E-direct billing and network q\'s

[all starr]

I am curious if say a client has an insurance company with full coverage that you know will cover the repair, must you still call it in before? Or can you just have them sign, do the work, and file it online with edirect online and still get paid?

also do most companies need to talk to the customer, or can you call in ahead to the networks for a pre-authorization without them having to speak to the customer? for instance before you arive at the job.

Thanks,

Jared
All Star Windshield Repair

[Bois]

I'm surprised that no one has responded to your questions. I just got back from vacation or you would have heard from me earlier.

In order to use edirect, or other electronic system, you must be registered with the networks. The claim needs to be filed and a dispatch/referal number issued.

Most insurance companies want to talk with the customer. Allstate is an exception.

Dale...

[all starr]

thanks for your response, I was hoping someone would respond. lol. Actually i have been signed up with the networks already thru e-direct, as i am also signed up with them as well. I guess I was wondering what exactly the process is for ins claims. I am new at this and have only done cash or fleet jobs so far. I want to do more ins jobs, but was wondering a way to save time. when i call safelite or lynx for authorization how long does the call typicaly take? what will they want to know? do you spend forever on hold with them? E-direct says they will give me a walk through for billing when i have some invoices, but i don't yet. I guess i am just trying to be prepared , and wanted to know what to expect.

I was also wondering if a client has full coverage with an ins company on the network list, will they always be covered if its full coverage? Thanks for all your help and feedback.

Jared
All Star Windshield Repair

[Bois]

When I call LYNX or Safelite I generally try to give them customer name, customer's home ZIP code, phone nbr., policy nbr., date of loss, nbr of chips, my name, company name and phone nbr. I'm generally on the phone for about 1 minute. There is very little wait time unless you're calling on weekends. Some insurance cos. want to get all this info directly from the customer. And, some insurance cos. (e.g.,progressive) will keep the insured on the phone for 5 minutes. Long enough to start the repair process. When the insurance co. is finished with the customer, they will give you a dispatch nbr. and verify their rate.

I call in every job even though I know the insured has full coverage. Sometimes insurance cos. change their policies (e.g. Mercury Ins.) and cease waiving the deductable. When dealing with lesser known insurance companies, the LYNX or Safelite agent may have to verify coverage with the insurance cos. headquarters. If calling on a weekend, you may have to wait until Monday to get coverage verification. If I'm familiar with such a co. I will proceed with the repair but make sure the customer is aware that they would be responsible for the cost should the insurance com. decline to waive the deductable.

Dale...

[all starr]

Thanks. I appreaciate your response and assitance. I will try doing that and see how things go.