CertifiedFirst Shops Eligible for National Car Care Repair Program
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio--April 24, 2002--The CertifiedFirst(TM) Network, a North American group of quality-rated auto body repair shops, and American National Property and Casualty Insurance (ANPAC®), one of the largest U.S. insurers, have reached an agreement through which ANPAC will grow its Car Care Repair (CCR) program using CertifiedFirst Network shops.
The CCR direct appraisal program, with approximately 1,500 shops nationwide, is continually seeking high-quality repair facilities as the insurer enters new markets and adjusts to changes in existing markets. ANPAC identifies shops for its CCR program through an evaluation process focusing on high levels of staff training, leading repair technology, customer satisfaction and excellent workmanship. These high standards have prompted the insurer to choose the CertifiedFirst Network, with over 900 third-party verified shops nationwide, as a vehicle for extending its reach.
``The CertifiedFirst Network will be an excellent source of quality shops as we grow our Car Care Repair program,'' said Paul D.Gies, Claims Director, ANPAC. ``We will look to Network shops, with their third-party verification of facilities, equipment, training, and customer satisfaction, to help assure our customers are offered facilities that meet the highest standards of quality, professionalism and service.''
Under the agreement, when the CCR program plans to add auto body repair facilities in a specific region, ANPAC will contact local CertifiedFirst Network shops, giving them enhanced opportunity to apply for the CCR program. Shops will be invited to participate in a streamlined application process for the program. If there are several equally qualified shops applying for the program in a region, CertifiedFirst Network shops will receive preference.
``This agreement is another confirmation that insurers want to do business with auto body repair centers that are committed to, and have proven they offer, great customer service and excellent workmanship,'' said Mary Kimbro, director, CertifiedFirst Network. ``In a competitive marketplace, industry-wide recognition of the quality inherent in the CertifiedFirst Network's approach -- verification by third parties -- gives our shops an edge.''
About ANPAC
Chartered in 1905, American National Insurance Company has evolved into an industry leader, ranking among the largest of the more than 1,800 life insurance companies in the United States. Today, the company and its subsidiaries provide personalized service to more than 3.4 million policy owners throughout 49 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, Western Europe, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Directly and through subsidiaries, the company offers a broad line of insurance coverages, including individual life, health, and annuities; group life and health; and personal lines property and casualty offered through American National Property & Casualty Company (ANPAC®). ANPAC® was incorporated in 1973 by American National Insurance Company and was created to serve the property and casualty insurance needs of the parent company's life insurance customers. Additional information on ANPAC can be found on the Web at www.anpac.com
About the CertifiedFirst Network
The CertifiedFirst Network is a national group of dealership and independently owned auto body repair centers. One of the most important aspects of the CertifiedFirst Network is that the standards required to be met by participating auto body repair shops are verified by independent third parties. The standards, consistent across the CertifiedFirst Network, are divided into two major categories -- an evaluation of the repair center itself, on aspects ranging from its facilities to employee training, and measurement of the satisfaction level of the repair center's customers.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), conducts the facility verification review and Customer Research, Inc., (CRI) verifies customer satisfaction. The UL name is a familiar and trusted one, providing credibility to the Network. CRI also has a strong track record, having specialized in customer satisfaction and marketing research for the automotive industry since 1967.
