Sometimes a customer will call their insurance company to report glass damage. If the customer has no repair shop in mind, the insurance co. (via LYNX/Safelite/Harmon, if affiliated), will select a repair shop within the customer's region. Hopefully, it's yours thus a referral. The number of referrals depends on the number of repair shops in your area and the number of customers who call their ins. co. directly.
Being a participant in LYNX/Safelite/Harmon networks assists you in calling in and submitting a claim on the customer's behalf. The network has all your shop information on file which helps the claims process. Of course, you have to agree to their rates.
Dale..great info!! that helps clear things up a bit. on the insurance side of things, lets say im doing a repair for a customer and i call their insurance company to verify they will pay for the repair...how does the insurance company know to pay me for the service? im assuming i submit an invoice to the customers insurance company but how do they know im legitimate? do i need to register my business with someone or need to be on some insurance lists to get recognized as an authorized repair person to get paid?..also, do i send them a bill for my specific fee or is it a pre-determined amount the insurance companies pay out for this service?
Chris,
First, you'll find that most insurance companies belong to one of the networks so you'll be invoicing the network via mail, fax, on-line, electronic, etc. Best if you're registered with the networks. They usually provide a list of insurance companies they handle.
If an insurance company is not a member of a network or you're not sure, call the claims number on the customer's liability card and ask if they waive the deductable. If so, file a claim and ask for invoicing directions. Most will provide you with a fax nbr. Tell them your fee and ask if they'll pay it. Many will ask you to complete a W-9. OR, have the customer pay you directly and have them submit your invoice to their agent for a refund (easier). Have the customer sign the invoice -- you're ligit.
dale...thanks again for the post!!...this is my dilemma...maybe you can help with a recommendation (or anyone else willing to make a suggestion)...i see you recommend joining the networks which will aid in the processing of a customers insurance claim....do you call the network directly while at the customers location? is this a 24 hour service or only m-f? and...will they send me any work? i only plan on starting part time and wont be available until nights and weekends to service customers. can the networks be called nights and weekends? what would you recommend for someone in my position..starting only part time. ??? i want to be able to do as much as possible part time and i want to be able to offer "free wr" to the customers and use insurance. please help. thanks in advance!!!.
Chris, you asked about calling the networks. I call the network to open a claim if the customer has not done so already. I consider the call a service to the customer even though the customer usually has to get on the phone to verify the claim. LYNX and Safelite provide a list of phone nbrs for each insurance company they handle. I kkep mine on my clipboard and/or in my cell phone memory.
LYNX and Safelite operate 24/7. On weekends it may take awhile to get an agent for some of the smaller ins.cos.
