwork.

It is advisable to remove any bird droppings from the film as quickly as possible, as the acid content of the droppings may have a detrimental effect on the film over time. 

Do not use abrasive chemicals or paint restoration products on the film as this may damage the clear coating of the film.

Please see the XPEL warranty for full details on the ‘10 Year’ manufacturer’s warranty.

TINTING CHICAGO SHOP REPAINT REQUIREMENTS: The following items are suggested to be undertaken by a bodyshop when repainting the vehicle to minimize the risk of paint lift/removal during the installation or removal of the paint protection film.

Should use a two-pack clear coat paint.

Paint should be oven baked to ensure that the paint is as hard as possible prior to the installation of the PPF.

The paint should be fully primed and keyed properly in order to eliminate the potential risk of paint ‘lift’ should the film need to be removed at some future date. While there can be no guarantee, such preparation provides the best protection against future paint lift.

60 days should elapse between any paintwork and the installation of any PPF. Consultation and advice should also be sought from the person carrying out the repair work.

CERAMIC COATING TERMS:

Tinting Chicago does not warrant the product. Tinting Chicago’s warranty is limited to its services. Tinting Chicago is an authorized installer of XPEL products and can assist the customer in communicating with XPEL and can perform annual warranty inspections and warranty work approved by XPEL.

Company expressly warrants to the owner that, for a warranty period from the date of initial installation, the Company will cover the vehicle’s paint finish against: oxidation, loss of gloss, UV damage and color fading. This Limited Warranty only applies to the Company’s Products which are professionally installed in the manner recommended by the Company.

The Company will, at its option, remove or replace the Product without charge, or refund the cost of the Product, if the Product fails or does not perform as warranted solely due to a manufacturing defect within the Warranty Period, subject to the exclusions set forth in this Limited Warranty. If the Company elects to replace the Product, the Company will have an authorized installer of its choice remove and reapply the Product to areas determined by the Company in its sole discretion to be covered by this Limited Warranty. The Company will cover parts and the authorized installer will be responsible for providing installation labor. The refund of the cost of the Product or replacement of the defective coating are the exclusive remedies for all Products covered under this Limited Warranty. During the entire Warranty Period, the Company’s obligation as to repair or replacement shall further be limited to repair or replacement with the Products that are available at the time of the repair or replacement, shall be limited to the repair or replacement of only the specific Product that fails due to a manufacturing defect. The maximum replacement cost to be paid by the Company shall be the lesser of the cost of the coating application or $1000. Any repaired or replaced product shall also remain subject to the Warranty Period, and any repair or replacement shall not extend the original Warranty Period in any manner or start a new warranty period. These are the exclusive remedies for all Products covered under this Limited Warranty.

You may obtain coverage under this Limited Warranty by providing Company with proof of warranty card, copy of original receipt for the Product identifying coverage areas, along with a detailed description of the purported defect. For service under this Limited Warranty, you must notify the authorized Company installer who performed the installation of the Product, in writing, providing claimant’s name, phone number, address, and the installation address (if different), a description of the product involved and the nature of the defect.

This Limited Warranty is transferable only when the new owner submits to the Company proof of the original date of installation. Transfer of the Limited Warranty only entitles the new owner coverage for the remainder of the original Warranty Period.

This Limited Warranty does not cover defects caused by: non-compliance with the Company’s guide or instructions. Such failures include, but are not limited to, exposure to physical abuse, including, but not limited to chemical abuse (e.g. harsh cleansers and solvents), thermal abuse or shock (e.g. excessive heat or cold) or misuse; improper storage, installation, handling and/or use of the Product; damage not resulting from manufacturing defects that occur while the Product is in the customer’s possession; unreasonable or unintended use of Product; Products installed with known or visible manufacturing defects at the time of installation, including, but not limited to scratches, scuffs, scrapes, chips to the painted surface; Minor conditions such as stains, and scratches; Damage to the coated surface due to improper wash techniques, automatic car washes or incorrect wash tools that may cause abrasion or by third parties not authorized by the Company; Scratches, scuffs, scrapes, chips to the painted surface; 

Water spots – water spots are caused by mineral deposits, which if left to dry on the paint and/or PPF may leave a stain, water spots are not covered; Damages caused by collision, accidental damage, vandalism, fire, hail, flood, stones, collision, surface rust, rail dust, physical damage, paint overspray, or vehicle manufacturer’ defects, which may be covered under manufactures protection plan; and areas that have not been re-coated after a paint or body repair;

Annual Inspections. To maintain the warranty on your product, an annual inspection is required throughout the warranty period, as stated in the product specifications. This inspection should be performed by an XPEL certified Fusion Installer every year and must be completed within 30 days before or after the anniversary date of installation or the date of any previous inspection or service. Failure to complete the inspection within the required time will void the Limited Warranty. Any fees or charges by the XPEL Certified Installer will be charged to the owner to do the annual inspection including, but not limited to, exterior wash, decontamination, inspection, and a single layer application of XPEL FUSION PLUS LITE Ceramic Coating. Please keep proof of all inspections, as they must be provided if you have a Limited Warranty related issue.