Allstate Drops Lynx

[SGT]

I often wondered why Lynx did not have the online capabilities as the other networks to enter invoices directly on their websites. That kind of forced our hands to use an EDI service such as edirect. How many used edirect strictly for all state invoicing and will now drop them? What will that mean to edirect?

[just chippen away]

I use glasscomp. They will also take a bite in the loss of work..

[DryStar]

My personal opinion is that Lynx will be history in the next few years. Safelite is now controlling 19 of the top 20 insurances after Allstate moves...and it won't be long before they try to grab State Farm.

I'd like for repairs to go all cash in the future, that would definitely level the playing field.

I dropped my EDI service last year as I no longer find it profitable with billing claims.

[Windshield911]

My personal opinion is that Lynx will be history in the next few years. Safelite is now controlling 19 of the top 20 insurances after Allstate moves...and it won't be long before they try to grab State Farm.

I'd like for repairs to go all cash in the future, that would definitely level the playing field.

+1

[paulrsf]

My personal opinion is that Lynx will be history in the next few years. Safelite is now controlling 19 of the top 20 insurances after Allstate moves...and it won't be long before they try to grab State Farm.

I'd like for repairs to go all cash in the future, that would definitely level the playing field.

+1

I, personally, would not like for repairs to go all cash in the future because at least with network referrals, the average repair pays me $70.00. If repairs were to go all cash, I think the annoying guy up the block who charges only $20 for a repair would suddenly become my competition. As it is, at least the money I receive from the networks evens things out somewhat.

[DryStar]

My personal opinion is that Lynx will be history in the next few years. Safelite is now controlling 19 of the top 20 insurances after Allstate moves...and it won't be long before they try to grab State Farm.

I'd like for repairs to go all cash in the future, that would definitely level the playing field.

+1

I, personally, would not like for repairs to go all cash in the future because at least with network referrals, the average repair pays me $70.00. If repairs were to go all cash, I think the annoying guy up the block who charges only $20 for a repair would suddenly become my competition. As it is, at least the money I receive from the networks evens things out somewhat.

Point taken but how would you feel when the referral well drys up, which it has in many areas over the last 4 years? I'd rather compete with the $20 vendor any-day over the TPA dominance.

[Windshield911]

Insurance repairs is keeping most of these 20.00 repair guys in business. Insurance companies quit paying for repairs, many of these 20.00 guys will dry up.

[paulrsf]

DryStar -

I don't see it as an "all or nothing at all" issue. I try not to base too much of my business on any one manner of achieving my goals. I like the combination of network referrals mixed with retail cash business from a variety of sources. -And to answer your question, I would not like it at all if the well dries up on insurance referrals. For now I have a pretty good balance and I hope it stays that way for the foreseeable future.

[DryStar]

DryStar -

I don't see it as an "all or nothing at all" issue. I try not to base too much of my business on any one manner of achieving my goals. I like the combination of network referrals mixed with retail cash business from a variety of sources. -And to answer your question, I would not like it at all if the well dries up on insurance referrals. For now I have a pretty good balance and I hope it stays that way for the foreseeable future.

If your getting a steady flow of insurance work, I would feel the same and want things to stay as they are. During 2003-2006 I dropped all fleet and dealer accounts because of all these network referrals. (average was 35-45 a week) Soon after 2006 they dried up and had to adjust. Looking back, wish I would've trained and hired somebody to handle all my fleet and dealer work while I catered to the networks. I didn't which was my error.

Today, I provide 65% cash sales, 25% fleet and dealer work and only 10% percent with insurance.

Balance is good but I'll never count on networks to provide work for me in the future. To much of a gamble, they change the game too often.

[chipfixman]

I can't imagine doing only 10% insurance. I am up to 6-8 insurance referrals per day. I have focused on insurance jobs and it has improved my business significantly. If you are not getting referrals it is probably because of number of reasons, such as population, competition, your ranking with the network or insurance company based on quality of repairs and customer service. I have a good rating and most weeks I make over $2000 in just insurance referrals. This is what I have decided: Insurance companies are my friend, most networks are not---however, I have to play their game and dance their dance. I am not sold on Lynx or SGC. I am happy with other referral programs and network companies that don't try to shut me down.