Startup questions

[Mike Allen]

Hi Guys and Gals. Great site you have here and a special thanks to Delta kits for hosting this. There is so much information that I now feel overwhelmed.

I'm not new to the industry but it has been a few years and I only have one year of experience. I started out working with Vision Auto Glass in Colorado Springs doing repairs for them. But there are a lot of huge differences between that company back then and what's out there now.

My questions are aimed at the actual startup. I'm in the process of filing paperwork with the state and IRS so it will be only a short time before that's all done. Next month I'll be seeing my bonus and tax returns in a few weeks and with that I'll have the cash on hand to buy everything outright that I need.

How do I go about billing the ins. companies direct for a WR?

The plan I have is a part-time mobile business like most. When I worked for Vision, we had a call center that handled the insurance companies for us. I just took down all the information and passed it on. Rarely did a company wish to speak with me or the cust. I've read about lynxservices and even had all-state and state farm tell me today that's who I should deal with to get jobs. That's not the route I wish to go. I would prefer the customers come to me and then I handle the billing part versus being contracted out.


Invoicing, bus. cards, lettering for my truck, banking info I think I have all figured out. Getting in with the ins co is the part I don't fully have my head wrapped around yet.

Thanks for any help and I'm glad I found this site.

[repare-brise]

The best way to work with the insurance companies is not too, Do fleets, dealers, and cash retail, insurance isn't worth the hassle, plus in a few years hopefully we wont have the insurance companies to deal with.

The buzz in the insurance trade is that the WS will soon become a normal wear item , just like tires, breaks, ect. When you get a nailin your tire does your insurance pay for it? No either you get it patched or replaced, and you pay. When your hood is peppered with stone chips does your insurance pay to have it repainted? Again no, so why the WS? Learn to live without them and you will ahead of the game, but again it's just my opinion.

At Your Service

[Mike Allen]

I didn't really want to deal with them anyway but I know that somewhere it will come up. And I'm not one to turn away money, er I mean a customer. Thanks Yvan.

[Mike Allen]

Is there anyone in the Maryland area that wouldn't mind a tag along? As I mentioned earlier I have some experince so I wouldn't be a total deadweight and I can buy lunch too.

I can't PM right now, must be FNG restrictions, but I saw somewhere that MAFSU had helped someone out. So if you read this, would you mind lending a hand?

Thanks

[repare-brise]

Should you not find anyone localy, you are welcome to takea ride up to Quebec, it would be my pleasure to have you ride along.

At Your Service

[mafsu]

Mike email me chris@ohnonotagain.com

[Robin Hood]

Mike where are you at in Maryland?

[Dave M]

I see nothing wrong with doing insurance work. It adds to the mix of retail (cash), dealers and fleet acccounts. Maybe I'm one of the few on this forum, but after signing on with METRYX my insurance jobs for the first 5 weeks of this year have tripled over the same period last year! Checks actually seem to be arriving earlier. Not being in Canada....maybe that's the difference regarding insurance work?

[Mike Allen]

Thanks Yvan. I actually mapped out the drive last night from Annapolis. Only 13 hours and there is a lot I want to see and do in New England this year anyway. I'll have to see what kind of time I can get away from the miltary.


Robin Hood - I'm in Annapolis. I noticed that you aren't to far away from me in B'more. I doubt we'd be competition though. I'll be part time in ANP and here only. So if you truly wouldn't mind, I;d love to ride along for a day. Thanks

[Robin Hood]

I agree that is a little far for me especially with gas prices. Email me your phone number and lets talk. Good to know another tech down your way. I know many people that work in Annapolis.