When fleet equipment goes down due to an accident, fleet operators and commercial collision centers that cater to fleets now have a high-tech solution that helps get units up and running as quickly as possible. The solution is a web-based commercial estimating system that can speed decisions, streamline repairs and improve the overall claims and loss recovery process. Benefits of this kind can have a direct and positive impact on in-house fleet or commercial equipment repair centers and claims administrators.
While the traditional manual estimating process can often be overwhelming – filled with paperwork and repetitive steps – companies that have automated estimating systems in place can realize clear competitive advantages and benefits that include:
- Enriched estimate detail and accuracy
- Improved standardization and consistency
- Enhanced productivity and efficiency
- Increased loss recovery
- Organized access to and retrieval of files and information
- Reduced downtime and claim resolution cycle time
One example of an electronic estimating system is PPG’s AdjustRite commercial estimating system. AdjustRite utilizes proprietary logic and the latest web-based technology to produce accurate, detailed estimates. The estimating system includes a comprehensive listing of commercial equipment and repair data. The system’s online technology allows it to produce mobile estimates based on the latest compiled parts and repair information, and locate, price and order the exact parts required for a given repair. Automated features dramatically reduce the time it takes to write a professional, accurate estimate.
Additionally, a web-based estimating system can be accessed from any internet-connected device, conveniently allowing estimates to be written and parts ordered from the field. Further, one version of PPG’s AdjustRite addresses the overall commercial insurance claims process, including internal and external assignment dispatch; document and image upload and storage; condition reports; total loss evaluations; claim file notations; salvage bid requests; loss recovery demands; and invoices and management reports – the entire process from beginning to end.
“Keep in mind that when there’s an accident, nothing happens without an estimate,” said Ryan Woolfenden, PPG marketing manager, Commercial Programs. “Repair decisions can’t be made or authorized, parts can’t be ordered, repairs can’t begin and claims can’t be settled. Using an advanced automated estimating system such as AdjustRite, combined with its mobile capabilities, helps streamline the estimating, decision-making, parts ordering and repair process, resulting in overall improved cycle times and reduced costs. The enhanced reporting and claim documentation have proven to deliver higher percentages of loss recovery success and dollars.”
Dave Bentel, fleet manager, J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc., has been using AdjustRite for two years.
“AdjustRite was part of a project designed to help us improve loss recovery," he said. "We wanted to see what a system like this could do for us. We’ve found it easy to use and a real time saver. It also moves insurance claims along smoothly and quickly. It’s made a difference for us in the entire estimating and subrogation process.”
Woolfenden also points out that across the commercial truck industry, more fleet repair facilities, commercial truck dealers, independent collision repair facilities and even independent claims adjusters and insurance companies are inquiring about electronic estimating systems. The more they learn, the better they can determine whether such a system is appropriate for them. Whether an electronic estimating system is right for a fleet or business is something to be determined individually, but it does appear to be the trend of the future.
Information provided by: PPG Industries
