Safelite Solutions has joined the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) in an effort to create more awareness of "windshield bullies" and other insurance fraudsters in the glass repair industry.
NICB welcomes the Columbus, Ohio-based company and its wholly owned subsidiary Alliance Claims Solutions, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as their first Strategic Partner in the fight against insurance fraud.
Safelite and Alliance provide claims management solutions for the nation's leading fleet and insurance companies. The company currently serves as a third-party administrator of vehicle glass claims for more than 175 insurance and fleet companies, including 18 of the top 30 property and casualty (P&C) insurance companies.
“The new category of Strategic Partner allows us to work closely with select companies that have a vested interest and commitment in fighting insurance fraud or vehicle theft, but don’t meet our typical membership requirements,” says NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle.
The partnership allows Safelite to more seamlessly share information with NICB, as permitted by its insurance clients, to track suspicious claims.
Wehrle says that fraudulent glass claims cost insurers and vehicle owners millions of dollars each year. Questionable claims submitted to NICB related to auto glass fraud increased from 228 in 2008 to 2,142 in 2010.
“Most of our insurance company customers are already members of NICB, so we know how valuable this partnership can be,” says Pete Pearson, senior vice president of Safelite. “We look forward to working with NICB. We believe this partnership can send a strong anti-fraud message across the nation.”
