The site launch comes at an opportune time with the introduction of aluminum alloy into mainstream vehicles such as the 2015 Ford F150. The key aspect of this site is for insurers to accurately and efficiently identify various auto manufacturers' Certified-Recognized shops capable of advanced repairs in each market area. The unique shop locator specially designed for insurers uses a search capability driven by the following:
- year, make and model of the consumer's vehicle,
- the shop's advanced material repair capability status,
- and/or the shop's official OE Certification status.
This is critical as new vehicles are introduced, more often in the future, not every shop will have the capabilities to repair each new model vehicle even though they may be qualified to repair most. This site helps insurers to identify which shops are capable for which repairs.
This new insurer-facing site is a complement to the consumer-facing websites Assured Performance manages and hosts including: www.autobodylocator.com and www.bodyshoplocator.com. In addition, the participating automakers Certified-Recognized shop locators are integrated into their consumer-facing vehicle sales and service sites. All of the sites leverage the combined list of Certified-Recognized body shops.
"With the mass introduction of aluminum alloy, and other advanced materials in the designs of the new vehicle models, it is critical to assist insurers with identifying the shops that have the technical ability;" explained Aaron Clark, VP of Technical Compliance for Assured Performance. "We've already seen evidence of what can happen when an untrained and ill-equipped shop is selected."
"The goal of our insurer-facing Advanced Repair Capability Shop Locator is to create an accurate and efficient way for insurers to identify the shops that have proven they meet the requirements and passed an annual onsite inspection audit. Now, insurers can easily see who they are," added Scott Biggs, CEO of Assured Performance.
The ARC Certified shop locator is available to any insurer that chooses to use it. Certification is open to all shops that can meet the stringent requirements. The Assured Performance criteria for "Certification-Recognition" are an accumulation of collision industry business standards and multiple OEM criteria focused solely on properly repairing the vehicle. Shops are able to become Certified by Assured Performance and simultaneously Certified-Recognized by several of the largest auto manufacturers, through one efficient technology-driven process, backed by onsite inspection audits at least annually. The collaborative approach saves shops repetitive fees and redundant equipment requirements. Once certified, the shops receive signs, marketing tools, and listing on multiple shop locators and smart apps.
About Assured Performance (assuredperformance.net):
Assured Performance Network is made up of three organizations: A non-profit consumer advocacy organization, a legal Co-Op, and management company. Combined, they operate as a third-party administrator for body shop Certification for several of the top automakers, consumer awareness, and various vendor rebate programs. Assured Performance Network is the largest network of Certified body shops in the world.
Subscribe to ABRN and receive articles like this every month…absolutely free! Click here to subscribe.
