ACD News
AutoClaims Direct Finishes Strong Year
AutoClaims Direct the leading provider of independent auto damage appraisals and insurance claims management technology is finishing a strong 2009.
2009 was a year of big growth which saw the company honored by Inc. Magazine along with several other prestigious business magazines. AutoClaims Direct also opened a fully functional adjusting division coupled with growth of over 250% in property adjusting. ACD's growth has doubled the firm's core staff with more hires expected during the first quarter of 2010.
"Our growth over the past three years has been amazing. Our strategic planning and well thought out growth plan has accelerated our position in the industry“ Stated Ernie Bray, CEO of AutoClaims Direct. " We have focused on building a staff of quality claims professionals with a tremendous work ethic and belief in the product. To grow this fast in one of the biggest economic downturns in recent history says a lot about our organization. 2010 is set to be an even stronger year for ACD. Our suite of products combined with our upcoming technology enhancements will only further our goal of becoming the company of choice for auto insurers nationwide." Stated Bray.
AutoClaims Direct is a business service and auto appraisal firm that provides the insurance industry with a complete claims management service and auto appraisal company. AutoClaims Direct's clients are insurance companies, fleet management companies and third party administrators. AutoClaims Direct's revolutionary "DirectLink" application streamlines the claims handling process, rapidly reducing cycle times and average loss paid. The corporation handles auto appraisals, desk audits and lease returns.
A Field Day In Claims Now Available!
AutoClaims Direct CEO Ernie Bray and Co-Author, Heather Hamilton the firm's Property Director have released their new book titled "A Field Day In Claims." The book serves as a great starting point for those looking to gain a solid grasp of the basics required to properly inspect, photograph and document damages to autos and homes for insurance claims.
"We wanted to provide a basic fundamental guide for those looking to build a solid foundation in field claims. The key to a quality auto damage or property loss appraisal is documentation. To be a successful field representative in the claims industry it all begins with being able to assess damage and properly document it." States AutoClaims Direct CEO, Ernie Bray
A Field Day In Claims chronicles a sample auto and homeowner loss scenario, includes key industry terminology and focuses on the methods to assess damage. "Whether one is a new field adjuster or an individual who simply wants to brush up on some foundational techniques, our book is a great resource." Added Heather Hamiltion, Property Director of American Property Claims.
For more information on how to order contact AutoClaims Direct at info@autoclaimsdirect.com or American Property Claims at claims@americanpropertyclaims.com
AutoClaims Direct Named Honoree At San Diego Business Journal Awards
AutoClaims Direct was recognized as a small business Honoree at the San Diego Business Journal's Business Awards.
The awards recognize and honor the accomplishments of San Diego County's business and was hosted by the San Diego Business Journal and the awards were presented by the San Diego State University Entrepreneurial Management Center and the University of San Diego's Family Business Forum along with sponsors ESET, Duane Morris, Mass Mutual Financial Group and US Bank.
AutoClaims Direct capped an amazing year which saw the company grow over 178% and make Inc. Magazine's 2009 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America earlier in the year. "We were excited to be a finalist in the prestigious San Diego Business Journal awards and to actually be named Honoree among such an amazing group of successful businesses is truly a great compliment. This was a great way for our company to finish out the year and I'd really like to thank our entire team for all of the hard work they have put in to help us to achieve such an honor." stated AutoClaims Direct CEO, Ernie Bray.
AutoClaims Direct is an insurance claims services and technology business solutions provider to the Property & Casualty industry.
AutoClaims Direct Announces Subrogation Solution
AutoClaims Direct a leading provider of claims services and business process solutions to the Property & Casualty claims industry today announced the addition of the company's new subrogation division.
"We've been handling subrogation files on a limited basis for some time now and felt that with the build out of our comprehensive "AdjustLink" adjusting system, full subrogation services would be a natural fit." Stated AutoClaims Direct CEO Ernie Bray.
