New auto claim process easier on drivers

Autobody shops will now be able to handle auto claims, according to a new process by SGI.

Body shops will now be trained to handle damage estimates and repairs in one stop, a convenient streamlined process for motorists, said Don McMorris, minister responsible for SGI.

“This will allow autobody shops to do some of the estimates rather than the person having to go to an SGI adjustor,” McMorris said.

“Many of those (shops) are more local to a person than an SGI claim centre,” he added.

When a person has minor damage to their vehicle, they will be able to start a claim online or by calling the SGI claim hotline and then will be given the option of taking their vehicle to a claims centre or an accredited body shop. McMorris said this creates a one stop shop for  getting an estimate and damage repaired, instead of only being able to take a vehicle to a claims centre for an assessment.

This not only helps customers but also helps SGI, he said.

When a hail storm damaged 1,500 vehicles in Kerrobert in one day this summer, it flooded the local claims centre.

“Now that will spread the work out, because it can be done at body shops across the province or in that local area,” McMorris said.

There were only 20 claim centres that serviced the entire province prior to this announcement. With the new system, SGI is hoping to have 180 autobody shops accredited by 2016. There are around 270 body shops in Saskatchewan so more of these shops will become accredited in the new year.

All accredited body shops will be listed on the SGI website. When a person has to get their vehicle assessed, they will be able to contact the body shop directly.

“These vehicles are still driveable but need some body work done so they can access that directly at their body shop, both the estimate and the repair,” he said.

As of July 31, there were 1.2 million vehicles and trailers registered in Saskatchewan. According to McMorris, there are around 200,000 claims through SGI a year. Claim centres will remain open since there will be more than enough work for every.

“What it will allow us to do is not have to hire more staff but allow us to maintain the staff we have,” he said.