new kit owner

[Zach's Glass]

i recently purchased a delta kit. i want to form my own business. i have work in the glass repair business for several months. i want to get in with lynx, and safelite. the company i worked for is already in with lynx and safelite. i called safelite they advised me i would have to be in business for 1 year before i could get in thier network same with lynx. is there anyway around this? 2nd question if i do retail repair can i bill the insurance myself, or would it be better for me to do the repair and give my customer a copy of the invoice for them to turn into their insurance co. thanks

[CPR]

Welcome aboard Zach, grab a cold one and spend a few nights reading this forum. Once you read it it is like an encyclopedia on windshield repair, I wish it was printable, would make a great book. Once you get a good idea on what is going on here you can ask some more specific questions on what you are having trouble with.

[Repair1]

Zach,

Welcome to the forum!!!

There are ways you can get around the networks. I personally don

[DaveC]

Reapir1,

I believe it is a question of networks trying to limit their liability. Face it, for a variety of reasons, many new businesses fail.

Should a repair or replacement become an issue in a suit, and the business that did the repair/replacement is no longer around (or is insolvent), my guess is the insured would go after the company that approved the claim?

[driller]

Zach , you can bill yourself when you get home, but you need a 'claim form' to fax to the agent so your not simply routed to safelite etc...

On average you can make about $20 to $40 more on a job billing it yourself.

You can't pick a dollar amount out of the blue to bill because the insurance companies do have guidelines of what they pay.

example: 59.95 first chip and $10.00 EA for 2nd and 3rd chip (some Ins co. will pay $20.00 EA for 2nd and 3rd chip) .

Good Luck..

[driller]

Check out (Desertstars) "Insurance direct billing letter" and your good to go.

[maxryde]

Welcome Zach, You have a good start with the choice of equipment!! Being new to the WSR feild you may want to use a program like ACT to simplify billing. I use them and while it can be expensive it is well worth the $ when the day is done and so is your paperwork!! If you prequalify the repair the cost is reduced by half and being that you are new it may be to your advantage to begin this way. Again good luck, Scott:~)

[Zach's Glass]

where can i find the ACT billing information?

[DaveC]

Zach,

Welcome to the forum!

I responded to ACT post in the other thread that you started.

My (personal) recommendations for you .......

Don't overcomplicate things!!!! Your first priority should be to learn how to make quality repairs. This can only be accomplished by practicing, practicing and even more practicing. You can beg/borrow/steal a practice windshield, or you can try and get permission from a junkyard owner to practice on the junked vehicles.

Secondly, take your time and really read through this forum. There's a ton of good information adn tips that can guide you through some typical repair issues as well as marketing and billing issues.

As for training.... Delta recently had an official training class in Texas. Not too sure when they may plan to do another in your area, but they can certainly advise you of their training schedule. Additionally, several fellow Texans have alluded to the fact that they rode along with the Coitster. You may want to PM him and see if he might be available (IOW, if his wife will let him;) for his one-on-one repair/marketing/dollar store shopping training course;)

[maxryde]

Zach, Dave is right on with the catching up with a seasoned tech. Coitster is a good guy willing to share and help with your questions when he can. Or txfirefiter may be of help too. He has spent some time with the Coitster and may be able to help.
The folks at delta can put you on track with ACT or liquid resins in Fla. are responsible for the program, call them direct if you like. As I stated in my last post the cost is high but you can pay it off with a few repairs per month or so. I hope this helps and Dave was right on with the practice, practice, practice, practice, also questions when you hit a tough repair.
Good luck Scott:~)