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Tag Archives: insurance
Montana Policy Empowers Shops to Stand Up for Consumers
Handling insurance short-payments can be a difficult job for shop owners. It often involves seemingly endless back-and-forth communication with an insurer that may or may not result in full payment. Auto glass shops in Montana have a more straightforward option. … Continue reading
How Advanced Car Features Are Driving up Insurance Premiums
As automakers push to make driving safer, many new vehicles now come with high-tech features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, and lane-keeping assistance. These tools can reduce crash risks, but while they make roads safer, they’re also contributing … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged ADAS, advanced driver assistance systems, car insurance, insurance Leave a comment
Cracks in the System: Auto Glass Insurance Fraud
Alleged auto glass insurance fraud is a billion-dollar problem. From Florida to Kentucky, insurers are battling a wave of fraudulent claims that’s driving up costs for consumers. Read more here.
How Can the Autonomous Industry Be Insured?
Driverless vehicles may promise safer roads, but without the right insurance frameworks, they risk hitting a wall; mobility expert Brandon Schuh explains what’s at stake. Read more here.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged auto insurance, autonomous, autonomous driving, insurance Leave a comment
Driver Says Insurance Dropped Him for 4 Claims in 4 Years (Plus, a Speeding Ticket)
Mario Black said he was driving on Interstate 485 when he swerved to avoid a deer and hit the guardrail. He was ok, but his SUV wasn’t. He told a local journalist that his State Farm insurance covered most of … Continue reading
State Farm Executive Fired Over Comments on Premium Hikes After California Wildfires
An executive for insurance giant State Farm was fired this week after he was recorded on an undercover video making comments about the insurer’s premium increases in response to Southern California wildfires. Read more here.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged California wildfires, insurance, State Farm, wildfire Leave a comment
State Farm Shifts California Fire Costs to Auto Insurance Arm
State Farm plans to absorb the cost of California fire property damage into its auto insurance arm, officials say. The insurer is trying to get California Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s approval of an interim rate increase after paying out over $1 … Continue reading
Florida Voters Push for Insurance Reform Amendment
A proposed constitutional amendment aims to prevent insurers from canceling policies for Florida customers who have not violated their terms. The amendment would apply to all types of insurance, including home and auto. Read more here.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged amendment, Florida, insurance, insurance reform Leave a comment
Allstate Knows (Almost) All, Lawsuit Alleges
One auto insurance company faces a class action lawsuit for allegedly illegally gathering personal driving data from its policyholders. Plaintiffs Michael Mahoney and Scott Schultz filed a complaint against Allstate Insurance with a United States District Court in Illinois on … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged Allstate, Class Action Lawsuit, insurance, lawsuit Leave a comment
Auto Glass Companies Fight for Insurance Approval of Recalibrations
Getting windshield-mounted recalibrations approved and paid for by insurance presents a common frustration for auto glass companies. According to multiple business owners, working with insurers to get properly reimbursed for recalibration jobs takes extra time and effort. Though almost all … Continue reading
Are Higher Premiums and AI the Future of Car Insurance?
If you’ve heard more customers complain about their car insurance over the past few years, there’s a good reason why. A U.S. Department of the Treasury report details several reasons auto glass business owners can expect more changes in their … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged claims management, consumer, insurance, insurance premiums Leave a comment
J.D. Power’s Insurance Intelligence Report: Get Ready for a ‘Shop-a-Palooza’ in 2025
If 2024 was the year of the sky-high insurance premium, 2025 is shaping up to be the year when everyone is shopping for a lower rate. Read more here.
