should i get into insurance repair?

[jasonsresin]

this is a question i've been considering for a while but haven't really had anyone to talk to about. is this lucrative compared to going around to car dealers. of course i will never stop completely because i have some dealers with re-con centers that i get 10 cars on my weekly visit. how much do you guys charge for insurance repairs, and is it worth it? how would i get started, just go marketing again but to insurance companies this time?

[starstruck]

Insurance work can be very worthwhile. Joining the networks is usually the first step. The insurance companies have set pricing that varies but the average is $50 first, $10 each additional. Some such as Safeco have gone to flat rate $70.

[jasonsresin]

i wouldn't want to go to a customer house or work for $50, but $70 i could. too many things slow you down that way.
for $50 repair, do customers ever come to your shop (aka my house) for a repair?

[starstruck]

Sounds to me like you are better off staying home. lol

[jasonsresin]

lol. lol. i was just talking to a friend today and he joked about wishing he didn't have to be burdened with work. i on the other hand am addicted to keeping my head above water. things are pretty good for me at the car dealers, and i think i'm spoiled by them. four to six cars in one spot is pretty sweet, and some of my dealers are having me to do 'dealer must remove mats' for them which is even sweeter.

[Bois]

I joined LYNX & SGC so that I could handle insurance claims as a convenience to customers - just like I accept checks and credit cards. Many of my customers know that their deductable will be waived and approach me with their insurance card in hand. I didn't join the networks to get referrals - it doesn't happen too often.

Also, in my market the going cash rate for a repair is less than what the insurance companies pay. So, I enjoy the extra money from insurance jobs - even though I have to wait 3 weeks to get paid.

[sydfloyd44]

I would HIGHLY advise you to NOT have customers coming to your house. Not only potential issues with your neighbors, but township zoning issues and not to mention the fact that what happens when a customers show up at your house on Sunday afternoon when you are trying to have a family picnic?

[harrellbenjamin]

Originally Posted by sydfloyd44

I would HIGHLY advise you to NOT have customers coming to your house. Not only potential issues with your neighbors, but township zoning issues and not to mention the fact that what happens when a customers show up at your house on Sunday afternoon when you are trying to have a family picnic?

Your right about the zoning and nosey neighbors.Thats why I moved deep south so I dont have to worry about that kind of stuff..well the zoning issues anyways LOL.

For someone to look at referrals from Ins co as the meat of their business you might be a little disappointed.I would use it only as an addition to your business ,not your main focus.Now in a very Metro area ,I may be off but looks like an awfull lot of running around/time invested for a $65-70 repair......plus dealing with the type of people you will be servicing will make you nuts LOL.............JMHO but if used right would add some $$$$.

[chips1144]

What are you charging dealers for one break, and what about the do not remove mats???

[tooldini]

I love insurance referrals, and thats pretty much all I do. I you just rely on referrals you may get frustrated some days when you get none or only one. Then other days you may get 7-10. Thats the way it goes with referrals. Travel can be a pain sometimes but I am usually able to map a nice loop route, usually spend 15-20 in gas today with the prices. Still make more hourly when I work than the auto workers Today I got 3 lynx and 1 gerber referral so I am cool with that. Some people will get angry when discussing this issue of whether to do insurance referrals or not but basically you not being smart if you avoid it.