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Mitchell International Releases New Version of Online FirstEstimate

SAN DIEGO -- Mitchell International has announced the availability of a new, enhanced version of FirstEstimate, the first Web-based estimating system for the automotive collision repair and claims industries.

FirstEstimate 1.5, includes features that make it easier for insurers to expand their Direct Repair Programs (DRPs) and Direct Appraisal Programs (DAPs) to out-of-network, rural or low volume shops and independent adjusters.

FirstEstimate Version 1.5 provides users the choice of two packages -- Standard and Advanced -- with different feature sets based on customer type, needs and DRP participation. Initially released in October 2000, FirstEstimate is designed to allow independent adjusters and collision repair shops of any size to easily write accurate, professional, industry-standard repair estimates.

FirstEstimate, with its pay-per-estimate structure and location on the Web, eliminates the cost barriers for shops and independent adjusters who want to write professional-looking estimates, but don't want to pay the monthly subscription fees associated with CD-based electronic estimating systems.

"We continue to enhance FirstEstimate to make it easier for shops and independent adjusters to do business with insurers regardless of their size, location or use of subscription-based electronic estimating systems," said Jeff Pirino, Mitchell's senior product manager for FirstEstimate.

FirstEstimate is accessed at www.firstestimate.com. Once there, an estimator enters the vehicle identification number (VIN) and owner information for the damaged automobile. Labor and tax rates are then entered and parts are selected from convenient click-on graphics and text lists provided. Users can adjust labor rates before clicking on the "calculate" button. FirstEstimate uses Mitchell P-page logic to insure estimate accuracy and is linked to Mitchell's industry-leading parts and labor database.

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