Mitchell International Announces Nationwide Availability of FirstEstimate.com, the First Internet-Based Estimating System
5 October 2000
Mitchell International Announces Nationwide Availability of FirstEstimate.com, the First Internet-Based Estimating System
SAN DIEGO--Oct. 5, 2000--FirstEstimate.com Completes Successful Beta Testing; Resides at The
Mitchell Hub, Part of Larger e-Business Strategy
Mitchell International today announced that FirstEstimate.com, the first Internet-based estimating system for the automotive collision repair industry, is now available for repair shops nationwide.
It can be found on the Internet at www.firstestimate.com. FirstEstimate will also be available as part of Mitchell's growing suite of on-line products and services for the insurance and collision repair industries residing at The Mitchell Hub. Entry to the hub can be gained via the portal site www.emitchell.com.
First Estimate.com, which recently completed a successful beta-testing period, is designed to allow independent adjusters and collision repair shops of any size to easily write professional and accurate repair estimates.
"FirstEstimate.com leverages our industry standard data, our proven expertise in estimating systems and new state-of-the-art Internet technology to bring the means of creating accurate, more professional estimates within the reach of all market segments," said Jim Lindner, president and chief executive officer of Mitchell International.
Currently more than 32,000 shops rely on Mitchell data. Those that have not previously benefited from automated access to Mitchell data and use of Mitchell P-page logic can now easily present more professional estimates to their customers and establish smoother business relationships with insurers. All a shop needs to begin estimating is Internet access and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 to go to the FirstEstimate.com site.
After connecting, an estimator enters the vehicle identification number (VIN) and owner information for the damaged automobile. Labor and tax rates are then entered. Parts are selected from convenient click-on graphics and text lists provided. Users can adjust labor rates before clicking on the "calculate estimate" button. FirstEstimate.com uses Mitchell P-page logic to insure estimate accuracy. Mitchell will offer estimates for free during a special introductory period starting now. After the introductory period estimates will be offered on a pay per use basis of $13.95 per estimate.
Robert Hamm, owner of Robert's Body Shop in Abilene, Texas, was among the first to use FirstEstimate.com during the beta test period.
"It was great and worked very well for us -- I like it," he said. "FirstEstimate produced quality estimates that we will share with all of our insurance partners and we feel these estimates present a better image of our shop to our customers. I was impressed with the full set of estimating tools, how easy it was to use and that no training was required. It was a simple way to make my shop's estimating more professional in every way."
Robert Love, with Love and Associates, an Anchorage, Alaska-based adjustor, said his company typically writes estimates by hand for repair of the damaged trucks of his commercial accounts.
"FirstEstimate produces a quality estimate and gives us the opportunity to decide how much we want to spend," he said. "We will continue to use FirstEstimate after the beta period closes because of its accuracy, ease of use and simple access via the Internet."
FirstEstimate.com is part of the Mitchell Hub and a wider Mitchell e-business strategy to create new partnering opportunities and shared efficiencies throughout the industry.
"Our goal is to offer the entire industry lowered cost structures, more efficient claims management and supply chain processes and improved collision repair quality," Lindner said. "The industry trusts Mitchell to back up its promises and to offer substance. The commercial release of FirstEstimate.com is another significant step toward fulfilling our vision of the Mitchell Hub and executing to our e-business strategy, and marks the beginning of a phased rollout of 35 strategically targeted business functions."
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 automotive 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.com, call Chris Andrews, Director of Marketing, at 858/578-6550 ext. 8321. Visit our Web sites at www.emitchell.com, www.mitchell.com, and www.firstestimate.com.