NORTHBROOK, Ill. — In a move Allstate says is part of its efforts to be innovative in the way it handles auto claims, the company is moving forward with an “open platform” concept for repair facilities in its Priority Repair Option (PRO) program. A pilot of the application is slated to launch in early 2008, with a goal for deployment throughout the country later in the year. The “open platform” concept is designed to create efficiencies for customers and repair facilities focused on improving vehicle repair times; facilitate real time communications including assignment updates, deductible updates and performance metrics; and provide Allstate and its customers with greater access to more detailed repair information to help ensure that facilities continue to provide an outstanding level of service. The build phase is underway and is engaging all three estimating vendors to make sure that this product is compatible with their estimating platforms. Other interaction points include the use of more stores in tests which focus on understanding the end-users’ perspective on the design and capabilities of the new open platform application. “Allstate is committed to evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers, facilities and the collision repair industry,” says Bill Daly, Allstate assistant vice president of claim strategy. “We believe that the enhanced PRO program will make it easier for the collision repair industry to do business with Allstate, and it will also benefit the overall customer experience.” Allstate anticipates the open platform concept will enhance the claim experience for customers by improving vehicle repair times and providing Allstate with greater access to more detailed repair information to help ensure facilities continue to provide an outstanding level of service. “We value the long history of strong working relationships with the collision repair industry,” notes Daly. “We expect those relations to strengthen as a result of this work.”
|