"Our subrogation services allow any insurer to simply assign us a file for either collection purposes or demand reviews. Our extensive review process analyzes the deman, checks validity of repairs, parts usage along with the appropriate rental allotment. Our complete subrogation program also serves to offload the time consuming collection process from adjusters saving them time to accurately and effectively manage their claims." added Bray
We as a company have set out an aggressive software development plan with the goal of releasing five new applications between now and March 2010. As a leader in auto damage appraising nationwide we are continuing to bundle new and exciting programs which makes AutoClaims Direct the logical choice for insurers seeking to lower adjustment expenses and maintain accurate settlements.
About AutoClaims Direct: AutoClaims Direct, is a leading Auto Damage Appraisal and Business Solutions Provider to the insurance claims industry. The company focuses on delivering fast, accurate and professional appraisals processed and analyzed through cutting-edge technology. AutoClaims Direct draws from a staff which has extensive claims experience to create solutions that deliver effective and measurable results. Visit us online atwww.autoclaimsdirect.com.
AutoClaims Direct Vice President Tara Esquivel named Finalist in the 6th Annual Stevie Awards.
Tara Esquivel, Vice President of AutoClaims Direct was announced as a Finalist in the 6th Annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business, an international competition recognizing the accomplishments of outstanding women executives, business owners, and the organizations they run.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are produced by the creators of the prestigious American Business Awards. The Stevies are widely considered to be the world's premier business awards.
"We are absolutely thrilled for Tara and proud of her great achievement. She has been a key integral force in the expansion and growth of our firm. The synergy between her and the rest of our executive team has allowed us to rapidly become the leader in claims services." Stated AutoClaims Direct CEO Ernie Bray. "Tara is extremely client focused and has become a recognized leader in the insurance claims industry." added Bray.
More than 1,100 nominations were under consideration by organizations in Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.A.
The final results of the 6th annual competition will be announced at an awards dinner at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on Friday, November 13.
AutoClaims Direct Named To Inc. Magazine List Of Fastest-Growing Private Companies.
AutoClaims Direct Named To Prestigious Inc. Magazine List.
AutoClaims Direct Ranks No. #1 In California in the Insurance Category and #1776 on the 2009 Inc. 5000 with Three-Year Sales Growth of 178.5%
NEW YORK, August 12, 2009 -- Inc. Magazine today ranked AutoClaims Direct #1776 on its third annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. AutoClaims Direct ranked #1 in the Insurance category in California, #14 nationally in Insurance and #33 in the San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos Region. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Consumer electronics maker Vizio, Internet giant GoDaddy, rental car service Zipcar, and beverage maker Honest Tea are among the prominent brands featured on this year's list.
“Savvy trend spotters and those who invest in private companies know that the Inc. 5000 is the best place to find out about young companies that are achieving success through a wide variety of unprecedented business models, as well as older private companies that are still expanding at an impressive rate,” said Inc. 5000 project manager Jim Melloan. “That’s why our list is so eagerly anticipated every year.”
AutoClaims Direct CEO Ernie Bray's core philosophy is meshing top tier talent with the rapid application of new technology. Bray and his team's vision has taken vehicle damage claims service to a new level."In order to become a leader in claims services we know that powerful technology combined with a strong client focus is the key to growth. Claims offices are often underfunded and lag in the implementation of technological solutions. We are able to fill that technology gap for insurers and provide a full service solution customized to their needs."states Bray.
The 2009 Inc. 5000, unveiled today on Inc.com, serves as a unique report card on the U.S. economy. Despite the ongoing recession, aggregate revenue among the companies on the list actually increased to $214 billion, up $29 billion from last year, with a median three-year growth rate of 126 percent. The Inc. 5000 are responsible for creating more than 1 million jobs since their founding, making the list perhaps the best example of the impact private, fast-growing companies can have on the economy. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found on Inc.com.
This year’s list also offers a preview of which industries are poised for growth in coming years. With an average growth rate of 667 percent, Insurance ranked as the top industry overall. Government Services was the top industry gainer with 252 companies on this year’s list, up from 135 last year. Health is the top industry by both total revenue ($22.7 billion) and total employment (156,223 jobs).
The Hottest Regions for Fast-Growing Companies
Once again, California tops the Inc. 5000 with the most companies of any state with 612. The Golden State is followed by Texas (393), New York (316), Florida (263), and Virginia (261). All 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, are represented on this year’s list.
