CODE BLUE - at it again!

[Tom Sedwick]

As long as you properly document each step of the process and keep the homeowner informed, you will be able to prove everything in your final invoice as an incurred cost that is covered by the policy. Photographs and other documentation are important. You've got to remember that the TPA has a job to do for their client (the carrier). If we make it as simple as possible, the chances of getting paid go up quite a bit. If it's blatantly obvious that they are frivolously slashing your prices, why aren't you having the homeowner invoke the appraisal clause in their policy? That'll get you paid much quicker than arguing back and forth with someone that doesn't even know what an air mover is... just my .02

 

[Big Jim]

Following the S500 protocol, proper documentation, and fair pricing are the minimum any restorer needs to provide if they have any expectation of their invoices being paid in full. Our experience when providing this to the larger carriers (Farmers, State Farm) is generally quite good. Unfortunately when working with smaller carriers and carriers that hire TPA's you often find yourself working with grossly under trained individuals that have virtually little or no real mitigation experience. They are pressed into to service and will do and follow whatever they are told, in order to keep their job. Assuming you have client properly educated and working with you; the fastest way to end the impasse is to have the client accept partial payment and immediately follow with the letter of demand. It goes without saying every job and customer is different, but this works (see above). It's faster than going through the process of an independent appraisal, and the longer the situation goes on the greater the probability your client becomes unhappy. You are correct though; there is no point arguing or debating. Life is to short to waste time with those who choose to do business in this fashion.

 

[dealtimeman]

Nothing wrong with arguing a bit especially if you want to let some steam out on a third party goon.

I enjoy confrontation, so it is a fun part of the job most of the time.

We refuse to deal with code blue or like at all. If we find out this is the case, we will inform the customer and guide them into sending the invoice in to their insurance company, and getting payment from them.

Just make sure your paperwork is good and is signed having the customer COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND, that they are 100 percent responsible for payment, once job is complete.

This ensure they will assist through the process and that they have liablitliy torwards getting us paid.