State Farm To Stop Waiving Deductibles?

[Dave M]

Interesting topic on GlassBytes regarding State Farm and possibly no longer willing to waive deductibles for repairs! The replacement folks are just eating this up.
Anyone hear any "rumors" about this topic?

http://www.glassbytes.com/newsstatefarm20050418.htm

[Delta Kits]

There are rumors floating around that they will make a change in "the use of an insured's deductible where windshield repair is concerned."

They are supposed to make an announcement of some sort next week, but the State Farm guy said the rumours are not "completely accurate."

Stay tuned...

[maxryde]

The article says "State Farm is going to enact a change in the use of an insured's deductible where windshield repair is concerned." So I guess we'll find out soon. I really don't care for their take on repair anyway. They could use to reep a large volume of replacements in the place of repair claims and then mabey they will make some better choices, (Doubtfull). If this is to spread it will certainly hurt the repair industry. Scott

[Delta Kits]

The article says "State Farm is going to enact a change in the use of an insured's deductible where windshield repair is concerned."

That's what Glassbytes' take on the rumor is, not anything that State Farm themselves have said.

Just wanted to point that out for people who don't read the article.

[sunshine wr]

Won't hurt me to much I only do about 10 insurance jobs a year.

[StarQuest]

I heard about this a few weeks back. I wouldn't panic about it though even if it does take effect. Think about it? Most consumers are being forced into higher glass deductibles ($250-$500) lately to keep overall premiums lower. With current NAG revisions that means many more insureds would have to pay for a full windshield replacement out of pocket. Lower repair cost will still be the choice for these individuals over higher replacement cost. Actually your repair business could blossom;) The only negative I foresee with this happening is the repair market might be flooded with fly by night cut throat operators trying to make a easy buck by offering $20 repairs. Maybe all this talk about licensing repair makes more sense now.

I think the bottom line here is "INSURANCE COMPANY'S WANT OUT OF THE GLASS BUSINESS COMPLETELY" and this is just one step closer to obtaining their goal.

[sunshine wr]

CW, In answer to your PM you read correctly I do the repair when they call me. I don't go hunting those "FREE" repairs.

[MaryCoit]

If there weren't so many hacks and also fraudulent activity going on in this industry I don't think State Farm would be pulling out. I see horrible repairs on a daily basis. Its terrible and it makes it harder to sell. Repair techs don't seem to care about doing quality repairs and offering warrenties on there work and insurance companies are well aware of whats going on. Expect others to follow.

[dgarza]

well heck. most of my repairs are state farm in this area. hope this doesnt mean what it looks like! I mainly go out and find my work and sell a free insuarance repair. Its much easier to sell a free repair!

[scratchy]

Rumors are rumors. State Farm is one of the easiest to work with when your are O & A approved though. Here is an interesting trend. My business has picked up significantly and it is more cash repairs than insurance. WSR is here to stay folks. There is nothing to worry about as long as laminated glass is being used like it is.