Safelite Solutions has joined the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) in an effort to createmore awareness of “windshield bullies” and other insurancefraudsters in the glass repair industry.

NICB welcomes the Columbus, Ohio-based company and its whollyowned subsidiary Alliance Claims Solutions, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as their first Strategic Partner in thefight against insurance fraud.

Safelite and Alliance provide claims management solutions forthe nation's leading fleet and insurance companies. The companycurrently serves as a third-party administrator of vehicle glassclaims for more than 175 insurance and fleet companies, including18 of the top 30 property and casualty (P&C) insurance companies.

“The new category of Strategic Partner allows us to work closelywith select companies that have a vested interest and commitment infighting insurance fraud or vehicle theft, but don't meet ourtypical membership requirements,” says NICB President and CEOJoe Wehrle.

The partnership allows Safelite to more seamlessly shareinformation with NICB, as permitted by its insurance clients, totrack suspicious claims.

Wehrle says that fraudulent glass claims cost insurers andvehicle owners millions of dollars each year. Questionable claimssubmitted to NICB related to auto glass fraud increased from 228 in 2008 to 2,142 in2010.

“Most of our insurance company customers are already members ofNICB, so we know how valuable this partnership can be,” says PetePearson, senior vice president of Safelite. “We look forward toworking with NICB. We believe this partnership can send a stronganti-fraud message across the nation.”