Price wars like this fail to recognize the time, materials, and proper method to do quality and safe work, and set the common denominator of low price as the winner of work. For more information and our reaction to the Allstate program see the fall Beacon Quarterly, that will soon be in your mailbox. First, it's reported that if a policyholder doesn't have a preference they will be offered two PPG Pro Stars locations first. The only two ways for a non-Pro Star shop to get work directly is to have the policyholder call their shop and hope that they obtain approval, or have the agent call in the claim to Lynx. Safelite is looking to boost their American Family work by offering an incentive.
Companies are free to set incentives, waive deductibles, and giveaways if they wish.
These practices raise questions about steering, which is illegal in 39 states. Many members have called expressing their concern that incentives will take us a step backward to the days of trips, gifts, and alleged payoffs that we haven't seen in recent years. We think so. The next committee meeting will be held in Phoenix on December 14.