Will Insurers Foot the Cleanup Bill in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma legislators have proposed amendments to a bill that would require insurers to pay for the removal of broken auto glass after an accident. Both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate introduced bills to amend a current law that … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged debris, insurance, Oklahoma, state legislature Leave a comment
Why Car Insurance Prices Are Rising So Much Even Though Inflation Is Cooling
The past couple of years have been tough on consumers’ wallets. Inflation has affected groceries, gas and lots of other everyday expenses — and auto insurance is no exception. Read more here.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged consumer, Economy, insurance, insurance prices Leave a comment
TPA Debuts Insurance Partnership, New Portal
One third-party administrator (TPA) recently partnered with a regional insurance carrier and launched a new claims management portal. Driven Claims, a TPA based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is working with New England-based Arabella Insurance. “Arbella Insurance has a long history … Continue reading
Repair by Insurance Company’s Preferred Shop Leaves Car Paying the Price
A Hillsborough County, Florida, man thought he did everything right when he used the collision repair shop his car insurance company recommended, but said his car paid the price and ended up with additional damage. Read more here.
Short Payments Turn Long: Insurer Ordered to Pay Hospital Over $400 Million
In a case that may have implications for the auto glass industry, Blue Cross Blue Shield has lost a lawsuit over alleged “short payments” to a New Orleans hospital and will have to pay over $420 million, according to local … Continue reading
Insurance Company Adjusts Pricing Structure Following Backlash
GEICO announced a partnership with scanning, diagnostics and calibration tool company asTech and an associated “pricing structure” for collision repair shops in July. Now, GEICO says it has updated that pricing structure following largely negative feedback from the shops. This … Continue reading
Take Me to Florida: AGN Expands Regional Insurance Partnerships
As part of its initiative to build relationships with regional insurance providers, Auto Glass Now (AGN) recently partnered with two insurance agencies in Florida. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based auto glass company will work with GreatFlorida Insurance and Pearl Holding Group … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged Auto Glass Now (AGN), Florida, insurance, new partnership Leave a comment
Three’s A Crowd: Experts Weigh In On TPAs
Does the following scenario sound familiar? A customer walks into your shop eager to get their windshield replaced, and you’re happy to help them. Their insurance should cover the work, but you need to check. So you and your potential … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged auto glass shops, insurance, third-party administrators, TPA, TPAs 7 Comments
Safelite Insurers Must Return to Court
The United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated and remanded to a district court ruling which said that Zurich American Insurance Co. and Discover Property & Casualty Insurance Co. did not owe money for “equitable contribution” to ACE … Continue reading
Liberty Mutual Breaks Policy on Replacement Transportation Coverage, Lawsuit Claims
A proposed class action alleges that Liberty Mutual consistently withdraws replacement transportation coverage earlier than the time stated in its policy. The plaintiffs are a couple from Missouri and a man from Illinois. The couple, Diane and Anthony Watts, and … Continue reading
“Florida” Auto Glass Bill Moves Toward Passage in Kentucky
Kentucky legislation, similar to the law enacted in Florida last year, passed the Kentucky State Senate on February 16 and has moved out of a House Committee to consideration on the House floor. The bill, S.B. 29, sponsored by Senator … Continue reading
Insurance Costs for Electric Cars May Weaken Sales
The growth of electric car sales in Europe may be impeded by rising insurance costs and expiring subsidies, as reported in an article by Forbes. Read more on Insurance Business
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged electric car, Europe, expiring subsidies, insurance, insurance costs Leave a comment
Feds Move to Cite GEICO for Anti-Union Actions
The National Labor Relations Board has found probable cause to allegations GEICO engaged in anti-union activity in attempting to undermine an organizing effort at its regional headquarters in Amherst. Read more on Investigativepost.org
California Department of Insurance Proposes Major Course Correction on Auto Insurance Group Discounts
The California Department of Insurance has released proposed regulations to reform how insurance companies offer group discounts based on occupation, education, and other arbitrary factors that historically have not been available to drivers in less-affluent and more diverse communities. If … Continue reading
Allstate, Other Insurers Among Those Facing Robocall Lawsuits
The biggest among the insurers, Allstate, has been hit with at least three such suits alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which governs telephone solicitation. The suits, all in Allstate’s home state of Illinois, say the insurer and … Continue reading
‘Our Tesla Insurance is DOUBLE What We Pay for Our Gas Car!’ Married Couple is Shocked to Discover High Cost of Covering Electric Vehicles
When Brent Shreve and his wife Molly bought new cars in April they spent around $50,000 each on a Tesla Model Y for him and a Volkswagen Atlas for her. Despite the models being almost-identical in size and costing virtually … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged insurance, insurance premium, Tesla, Volkswagen Leave a comment
Are You Committing Insurance Fraud Without Realizing It?
