new business start up insurance based Q

paulsm

Hi , I am starting up a windscreen repair business but am drawing a blank on how to directly bill insurance companies for repairs , I am guessing it goes through a third party company but cant seem to find anything on the net anywhere.

paulwf

I don't have the answer to your question (sorry) but having dealt with the insurance industry in the past I would say make sure you find out the answer before you finalise the business plan. It could make a big difference to how viable your business is!

Insurance companies will generally want a hefty discount if they are going to use you as a supplier. If you refuse to give this there are plenty more companies they can turn to. Chances are they will also be a significant delay from the work being billed and you getting paid.

So check check check! If for example your business plan budgets for a £100 repair and being paid immediately and the reality is getting paid £70 in 60 days you'll need to recalculate your budgets.

Hammyman

paulsm wrote: »

Hi , I am starting up a windscreen repair business but am drawing a blank on how to directly bill insurance companies for repairs , I am guessing it goes through a third party company but cant seem to find anything on the net anywhere.

Its not that easy. You need to become an "approved repairer". Insurance companies have a list of companies they use and won't use any other. In regard to insurance work, its pretty much a dead end as Autoglass and Auto Windscreens etc already have it sewn up. If you want to do insurance work, your best bet is to become a franchisee but that involves handing over part of your takings to the franchise.

Also how much experience do you have?

paulsm

There are plenty of independent repairers out there , you dont have to use insurance approved repairers so it can be done , I just need the intermediate company which seems to be very elusive