Possible Loss Of Insurance Work

[SGT]

IMHO, I think that insurance work should be one of the many profit avenues availble and utilized by us and hope the option remains. Not only is this good for us but it is a great bonus for the insured as well. This does not mean that we should rely soley on insurance work ofcourse. If they abolish this insurance incentive some shops will be in trouble if they can't sell this service soley on the many benefits it provides.

With that being said, if this truely comes to life across the board with all insurance companies, I think it would be a shame if we sit back passively and let it happen it happen. When I say we, that includes all equipment manufacturers. Even they will feel some of the pinch from this.

I also feel that we need to petition all insurance companies to actively insist that repair be the first option provided to insureds by the networks for windshield damage that is within industry parameters. Repairs should be done soley by a repair only specialist to avoid a conflict interest and to uphold the integrity of windshield repair. We also need to make sure that the network CSR's are properly trained to help guarantee the true benefit to the insured and allow this benefit to do what it was designed to do...provide a safer when possible alternative to replacement and save the insurance company and the insured money.

We as independts probably do not have the juice to be heard, but if spear headed by the equipment mfg's and NWRA or any other large influential body we might be able to salvage the possible loss of this great benefit.

Maye I am just forward thinking here but maybe we should be ready for the possible fall out.

What are your thoughts?

[dgarza]

I agree with this 100%

[Coitster]

I agree, but it isn't going to happen. The insurance companies only covered chip repair to help make their claims costs go down. That didn't happen, and State Farm said as much, both repair and Replacement claims went up. Plus when you add to that the increadble high amount of fraudulent repairs and people chargeing for chips they didn't fix I think the insurance companies got tired of paying for chip repairs. The other reason I don't like insurance work anymore (I know, shocking isn't it) is because I don't like the insurance companies telling me what to do or how much I can charge.

I don't want to sound like a broken record but I really have become a advocate for cash work, or check, or credit card, however you want to accept your money. Also I think that the networks and insurance companies have taken a great business (Glass Replacement) and completely destroyed it. For example when I got involved in the glass biz 14 years ago, a good installer could make upwards of 14 to 15 dollars an hour. All the installers I know today make less then that in most cases. 14 years later you won't find an Installer making 17 to 20 bucks an hour, if there are I would be shocked. Everyone is using aftermarket glass and installers are quick setting windshields. Which isn't safe for the customer by the way. So before I get on my high horse I think the insurance companies have done increadible harm to the industry. Just look at deductables, most compaines are selling 500+ deductables so they don't have to even cover replacement costs anymore.

I don't want people to think I am negative to windshield repair, the opposit is true, I still think that there is going to be tremendus opportunity in the business for those that realize the opportunity and capitolize on it. However those that just get in to make a quick buck are going to be gone in no time. I can't wait for the coming flush.
David
Coitster

[Robin Hood]

I hear where your coming from Dave. They have done the same thing to health care. Unfortunately, they are the most powerful industry in the country and no one has the ability to get them under control.

The comsumer is the only one that has the ability to make change. The problem is their are no good choices to make as far as taking business somewhere else, so that dampens our ability to take control.

We need to continue to educate our customers so they continue to expect their repairs to be covered. Right now there are too many people that don't even know that you can repair your windshield. It would be too easy for them to drop repairs now. We have to stay diligent and educate.

State farm still pays for repair in my state but I let my state farm customers know that they must contact their agent and let them know that they expect repair coverage as long as they are customers of state farm. Hopefully this feedback will be considered if they start talking about stopping coverage here.

[dragwurm]

Insurance work is soon to be a thing of the past. In the near future competent techs will have more than they can handle, and the fly-by-nights will go onto another avenue of work. In another posting Coister speeks of the big flush, well many ins co's have there hand on the handle and are waiting to flush. The ins co's are not only getting out of repair, but also replacement, meaning consumers will be looking for a professional, inexpensive service to keep there glass safe, and there wallet in tact. That's where a well marketed, competent repair only company will be waiting for customers. I have a customer that has 20+ techs on the road, and they rarely do dealers(other than lease returns), and never do insurance claims. All her techs are making a good living serving a population base of about 100,000 people per tech.

With any luck the ins co's will pull the plug on paying for repair and replacements, that would be the shot in the arm that this business needs. Yes it would be hard for some, seemingly impossible for others, hard on kit sales(in the short term), but it would legitamitize an industry needing a direction. If it were up to me the NWRA would be lobbying the insurance co's to quit paying for windshields. but hey I'm just one block of tread on a monster truck tire.