Mitchell Releases New Version of FirstEstimate
SAN DIEGO--Feb. 21, 2002--Mitchell International announced today the availability of a new, enhanced version of FirstEstimate, the first -- and only -- Web-based estimating system for the automotive collision repair and claims industries.
The new version, FirstEstimate 1.5, includes even more 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 Mitchell's groundbreaking product designed to allow independent adjusters and collision repair shops of any size to easily write accurate, professional, industry-standard repair estimates. FirstEstimate is part of Mitchell's enterprise-wide suite of technology solutions that provide insurers and collision repairers the information and processes needed to better manage the entire claims and repair cycle.
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.
Pirino noted that the new version of FirstEstimate includes many enhancements -- such as the ability to receive assignments from insurers online -- that make it easier for insurers interested in starting or expanding DRPs and DAPs to rural or low-volume shops and small independent adjusters.
"The new version of FirstEstimate, with features such as assignment retrieval, alternate parts and pricing, and recycle part assembly times, will enable insurers to ensure estimate compliance and consistency from new DRP entrants, while at the same time enjoying the many benefits of DRP use -- lower Loss Adjustment Expense, reduced cycle times and increased customer satisfaction," Pirino said.
FirstEstimate is accessed at www.firstestimate.com. All a user needs to begin estimating is Internet access and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher to go to the FirstEstimate.com site. 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.
The new FirstEstimate version provides users the choice of the Standard or Advanced package. With the Standard package, users will receive all the original benefits of FirstEstimate plus new features such as Commit/Supplement capabilities, Parts Filtering by damage zones, Multiple Profiles and Customizable Report Settings.
With the Advanced Package, users get all features in the Standard package, plus several features designed to be attractive to insurers using DRPs. With Advanced, users can:
| -- | Receive assignments from their insurance partners online |
| -- | Access Mitchell's recycled parts and assemblies labor database (ATG) |
| -- | Access Mitchell's Alternate Parts and Pricing database (MAPP) |
The new FirstEstimate Version 1.5 site went live Feb. 3, 2002. Existing FirstEstimate 1.0 accounts and estimates were automatically converted to the new system.
About Mitchell International
Mitchell International, founded in 1946 and headquartered in San Diego, is The Source for information software and e-business solutions for the insurance and collision repair industries. Providing services that enhance productivity, profitability and customer satisfaction, Mitchell facilitates several million electronic transactions between more than 16,000 business partners each month. Mitchell's own parts and labor database, a critical connectivity point between shops and insurers, is trusted for its accuracy and respected as the industry standard. For more information on Mitchell International or FirstEstimate 1.5, call Chris Andrews, director of marketing, at 858/578-6550, ext. 8321. Visit our Web sites at www.mitchell.com and www.emitchell.com.
