The Independent Glass Association's (IGA) board of directors and several industry associates met last week in Scottsdale, Ariz., to discuss the development of a technological standard for the auto glass industry.
"The consumer [would be] the ultimate winner for he is the customer above the insurance company, and the current process we feel is cumbersome, slow and invasive, and very very long and arduous on their behalf," said IGA president Alan Epley in opening the conference and describing the need for a standard. Epley also serves as president of Southern Glass and Plastics in Columbia, S.C.
According to IGA executive director Mike Russo, it has not yet been decided what organization would be the official standards developer.
"It's an IGA initiative, but I don't think we've determined that as of yet," says Russo. "The time is right [for this]."
The next step is to formulate committees, he added.
"We're trying to get volunteers," says Russo. "The idea [of the summit] was to present the concept to the industry, and to make sure everyone was on board. It looks like we were successful."
The first item the IGA plans to pinpoint is the first-notice-of-loss for auto glass claims.
"This is going to immensely improve customer service," says Russo. "What we foresee is that the customer will be able to get online and process the FNOL and streamline the entire process."
"It should eliminate the need for on-site inspections," he adds.
Digital photos of auto glass damage will be an integral part of the system, according to Russo.
"Digital photography will be a part of every claim that is entered online," he says. "Probably four digital photographs will be attached to every claim."
And all in the industry are welcome to participate in the process, Russo says.
"The IGA has extended an invitation to everyone in the industry, and we [have] received a lot of positive comments," he says. "This is something we're hoping will be embraced."
Two representatives of Chipio spoke during the summit and advised that the company is seeing "USAA requiring inspections 100 percent of the time."
Representatives of Coast to Coast Auto Glass also were listed on the original agenda of those scheduled to speak, but did not speak during the event.
