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Auto Body Repair Estimating software for independents

P: 11/6/2008 12:33:37 PM

greg

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Last Post: 1/30/2011
Member Since: 8/31/2007

I recently took over my father's small independent adjusting company. I do not have a background in auto appraisals so I am looking for recommendations for software that is reasonably priced, that carriers will accept and that will drive our appraisal guys nuts. They have their opinions but I want to hear from others in the business. Thank you for any help you care to offer.

Revisions : 0 | Posted: 11/6/2008 12:33:37 PM | IP: Recorded | Report this post

There are 9 replies to this message. There are 9 replies on this page.

P: 11/8/2008 1:17:07 AM

bodyguyfenderbender

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Greg;
Most shops & carriers use CCC Estimating Systems. W/O computer and hardware, subscription is approximately $400.00 per month, last I knew. Your contact is here:

http://ccc.cccis.com/

Hope this helps

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P: 11/8/2008 7:54:01 PM

Huskercat

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I find this to be a strange inquiry......afterall, what did Dad do & what do your auto appraisers feel comfortable using? If you are taking it over, it must have been a viable adjusting firm or it would have folded. You want to drive your appraisers nuts? I'd suggest selling the business to someone else that has a clue & just keep doing whatever it is that you have been doing. It will be better off preserving your father's legacy for what he built.

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P: 11/21/2008 11:47:43 AM

greg

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Thank you to bodyguyfenderbender. I appreciate the input.

To huskercat they used motors. They want to go with Audatex. I just wanted outside opinions. I meant to say "and that will NOT drive our appraisal guys nuts"

BTW Nice comments. I've been in claims 22 yrs just never appraised cars or had experience with the associated software. Thanks for the advice but I think I'll pass on your suggestion to sell.

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P: 11/21/2008 6:10:16 PM

sebner

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The typo made this a very funny thread. So, you want to drive your appraisers nuts, huh? People around me were wondering what I was laughing at.

Back in the day, when I used to hand write auto estimates, we used the Mitchell guide as our standard. Then the same company came out with Mitchellmatics. I don't see where that is still available but they seem to have a product called Mitchell1 which might be worth a look see:

http://www.mitchell1.com/AutomotiveRepairSolutions/home.asp

The OnDemand5 product has a multiuser price which could be cost effective if you have more than one auto appraiser.

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P: 11/21/2008 10:40:51 PM

Huskercat

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I kind of thougt you left the magic word out ("not"). Been a while since I've done auto too, since going Prop Cat. But when I did do Multi-line, CCC & Mitchell were the 2 main ones. It's changed a lot on auto in the past few years, just like it's changed on Prop losses. But the auto claims changed first, with a big reduction in adjuster involvement unless 3rd party & injury involved. An awful lot of direct repair with digital photos & ests direct from the body shop.

You might want to check with the body shops that have big volume, and see what the carriers are requiring them to use. Might still drive your guys nuts though!

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P: 6/10/2009 5:30:16 PM

flasinski

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Huskercat, I find your cynicism (hiding behind a pseudonym) uncomplimentary and unwelcome. Most of us in the industry strive to remain professional and elevate our declining public perception. Your help in this is greatly appreciated.

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P: 6/10/2009 9:12:52 PM

scott_tn

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Last Post: 6/10/2009
Member Since: 8/11/2007

Hi Greg, I worked in the collision repair industry for 11 years and have been in the adjuster and appraiser business for 5 years. I have written extensively on Mitchell, CCC, and Audatex. I like things about all three systems. I would rank them in this order; 1. CCC 2. Mitchell 3. Audatex, but Audatex is quickly on the rise. I am currently writing on Audatex and I find that most companies that use IA's are requesting Audatex, and the largest auto insurer (we all know who they are) uses Audatex now. The biggest reason I started using Audatex is that it cost about half the price of CCC or Mitchell, and you can get a month to month licensing agreement if you are affilitated with certain companies instead of signing a multi-year lease. Believe me CCC will hold you to it. I saw this happen in the shop a couple of times. While most body shop in my area use CCC it is mostly because some insurance companies w/DRP contracts forced them into it, and I witnessed that also. I have not had one issue with writing estimates on Audatex and no complaints from any shops. Bottom line, for the money get Audatex.

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P: 6/10/2009 9:32:56 PM

greg

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I took the easy way out and delegated the whole process to our two appraisers. They contacted our clients (mostly regional or MN only carriers none of the real big guys) and none of the companies required us to use any specific software. They didn't care as long as the were not handwritten. So, our appraisers (both former body shop employees) decided to go with what they had used in the past. It is called CrashWriter. I like the price which is less than $150 per month and no client company has complained about the estimates produced with it in the 6 months we have used it.

Thanks for the info and suggestions.

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P: 11/15/2012 11:34:19 PM

gre-nilt

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Thanks

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