New York boasts 371 Inc. 5000 companies, making it the top metropolitan area, followed by Washington, D.C. (317), Los Angeles (253), Atlanta (209), and Chicago (203).
The Inc. 5000 at a Glance
Bolstered by this year's No. 1 company, Northern Capital Insurance, Insurance emerged as the top industry, with an average growth rate of 667 percent. Other strong performers include Energy (523 percent) and Government Services (491 percent).
In total, the companies on the Inc. 5000 have created more than 1 million jobs. Health is the top employer with 156,223 jobs, followed by Business Products & Services (122,911), IT Services (89,632), Food & Beverage (86,572), and Construction (65,494).
IT Services had the most companies on this year’s list with 658, followed by Business Products & Services (502), Advertising & Marketing (398), Construction (354), and Manufacturing (342).
Topping this year’s list is Northern Capital Insurance, a Miami-based firm that is helping to revolutionize Florida’s ailing insurance industry. The company generated $95 million in revenue in 2008 and an impressive three-year growth rate of 19,812 percent.
The top woman-owned company is P3S (No. 17 overall), a San Antonio–based firm that provides IT network security and physical security services, mostly to the Defense Department. P3S, owned by Mary Ellen Trevino, recorded revenue of $13.5 million in 2008 and a three-year growth rate of 5,898 percent. The top minority-owned company is Harley Stanfield (No. 3 overall), a Washington, D.C.–based real estate investment firm that buys existing properties, makes them energy efficient, and then resells them as investment properties. Harley Stanfield, founded by Cedric Franklin, posted revenue of $38.4 million in 2008 and a three-year growth rate of 13,350 percent.
The Inc. 5000 posted an aggregate revenue of $214 billion in 2008, up nearly 16 percent from the previous year. The top five industries by total revenue include Health ($22.7 billion), Business Products & Services ($19.6 billion), Construction ($18.8 billion), Energy ($14.7 billion), and IT Services ($13.2 billion).
Methodology
The Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2005 through 2008. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by the first week of 2005, and therefore able to show four full calendar years of sales. Additionally, they have to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent -- not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies -- as of December 31, 2008. Revenue in 2005 must have been at least $200,000, and revenue in 2008 must have been at least $2 million. The top 10 percent of companies on the list comprise the Inc. 500, now in its 28th year.
About AutoClaims Direct
AutoClaims Direct, is a leading Auto Damage Appraisal and Business Solutions Provider to the insurance claims industry. The company focuses on delivering fast, accurate and professional appraisals processed and analyzed through cutting-edge technology. AutoClaims Direct draws from a staff which has extensive claims experience to create solutions that deliver effective and measurable results. Visit us online at www.autoclaimsdirect.com
About Inc. Magazine
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 712,961, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at Inc.com.
ACD to reveal three new exciting programs in 2009
Carlsbad, CA [January 22, 2009] --- AutoClaims Direct, the leading strategic development firm in the auto insurance claims industry, today announced that three new and exciting programs will be revealed in 2009.
In 2008, AutoClaims Direct completed full system integration with a number of insurers, introduced advanced data analytics technology, and released live feed solutions. ACD grew it's auto damage appraisal field staff to over 850 employees nationwide while also launching full claims adjusting services in California.
"We understand in tough economic times that insurers need to reduce loss expenses now more than ever. Through our rigorous claims auditing and national auto damage appraisal services we can deliver real and measurable savings upon implementation of our services. Our reporting and analytics is second to none. Insurers who may now need to outsource field work such as adjustments and auto damage appraising can easily plug into our nationwide coverage. We can work as an extension of any claims office", stated Ernie Bray, President of AutoClaims Direct.
AutoClaims Direct's ambitious 2009 plan includes the addition of a full claims language translation program, an enhanced data analytics solutions, and a full overflow adjusting/field services division dedicated to insurers needing rapid assistance due to reduced internal staffing.
"AutoClaims Direct provides services to the auto insurance claims industry. ACD offers advanced, easy to use claims management technology solutions and leverages the largest auto damage appraisal field staff nationwide. Our commitment to personalized service and customization continues to make our claims system and national field staff the choice of insurers looking for real results. We are very excited about the new services and solutions we have planned for 2009."
