BEST An Add-On Service

[mattmny8]

I am owner of an AGRR in Phoenix, AZ. I am trying to find out why more technicians are not taking advantage of add-on services that insurance companies will reimburse your company for? I have found that VIN Etching is our best "up sell"; usually it pays for gas for the month and/or supplants increasing insurance discount rates. I'm kinda tired of the insurance companies calling the shots and found this is the best way to take it to the insurance companies! Usually 1/3 of the replaced glass HAD PREVIOUSLY had its glass etched so the insurance we bill will easily & LEGALLY reimburse us for replacing the glass with the etched mark. When I started out in the industry, I had no idea that I would have to be so on top of things to push a profit...just wanted to let you know that all insurance companies I've came across will reimburse around $50-$25 to re-VIN Etch a replaced auto glass.

[Frank EU]

Despite the fact that I'm staying a lot of my time in the USA, I'm not too sure on how things in the USA are, but here in Europe (The Netherlands) the insurance companies are not all that happy with WSR businesses doing add-on services. The typical ''Jack repairs anything'' vendors and franchises (vinyl, leather, plastic, wheels, paint, pdr and windshields) are NOT popular. I have visited most insurance and leasing companies in Europe and learned how they think. They really consider that type of businisses as ''suspicious'', and here's why; Windshield work in general is coverred by insurance, whilst most of the other work is not. It is not difficult to imagine what happens.....upholstery or alloy wheels for example are repaired (not coverred by insurance) but they'll be 'friendly' to the customer, and simply offer the job for free by claiming windshield work. Let there be no misunderstanding; this is fraud. And fraud is killing. We all know that there are too many things wrong in our trade -and this is just one example. By adding additional services (like pdr) you a)indeed will make some additional money b)no longer can brag being a specialist doing glass repairs only c)possibly place your business under extra care and attention

[Frank EU]

BTW; VIN-etching will be okay to do. It not only adds to your revenues, it also is a pro-active security thing. (and sometimes even endorsed by inurance and leasing companies)

[AGN]

I don't think you will have that problem in the USA. Here there are plenty of businesses that do as many "related" things as they can to turn a buck. It is not uncommon to see a shop that offers auto glass, stereos, window tinting, VIN etching, wheels and even car detailing. Notice though that all are related to the automotive industry.

As far as inurance companies being suspicious of certain businesses...in the USA the burden of proof is on the accuser. If they suspect fraud it is up to them to inestigate and then bring a lawsuit if they find such evidence.

AGN