What legal authorities may consider outright insurance fraud, far too many Americans consider simply being clever with their insurance claims to save a bit of money. A new survey from ValuePenguin reveals that a surprising number of Americans try to … Continue reading
Insurers Must Offer ‘No Deductible’ Glass Option in Arizona
Arizona state law says that under comprehensive coverage, insurers must offer customers “complete coverage for the repair or replacement of all damaged safety equipment without regard to any deductible.” That includes windshields. Read more at ABC 15.
Farmers Insurance Lays Off 11% of Workforce
Farmers Insurance said Monday it will lay off 11% of its workforce—about 2,400 employees—as part of a corporate restructuring aimed at increasing its efficiency and long-term profitability. The California-based insurer said the job cuts will impact all lines of its … Continue reading
GEICO Employees Report ‘Mass’ Layoffs
Insurance company GEICO has undergone another tranche of layoffs, employees have reported on social media. Affected individuals appear to have come from a range of departments, including marketing, customer support, the special investigations unit and IT. Read more at Insurance Business.
New Law Causing Confusion Over Insurance Costs
As of August 1, a New York law will automatically enroll state residents in additional coverage that they may not need. However, opting out is possible. “But they have to do it in writing,” says David Kirst, senior insurance specialist … Continue reading
5 Reasons Why Auto Insurers Are Leaving California and Florida
Facing various pressures that are driving up the costs of doing business, auto insurers are raising their rates, and in select parts of the country, some have resigned themselves to not doing any business whatsoever. The latter scenario was exemplified … Continue reading
Auto Glass Pros Are Skeptical of Insurers’ Use of AI
Many industries are reaping efficiencies from artificial intelligence (AI), and while the technology also holds promise for auto glass companies, it’s currently being met with skepticism from glass company owners who are pushing back against its use by auto insurers. … Continue reading
New Law Enrolls Every NY Driver in Pricier Auto Insurance Coverage–Half Will Get No Benefit
Because of a new state law, every driver in New York is poised to be automatically enrolled in expanded, more expensive auto insurance coverage. That includes millions of unmarried motorists who would derive no benefit from the extra coverage, which … Continue reading
Part of Michigan’s Auto Reform Bill Ruled Unconstitutional
Part of the 2019 Auto Reform Bill has been ruled unconstitutional by Michigan’s Supreme Court, but what does that mean for drivers across the state? The auto insurance repeal that’s been in the spotlight over the past four years reduced … Continue reading
Claim Stacking Is Allowed Unless Auto Insurance Policy Forbids It, AZ Supreme Court Rules
Last week, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that if insurance companies don’t want policyholders to stack uninsured-motorist claims, they have to put it in writing. The case involved a class-action lawsuit first brought by a woman who sought to draw … Continue reading
Florida AOB Agreements in Crosshairs Again
Florida Rep. Philip Griffitts introduced legislation to the state’s House of Representatives that would bar vehicle insurance policyholders from entering into assignment-of-benefit (AOB) contracts with repair shops. HB 541, filed on January 27, would prohibit policyholders from entering into such … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged assignment-of-benefit, Florida, insurance, Philip Griffitts 1 Comment
You’re Probably Owed a Car Insurance ‘Stimulus Check,’ Lawsuit and Critics say
You’re Probably Owed a Car Insurance ‘Stimulus Check,’ Lawsuit and Critics say
Say It Isn’t So, Flo: Lawsuit Alleges Progressive Underpays
Two New Yorkers filed suit against Progressive Corp. on July 22, alleging the car insurer is underpaying and arbitrarily undervaluing claims by New York policyholders for totaled vehicles by deceptively adjusting the claims process. Plaintiffs Dominick Volino of Duchess County … Continue reading
2021 Fortune 500 List Sees Insurance Companies Shift
Fortune’s 67th edition of its Fortune 500 list ranked America’s largest companies, detailing the pandemic’s ‘winners and losers.’ The insurance industry (property and casualty (mutual) featured several. The top five companies in this segment were: State Farm Insurance (39), Nationwide … Continue reading
Some Shops Say COVID Sanitation Fees Being Denied
