Navigating Insurance Relationships: Tips for Managing and Maximizing Insurance Partnerships

Collision repair centers work very closely with insurance agencies. Because of this, it's crucial to have a good relationship with the agents who can either approve or deny claims from your clients. If done properly, you can develop a relationship with your local agents that can help you get your clients the help they need and your auto body shop on top.

1. Build Strong Relationships with Insurance Adjusters

In many cases, you'll probably be working with the same insurance adjusters for several years. This gives you the opportunity to build strong relationships with them. To do this, you can ask questions, listen, and show interest. Offer assistance when appropriate, and understand what they can and can't do. This will go a long way towards helping develop and maintain your relationship with them.

2. Understand Insurance Policies Thoroughly

Insurance policies can be tricky, but if you've been in the business for several years, you've probably gotten a strong understanding of them. Use this knowledge to your advantage. You can educate your customers, and help prevent your agent from being bombarded by customers making demands that will never be met. Your agent will be grateful, and your inside knowledge may lead them to send new customers your way.

3. Offer Transparent and Accurate Estimates

No one likes getting an estimate only to find out later that the final bill is far more than you originally stated. When you give an estimate, make it clear the reasons why. If it's possible that something more may be wrong than you originally thought, then give a price range for the low end and the unexpected. It's always possible that you may find out the damage done is more than you originally found.

 4. Utilize Technology for Efficiency

Technology can be used to make your life easier. It also looks good when someone like an insurance adjuster comes to visit your shop, they see it's in good shape, and that you use technology to speed up the repair process.

5. Provide Excellent Customer Service

A business with no customers is soon out of business. This is why excellent customer service is a must. If people search your facility and find negative reviews, they will likely avoid your shop in favor of another one. By building trust with your customers, you will also build trust with your insurance agents, who will likely send more customers your way.

6. Stay Updated on Industry Changes

The industry is constantly changing as technology evolves. It’s important to keep up with the changing tides so you know what is coming and can prepare accordingly. It will also impress your insurance agents if you can speak knowledgeably about what's next on the horizon.

7. Track Performance and Outcomes

If you keep track of your performance and outcomes, you can see what you're doing right, what you're doing wrong, and make plans to adjust. If a specific repair is taking longer than your competitors, it could be because they use newer technology. In this case, you can get similar tools, and speed up the process.

Are you looking for more up-to-date resources? At Collision Resources, our scheduling software can help collision repair centers improve efficiency and maximize your insurance partnerships. Reach out today to get started.