Comprehensive Recycled Parts Training Program Offered to Insurance Companies Across North America

AURORA, Colo., Aug. 21, 2003 -- Premium Recycled Parts (PRP(TM)) has put together a comprehensive recycled parts usage-training program now available to all insurance companies across the country. There are multiple training program options available for the insurance companies to choose from so they can select the one that is right for their estimators and adjusters.

The program consists of four training curriculums starting with the most extensive training option a nine-lesson power point that is available on CD. These 9 lessons (that last approximately 45 minutes each) focus on educating estimators that are new to the claims process and/or recycled parts industry. The second training option is offered at the rollout of the Premium Recycled Parts Program and offers a detailed explanation of the benefits of the PRP Programs for the estimator/appraisers, insurers, and collision repairers. The third training session is a follow-up training program that is offered after a company has been utilizing the Premium Recycled Parts Program for 90-180 days. The intent of this training session is to address any issues that the shops/insurers have encountered with the program and further emphasizes optimal used part utilization. The final training session that is offered is on-site with a parts trailer for estimators/appraisers and claims handlers to get a hands-on demonstration of what is included with assemblies, and how recyclers define and provide certain parts.

"United Recyclers Group is excited to be rolling out a national training program with the Premium Recycled Parts members. As a company, one of our top initiatives has always been to increase the use of recycled parts in the automotive industry. We believe this training program is a big step in the right direction," says Sharon Kellum, URG General Manager.

The Premium Recycled Parts (PRP) Program is a regional alliance program with national representation for recycled auto parts to insurance estimators. By working together in regional alliances, the availability of premium quality recycled auto parts is increased and the communication between the recycler, collision repairer and insurer is enhanced. The PRP Program is in place all across the country with 6 regional alliances supplying in 44 states. The success of the program is based on reduced cycle times for the insurance companies due to the readily available parts of the group, as well as reduction of claim severity because of the cost savings of recycled auto parts over new auto parts.

URG is a partnership of over 300 auto recyclers that have worked on making changes in the automotive recycling industry. Changes they have made include developing their own inventory management system, Pinnacle, creating a buying cooperative, offering group marketing options, and forming the Premium Recycled Parts Program.

For further information, please contact Sharon Kellum of United Recyclers Group, LLC, +1-303-367-4391, fax, +1-303-367-4409, sharon@u-r-g.com.