COVER STORY: Win Fans for Life
By giving customers the ultimate service experience and treating them with gratitude, empathy and respect, you can earn their lifelong loyalty and increase your sales more than you ever thought possible.
CIECA Offering Free Online Courses
The Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA) announced the launch of a free online training and instructional platform, CIECA University. The Web site offers several course modules that average 10 minutes in length. Current course offerings include: Why migrate from EMS to the new BMS (Business Message Specification)? What messages exist and who are the
Insurer Says Communication with DRP Shops Improved Through Performance Claims Tools
One year after launching the Performance Claims tools for managing its auto claims processes, California Casualty Management Company (CCMC) says it has gained new efficiencies and better communication with its EARN DRP shops, as well as eliminated guesswork about the requirements of being in its preferred network. CCMC believes that through its adoption of open
Allstate Appoints New Manager of PRO Program
Allstate Insurance Company announced that Randy Hanson has been named claim service manager of the insurer’s Priority Repair Option (PRO) program. Hanson will be responsible for managing the PRO program, which includes approximately 4,500 vehicle repair facilities nationwide. Hanson replaces Sam Whiteman, who will serve as claims field director of Allstate’s Midwest Region. Allstate launched
SCRS Petitions Information Providers to Provide BMS Extract
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) believes the Estimating Management System (EMS) standard, while still fulfilling its intended purpose, is outdated and turn-of-the-century technology from both a design and content perspective. The Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA) developed the EMS to transfer an estimate from the estimating system to the shop management system.
DRPs: Our Business Skills
Stop the finger pointing. How well we do in this trade has a lot more to do with our business skills than with how “bad” insurers are. In fact, direct-repair programs have, dare I say it, made many shops more efficient and profitable. It was more than 40 years ago, but I still remember sitting
Ignorance Is Expensive
Both the autobody and insurance industries are throwing away money by relying on the estimating software companies to manage data.
Forget the Decoder Ring: CIECA’s EMS System
Because information providers are no longer considering encryption or licensing agreements to limit access of estimate data as it travels along the Internet from shop to insurer, the goal of CIECA’s EMS standard can finally be achieved: No more re-keying data. No matter what provider you use, the EMS system can format the estimate so when it gets to the insurer, it looks just how they wanted it.
The Good and Bad of Internet Estimating
The most recent trend in Internet application is online estimating or the execution of estimates through a Web service. Is this new trend right for your shop? Consider these pros and cons before signing up.
From Tow Truck Drives to Computer Drives
He says he saw a UFO, he wears flip-flops and he used to drive a tow truck, but what does shop network-owner Erick Bickett have to say about computers, consolidation and Christmas?