The Spirit of the Grinch

Well, it just wouldn’t be the holiday season unless we got more of those professional faxes from our friends in Columbus. The spirit of the Grinch is alive indeed. This time it is another pricing structure advisory from the “National Glass Program” on behalf of another insurer. And naturally, the prices contained herein are not the “lowest available” to the insurer. No, they may not be, but, in my opinion, are just low enough to encourage the use of substandard glass and substandard installation procedures.

The notice goes on to advise that, “Our policyholders have the right of personal choice and preference in their selection of an automotive glass shop.” Is that really accurate? In my opinion, there is not a shop among us that does not participate in this network that is not familiar with the tactics that are used by this particular network. And labeling it harassment would be too complimentary.

This advisory, which once again lacks any hint of professionalism, proclaims that the insurer represented “does not consent to any assignment of proceeds of glass claims.” Excuse me, but Mr. Columbus Network, does not every single dispatch that you forward to the shop require our customer to sign your acknowledgement? Perhaps a little refresher is necessary.

“I authorize my insurance, fleet, or leasing company to pay XXXXXXX directly for this claim.” Isn’t that an assignment of proceeds? Is it instructing the glass shop that they better collect upfront, to make certain that they get paid? Or is this another modification intended purely to promote the best interests of the network/insurance company thereby shortchanging the policyholder? Believe me, I would much rather have my customer pay our shop for its services directly and have the insurance company reimburse its customer, the way it should be.

I have to admit, for a publicly traded company and the continued lack of professionalism, you sure keep me laughing like my stomach is a bowl full of jelly. A jolly old elf, indeed.