StateFarm to waive deductible again?

[frenchmex]

I've heard several rumors that due to customer outcry, StateFarm is considering re-instating their previous policy of waiving deductibles for ws repairs. Has anyone else heard anything about that?

[rescue]

Lets hope not. Insurance companies are not our friend. I hope all of the others follow State Farm's lead and eliminate the deductible waiver. Then we'll be able to earn a fair price for our service.

I personally don't do insurance jobs. COD only: cash, check or credit card.

[clear]

that makes no sense its great and all that you dont go through the networks but those of us who average 70 or more repairs a week really like the networks its like getting a check in the mail everyday and i mean everyday

[Layne]

I think that State Farm had the customer in mind when they initially established their "waiver of deductible" policy. I believe that cancellation of this policy was the brainchild of young executives within the system to yield even more profits.

Others will probably follow their lead. It is the policy holders that will sffer the loss of benefits.

[Dave M]

Rescue,

That may not be the case! A customer called today wanting info on the repair process, my fee and when I was able to do the work. She was in a hurry because she wanted to call back the ins. co. Once she mentioned insurance I asked which company she had....State Farm. I advised her about State Farm no longer waiving the deductible for w/s repair and she would have to pay out of pocket. Because she is insured with State Farm I would charge her the same as Lynx allows ($50) but not to bother with filing a claim. She was okay with what I had explained.
15 minutes later I receive a call from Lynx with a claim for this customer.
They are advising their insured to file a claim even if the cost is under their deductible amount. If the repair ever fails the money is applied to their deductible when w/s is replaced. However, if the repair does fail the money is refunded to the insured not State Farm.
My point is.......If State Farm is advising their insured to file a claim for repairs and you are a member of Lynx, you are not going to make any more money!

[StarQuest]

Interesting comments!

So far, I haven't seen one other big insurance provider follow in State Farms foot steps! Geez...I wonder why? Could it be that possibly State Farm has seen their replacement reimbersement cost sky rocket this year?

Guess none of us will really know till State Farms 2006 auto glass financial reports are released!

[mafsu]

What kind of bonehead move would it be(on the customer's part) to file a claim with the insurance company if it's not covered by their insurance?

[Layne]

Mafsu. I agree with you. Filing a claim with the insurance company triggers a "ping" on your policy whether or not a payment was disbursed. The more "pings" that you get, the more apt the insurance companies are to consider you as a high risk and can opt not to renew your contract.

[Dave M]

Obviously, I don't know what was said between the insured and Lynx, but whatever it was changed their mind about filing the claim! Could be State Farms method of recording repairs vs. replacement, or that Lynx mentions to the customer that if the repair fails the money is applied to their deductible. This being said, the customer may have figured that if there was a failure of the repair, the $100 deductible would than be only $50 to replace. Sort of misleading, don't ya think!?

[Dave M]

Regarding the insured getting a "ping" on their record for calling in a claim for a repair when the deductible is not waived...I just got off the phone with State Farm, an actual claim is not filed until the repair fails and insured wants w/s replaced. Now get this.....State Farm will reimburse the insured what was paid for the repair and the glass shop/repair company must than reimburse State Farm. Can you see the problems this will cause?
Of course if you don't have failed repairs, there's no problem!