SGC Inspections

[RHINOMAN]

Im new to participating in the forum but have kept up with it for a few years. I have spoke with 3 other auto glass co's (specifically about windshield repair) here in the dallas metroplex and all have said the same thing. ive heard the rumors about it moving from state to state, co. to co. (under Safelites umbrella) but as of about 2 weeks ago USAA just started asking to do inspections on almost every call my guys made to them. The other 3 local co's here have dealt with exactly the same issue.

When we actually do get a customer to agree to a scheduled appt. to let them come and inspect it before we do the work, they send a safelite technician out who after inspecting it says "Yes it is a repairable chip & i can go ahead & repair that for you right now, it will only take me 5 min" (something like that) In any case we have lost 4 jobs already to them in 2 weeks because of this nonsense.

What other states are dealing with this? and how similar are the situations?

[Nomad]

Got a notice from USAA about inspections but haven't done a USAA client yet. Sounds like they are trying to steer people to safelite or have had fraudulent claims in the past and want to reduce that but safelite maybe is taking advantage of this. I would say that we should inform the client about steering and its illegality before the safelite guy comes out, then tell them they should call USAA and complain. If they think they will lose customers they will be motivated to change things. There is no reason that safelite will be more honest with the company than anyone else. If they want an inspection then they should send a disinterested third party to evaluate the situation, not some outfit that can make money by performing the service. I think its called moral hazard when you (USAA) put yourself at this kind of risk.

[just chippen away]

I had a Geico insured call in a claim right before I arrived and Geico Saflite said they would wave the inspection this time. This was even before I was advised that Geico (safelite) was also inspecting. I am wondering if they are hand picking certain shops for inspection because of there track record of bate and switching or if they have trucks in the area to steel the work?.... This customer lives right next to me and we live 15 miles out of the city. Also I wonder if the customer says they need it repaired ASAP if that would give the customer a Wave on the inspection to were Safelite does not have the time or a truck in the area fast enough to do the so called inspection / steeling / bullying of the job...

Things for us to think about...

[RHINOMAN]

I got the letter faxed from USAA a couple weeks ago, thats when all this started with USAA and out of 2 of the other local glass guys here, 1 of them said Geico hits them with the inspection every time for the last couple months, the other said hes only had 1 ask for an inspection a couple months ago and i also have had only 1 Geico ask for an inspection in the last couple months. So not sure whats exactly whats going on.

[SeeClearly]

If it were me, I would be there at the inspection. If they require it, we have the right to be a part of it from that end too .

[DryStar]

If it were me, I would be there at the inspection. If they require it, we have the right to be a part of it from that end too .

I guess it would depend on where the inspection took place. Not sure I'd be happy waiting for an inspector giving a 2 hour window of service at a customers location.

What's really interesting is Safelite (who is providing the inspections) are now also collecting an inspection fee on top of a repair/replacement fee if they grab the sale. Not to forget they are paid an "Average Guaranteed" ticket price for repairs which is over double what we receive. Why is the NWRA so silent on this issue?

[D2D]

OK, sincerely hoping I don't ruffle any feathers but, DryStar, how do you know these things? Are you willing to reveal your sources of information?Because the implications of what you state, if true, serve as prima facie evidence of unethical practices by SGC.
And yes, again, where is the almighty NWRA on this and a few other issues that I'm already famous for ranting about. So, DryStar, you don't have to post anything here on the forum but, wouldn't the NWRA take an interest in whatever FACTS you could provide and act on our behalf.
Of course not, how silly of me, we all know the NWRA doesn't CARE,

HEAR THAT MIKE BOYLE?

[DryStar]

OK, sincerely hoping I don't ruffle any feathers but, DryStar, how do you know these things? Are you willing to reveal your sources of information?Because the implications of what you state, if true, serve as prima facie evidence of unethical practices by SGC.
And yes, again, where is the almighty NWRA on this and a few other issues that I'm already famous for ranting about. So, DryStar, you don't have to post anything here on the forum but, wouldn't the NWRA take an interest in whatever FACTS you could provide and act on our behalf.
Of course not, how silly of me, we all know the NWRA doesn't CARE,

HEAR THAT MIKE BOYLE?

D2D,

Belgium-based D'Ieteren, the parent company of Belron has been attempting to control both auto glass replacement and repair worldwide for years. As of now they have been very successful. D'leteren also owns 75% of Avis/Budget car and truck rentals in the UK. Probably explains why I lost all my work with these accounts in US 4 years ago. After Belron bought out Safelite and many others including there acquisition of SGC (TPA) I than lost 90% of all insurance referrals. Who is going to stop them from monopolizing this industry? NWRA or the IGA know they don't have the financial resources to fight them. That's probably why they comment so little.

You ever wondered why Safelite has been advertising so heavily with windshield repair the last couple years? It's because they were getting paid a "Guaranteed Average Invoice Price" whether it was repaired or replaced. Have you noticed they haven't advertised anything for 6 months now? Probably because the reduced numbers they promised to insurance companies didn't match up.

Glassbytes independent forum members have been revealing these facts for some time now. Check them out. You may be also interested in this!

http://www.glassbytes.com/newsAriz20110126.htm

Enjoy your weekend!

[D2D]

As this matter has become an issue on this forum recently, my first reaction is to ask, "where are the movers and shakers" that is to say, companies much bigger than most of us who are even more adversely affected by this thinly disguised manuever by SGC to take over the world.

Thank you, DryStar for helping to enlighten me with posting the Glassbytes link.

There is also a link from 01/26, First Ever Auto Glass Repair and Replacement Technical Standards Summit to be Held

The part that addresses my main concern is this:

The Independent Glass Association (IGA), will be hosting a summit to discuss its recently announced initiative to develop an ANSI technical standard.

The summit will be held on February 11, 2011 at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. The purpose of the summit will be to establish a blueprint for the development of technology standards in the Auto Glass industry such as electronic first notice of loss, electronic inspections and more. The IGA believes that technical standards will put independently owned glass shops in a position to go on the offensive in neutralizing the control that some insurers and their third party administrators exert upon consumer choice.

The association maintains that standards will bring balance back to a skewed marketplace. IGA board member Rick Rosar, owner of Rapid Glass in Minneapolis, MN explains, “The current auto Glass claims process is flawed, cumbersome and breeds distrust. When we have a competitor 'inspecting' customers’ vehicles, it’s time for an overhaul.” The IGA believes that technical standards are the best way for auto glass shops and their trading partners to get back to whats most important... servicing their mutual customer, the automobile owner.

The key statement here is, "the IGA believes that technical standards will put independently owned glass shops in a position to go on the offensive in neutralizing THE CONTROL THAT SOME INSURERS AND THEIR PARTY ADMINISTRATORS EXERT UPON CONSUMER CHOICE.

THE FIGHT IS ON

[D2D]

Mea culpa, I just found out that the NWRA has a new president as of 10/25/2010

Time to pay attention to what's going on, Gary