Windshield Repair Forum

I'm a 20 year full time mobile repair vet. I've visited this forum may times, but this is my first post. I've worked for the networks for almost 4 years, and although I'd prefer not to, they provide good fill work, and have helped fill the void of lost dealer work during the recession. I'd rather dance their dance and take what they pay as opposed to allowing a competitor get the work. I view the networks as a necessary evil.
I received a notice from Lynx today stating that Allstate is starting to offer "Next Gen Self Service" on
10-16-09 which will allow policyholders and agents to set up glass claims, and schedule appointments online without ever consulting the repair company. The letter states only providers who allow e-scheduling will be offered any of these jobs. As I'm sure you can imagine, I can not allow anyone else scheduling my appointments for a variety of good reasons, but mainly because of weather factors, and the fact that I have standing appointments each week at my dealers which I'm sure would cause conflict. I'm not sure how many Allstate policyholders will use this service, or how many service providers in my area will allow e-scheduling, but I was wondering what others think about this.

I don't like the fact that if you want to get work this way you have to be using Glaxis compatible software, which is an additional expense. Why doesn't LYNX just go to EDI via website like Safelite and Harmon? I am also wondering what kind of "time window" they schedule the work for. I am assuming they probably give the insured a 4 hour window and when you get the assignment you will call and iron down a more specific time for the repair to be done. They really can't expect us to be sitting around waiting for assignments. To tell you the truth I have never received an Allstate dispatch anyway so this probably won't change the way I do business. Have I done Allstate work? Yes, but it has been from customers calling me first not their insurance co.

If you go to the Lynx Services web site and click on the e-Scheduling link, all your questions will be answered. I will not be using this for the same reasons that GSWRsvc stated.