Dave M wrote:I have signed up with the 3 major networks and send my paperwork to GlassComp to handle the billing ($2.25 per invoice). Do I receive referrals from these Networks? Very few. But that's not why I joined them.
I've had very few problems with any of the Networks, and a simple phone call would solve any problem that came up!
When I receive a call from an Ins. customer I always instruct them to tell their agent or Network CSR that My company is their preferred business to do the repair and to make sure that the Network understands that it's a repair not a replacement that is needed.
Do I care that these Networks are owned and operated by major replacement and repair companies? Yes and no, this is my business and at this point and time I feel this is the smoothest and easiest way for me to operate. Until something happens that totally convinces me otherwise....
Hey Dave could you send me more info on GlassComp Thanks!
To say the least, this subject has been enlightening!
Thanks for your input Dave---it really opened my eyes.
As one preparing to purchase general liability insurance in an attempt to become a member on the preferred list, the likelyhood of getting only a couple of referrals from those organizations is very discouraging. I would spend a tidy sum with little or no return for my investment
The tactics that Dave described is nothing short of fraud...pure and simple. What surprises me is that the insurance companies do not do a better job of monitoring the quality of service provided by their contractors. With all of the public's suspicions regarding the premium rates they are charging, it would appear that they would like do something to improve their image. Maybe this would be a good issue to bring to the attention of the regulating authorities...or quite possibly our respective congressional delegations.
You should consider purchasing General Liability and/or Garage Keepers Insurance even if you do not join the Networks. It's my belief that all businesses, even us little guys, should have insurance.
As I posted earlier, joining the Networks was NOT to get referrals. It won't happen! Maybe one here, one there. Try not looking at it to get a return on your investment for purchasing insurance.
Since I am retired and am only a "part time" wsr, I was somehow under the impression that general liability insurance would allow me to be placed on the approved lists. I remember receiving a contract document a few years back from State Farm that indicated that. This was when I first sought insurance and the quote was $1300.00 for an annual premium. Even with a sharp pencil I could only eke out about $700.00 net profit for a full year of work after insurance premiums.
As I read from the posts of the larger techs in here, I can see that ethical practices may be almost non-existent among the various contractors. I have experienced in the last couple of years some 2 months elapsing before I received payment from one of those. It took numerous e-mails and my stated intentions to forward the entire package to the office of the Insurance Commissioner befor getting paid. No doubt the situation will get even worse.
I expect a quote next week from a local firm regarding general liability. The agent agreed that I don't have a need for "shopkeepers" since I am mobile and do not drive the client's vehicles. It appears to be an affordable option but I forsee the probability that few, if any, referrals will result from this. Obviously the general liability protects the insurance companies from claims initiated by their clients ...we pay for their protection!
Don't get insurance to get referrals. Join the networks or not. Being on their approved list can make your customers feel more comfortable when the claim is called in(use it as a sales tool). Most of all don't sit around waiting for referrals. By that I mean don't wait for business to come to you, go out and get it.
It is possible to sign up directly with Safelite (SGC Network) and Lynx and still use ACT. Just make sure ACT knows that you already have a parent ID# from Safelite and are registered with Lynx. They will then submit your invoices with your tax ID number instead of theirs.
ACT only charges a fee if you use their service and only when the insurance company pays (no fee if for some reason the insurance company rejects the invoice). If you are extremely busy, you can have ACT do a "full service" claim where you are only on the phone for 15 seconds. That will give you time to assist another customer or get started on the repair. When not so busy, you can to the verification & get the authorization and then call in the "self service" ACT job in usually less than 2 minutes. No postage, no charge from ACT for the phone call.
There are also a lot of Insurance companies that do not use Safelite or Lynx. I have ACT programmed into my speed dial along with State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Progressive(NOT!) and a few others.