[Glassdoc]

Many times in the past i (in front of the customer) initiated the claim call. Only to hear over the speaker phone "This shop is not one of our preferred providers". So.. i politely interrupt and ask the rep on the line to explain to the customer exactly what does this mean. Its amazing how many of the claims reps have no clue.. When i explain to them that yes my work is guaranteed for as long as the customer owns the vehicle and that by my choice to not be a preferred provider means I own my business and I charge what I need to in order to keep my business up and running, not what was offered by contract more than 13 years ago. So, then the rep will ask " do you accept our rates". I politely say "no, this is my phone, my minutes, my expertise, my supplies, my continued education classes, my certification and my livelihood". At which point I give them the cost for "my" repair and explain if it would be easier I will just collect from the insured and they can haggle the customer down if they choose to do so. So, far.. Whatever number I charge I get or have gotten paid. If a particular company takes to long to send a check or does the old bait n switch and send a check stating thats all they are authorized to pay. I call the customer, and explain to them the short pay or have not received payment and to send me a check. So far, no problems.. The thing that strikes me as funny is years ago, I was highly praised while on the speaker phone as a top of the list preferred provider.. Hmmmm, I wonder what list I am on now.