Augie DeFeo wants to know why GEICO is suddenly denying the $25 reimbursement for COVID sanitizing even though cases continue to soar. “GEICO has consistently been paying a standard fee of $25 per job for cleaning/sanitizing the vehicle,” says DeFeo, … Continue reading
Why Choosing the Right Insurance Impacts Your Shop
There are a few insurance policies industry experts say are beneficial for auto glass companies to have. Of them, auto liability, general liability and workers compensation should be the main options needed, as stated in a recent webinar given by … Continue reading
Research Points to Impact Calibration has on Insurance Claims
Vehicle calibrations and their impact are entering into data surrounding auto glass claims, according to recent research. Kay Wakeman, research analyst, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Highway Loss Data Institute, presented some of this info at the recent Automotive … Continue reading
Technology Helps Shape Insurance Customer Service
Technology has redefined how and where we get information. But it also plays a large role in what insurance customer service looks like today. Mitchell International’s 2017 Third Quarter Industry Trends Report, looks into the new normal and what that … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged Customer Service, FNOL, insurance, Mitchell International, technology, user friendly 1 Comment
New Hampshire Legislature Plans to Study Insurance Reimbursement Rates
Both the New Hampshire House of Representatives and Senate have adopted a bill aimed to “establish a committee to study reimbursement rates under automobile policies.” The bill originally was introduced in January but has been amended greatly since introduction. The … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged auto glass, insurance, legislation, New Hampshire Leave a comment
Insurance 101: When Property Policy Isn’t Enough
At least one in four businesses that are forced to close due to unexpected events such as natural and human-caused disasters never reopen, according to a report by the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). With stats like that, … Continue reading
New York Bill Aims to Prevent Steering
A bill introduced in New York this week (NY A 8111) would amend the Insurance Law concerning windshield repairs and replacement. The proposed legislation “prohibits automotive insurance companies or their agent from requiring or suggesting their insured utilize a specific … Continue reading
AG Business Owners Looking to New Administration to Help
It’s unofficial, of course, but a glassBYTEs.com poll this week indicates that most respondents think the new administration of Republican Donald Trump will help the auto glass business. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged ACA, Health Care, insurance, Trump Administration Leave a comment
Energi Launches eGlass Program with Safelite Solutions
Energi Inc. announced December 6 the launch of the eGlass Program, which will be administered by Safelite Solutions, according to an Energi press release. Continue reading
Carolina Glass Companies Dealing with Hurricane Matthew
The damage from Hurricane Matthew is still being assessed and cleaned up and insurance claims are being filed, but many local glass companies haven’t seen a spike in automotive glass claims. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged Allstate, Hurricane Matthew, insurance, State Farm Leave a comment
HSG CEO Shares Insurance Perspective at Auto Glass Week™
Wayne Sharrah, CEO of Insurance Claims Management, parent company to HSG/Code Blue, took center stage Thursday morning during Auto Glass Week 2016. In a room that had to be expanded to accommodate the packed crowd, he shared the insurance perspective … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged Auto Glass Week 2016, HSG, insurance, Wayne Sharrah Leave a comment
Insurers Seek Dismissal of Class Action Collision Repair Suit
Several insurers have filed motions to dismiss a class action suit filed by a Downington, Pa.-based collision repair shop. Crawford’s Auto Center filed the suit in April under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (the RICO Act) and names … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged Class Action, Crawford's Auto Center, insurance, lawsuit, RICO Leave a comment
What is the Future of the Auto Glass/Insurance Interface?
The future of the auto glass/insurance interface can take two forms—either the business will become more personal, with a demand for local agents increasing, or the market will be more automated and less personalized, according to Garry Golden, a senior … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged Auto Glass Week, futurethink, Garry Golden, insurance Leave a comment