The Automotive Service Association (ASA) recently met with Randy Hanson, a claim service manager for Allstate who’s overseeing its direct-repair program, to learn about Allstate’s new technology efforts and vendor credentialing program.
Allstate recently announced that it’s moving forward with an “open
platform” concept for repair facilities in its Priority Repair Option
(PRO) program. The open platform concept is designed to create
efficiencies for customers and repair facilities focused on improving
vehicle repair times; facilitate real-time communications including assignment updates, deductible updates and performance metrics; and
provide Allstate and its customers with greater access to more detailed
repair information to ensure that facilities continue to provide outstanding service.
“From the information provided at the ASA meeting about the Express Repair Link application and the ‘open platform’ concept, it appears as if Allstate’s technology is aimed at creating a more efficient, paperless line of communication between adjusters and repairers,” said Mike Schoonover, owner of Schoonover Bodyworks Inc. in St. Paul, Minn., and member of ASA’s Collision Division Operations Committee and chairman of its
insurance subcommittee.
Darrell Amberson, AAM, ASA Collision Division director and president of Lehman’s Garage Inc. in Bloomington, Minn., said the meeting gave the committee a chance to establish open dialogue between the repairer and the insurer, which he felt was beneficial to both groups.
“Our committee would welcome future meetings with Allstate and other insurers to work toward bettering the collision repair industry and improving the relationships between the insurer and repairer," Amberson said. "I want to particularly compliment Allstate for adapting an open platform policy regarding a repairer’s choice of estimating systems.”
For more information about ASA, visit www.ASAshop.org or visit ASA’s legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.
