Allstate is reaching out to auto repairers to explain its recent technology efforts and vendor credentialing program — and getting rave reviews for creating a positive dialogue.

Allstate has been implementing what it calls an “open-platform” concept for repair facilities with its Priority Repair Option (PRO) program. The company said the concept is designed to create efficiencies for customers and repair facilities that are 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 help ensure that facilities continue to provide an outstanding level of service.

The relationship between insurer and repairer is often publicized as being contentious, so it's unsurprising that members of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) responded positively to a recent meeting in which they had direct access to Allstate's claim service manager. In a release from the ASA, which represents independent automotive service and repair professionals, members seemed genuinely excited about the prospect of change.

“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, ASA's insurance subcommittee chairman and owner of Schoonover Bodyworks.

A main component of these streamlined processes is the fact that repairers are given more options to communicate effectively with the insurer.

“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,” said Darrell Amberson, ASA's collision division director and president of Lehman's Garage. “I want to particularly compliment Allstate for adapting an open-platform policy regarding a repairer's choice of estimating systems.”

Allstate's claim service manager, Randy Hanson is overseeing the direct-repair program. He expressed similar feelings of goodwill regarding insurer-repairer communication.

“This meeting gave me an opportunity to sit face-to-face with collision repairers who know and understand the issues so that we can learn more about what will help shops serve customers better,” said Hanson. “It also presented the opportunity for ASA to learn more about our vendor credentialing process, better understand the need for it, and encourage shops to work though the process.”

Claims recently investigated some of the issues that exist between insurers and repairers. Read the article by clicking here.

Interested in more auto-claim news and in-depth articles? Head over to Claims' auto-claim channel for more information.

Special Reports /

Allstate Reaches Out to Repairers

Related Stories

Recommended For You