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Letter to the Editor

Scene Genesis Launches Online SceneExchange to Link Shops to Consumers and Insurers

SceneExchange intends to help independent autobody shops capture more business, simplify administration for insurers, and offer good choices to customers. The service is free for both autobody shops and consumers.

When a participating insurance company submits a claim, one of SceneExchange’s 1,000 independent appraisers nationwide is assigned to the job immediately. The appraiser submits a repair estimate and digital photographs of the damage to SceneExchange.

SceneExchange alerts collision shops in the area that a new job is available. Local shops can then place a cycle-time bid on how many days it will take to complete the repair. There is no fee for collision shops to register with SceneExchange and submit bids. Customers go online to review bids and information on a shop’s training and warranty policy, plus ratings from other SceneExchange customers who have used the shop. (Editor's Note: Bidding makes me uneasy. Are shops screened and/or inspected by SceneExchange before they are permitted to bid for repair jobs? Are consumers' comments verified?)

The vehicle owner then selects the shop. The insurer, which has already approved the appraisal, pays the cost, minus the deductible. After completion, the customer leaves feedback for the SceneExchange community.

SceneExchange has been in limited release in Charlotte, North Carolina since mid-August, with good comments from participating body shops and insurers. “SceneExchange has brought pride back to our business,” said Mark Tantillo, general manager of Folger’s Autobody in Charlotte. “The vehicle owner chooses us because of the quality of our work, rated by other owners, instead of being directed to our shop by the insurer. Our customer satisfaction rating is higher on SceneExchange jobs because the owner is better educated on and more involved in the repair process.”

“SceneExchange is very easy for my claims staff to use. There’s been no need to change our normal workflow,” said Keith Chance, CPCU, North Carolina regional claims manager for Southern General Insurance.

Based in Rochester, New York, Scene Genesis is a provider of web-based workflow and connectivity solutions that automate business processes and improve management control and visibility for property and casualty insurers.

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