New, Confused, Need Help

[mdat]

Hi, I'm trying to get into this business after being laid off for months in the corporate world. I have to do something and know somebody who does windshield repairs. He is an independent contractor for a glass company. The company sets up at car washes and pay the places rent. The guy who does the repairs says he calls the number on the customer's insurance cards and usually it has an automatic prompt for Safelite or Lynk, but sometimes the actual insurance company processes it.

I read on here that some go straight through the Networks for insurance deals. He said you can't do it that way. The company still had to get set up with Safelite and Lynk, etc but contact the insurer's phone number after a repair. I believe some on here do it other ways.

Please explain the options and how it works.

Yes, I've read through a lot on here but it is confusing to someone new and different people are doing different things.

Some run them through the insurance companies directly, but I hear this is time consumiing, some say go through the networks...costs you but saves you time. Some talk about computer software, etc, etc.

What does all this mean? Keep in mind I've never done this before, so what seems a given to you may not be for me.

I appreciate all the help I can get...I need to get this going fast to provide for my family, keep the house, etc.

Thanks

[t4k]

The trouble with your question is there are a lot of different answers and ways to reach the same goal. Everyone has a different approach and they all work. Why not try what your friend currently does? Sounds like you don't have time to reinvent the wheel.

[Rsenest]

You might also do a search for insurance billing...I found a lot of information on this forum by doing searchs

[mdat]

Ok, some call the insurance company directly.

Some go through the networks directly it seems, since I've read where some don't call the insurance company directly. One guy on here said he used to do it himself, but now pays the oney to go through the networks because it is less hassle and work.

Will somebody please explain how this works?

[Brent Deines]

I won't spend the rest of my weekend trying to rewrite all of the posts that have already been made on this subject by those who are actually filing claims on a daily basis, and I'm certainly not the world's foremost authority on the subject, but if you want to give me a call on Monday I think I can give you a pretty clear picture of how it all works in a 10 minute phone conversation. You can reach me at the number listed in red at the top of this page.

[mdat]

I won't spend the rest of my weekend trying to rewrite all of the posts that have already been made on this subject by those who are actually filing claims on a daily basis, and I'm certainly not the world's foremost authority on the subject, but if you want to give me a call on Monday I think I can give you a pretty clear picture of how it all works in a 10 minute phone conversation. You can reach me at the number listed in red at the top of this page.

Cool. I will do that.

Thank You

[mdat]

Thanks for the help Brent. FYI...I received the info you sent.

[Brent Deines]

My pleasure. I know it can be confusing but hopefully you now have a little better understanding of how it all works. I enjoyed chatting with you.

[mrchips]

Each time you get a new customer, ask to see their insurance card that they carry in the glove box (most states require you have one in the car). Call the agent listed first or if its one of the big insurance companies call the 800 number and get their procedure and approval code if needed and then name that on the invoice. Don't forget to find out where they want the invoice sent and over time you will come to know what works in your area and the companies around there. Most companies can and will give you the information or point you in the right direction. Good Luck!

[stockwelld]

I have been doing dealerships and a few cash jobs here and there but would like to start taking insurance. I am probably thinking too much into this that is why I am getting confused! I recently signed up with Lynx...I only carry 300,000 liability at this time so was unable to add State Farm or the others.
If I want to accept insurance from private parties will I need to up my liability so I can be sure their insurance company will allow me to do the work?
I don't want to say I accept insurance if I can't follow through...bad business!!!
Maybe someone can tell me the whole process for insurance billing...I'm sure it's a lot more simple than I'm making it out to be!

Thank You!