BodyShopBids, a website and mobile application that lets consumers receive custom auto repair estimates by photo, announced the public launch of its Insurance Partner Program.

In a release on March 7, BodyShopBids said it currently has five insurance carriers participating in pilot programs across several states.

Accessible for free via iPhone, Android and the Web, BodyShopBids connects consumers in need of car repair with body shops with available capacity. After uploading a few photos of their damaged vehicle, consumers receive a selection of nearby body shops to choose from within 24 hours.

By partnering with BodyShopBids, the company said that insurance providers "speed up cycle time, reduce costs and improve the overall customer experience." Through the BodyShopBids system, customers select a body shop based on location, price, reviews and other convenience factors, all from a computer, tablet or smartphone.

For insurance providers with a DRP network, BodyShopBids works exclusively within that network. For insurance providers without their own DRP network, BodyShopBids provides its own verified network of body shops.

"The insurance industry is hungry for innovative ways to use technology to increase customer retention," said Brad Weisberg, founder and CEO of BodyShopBids. "The BodyShopBids system answers this need by shortening the claims processing cycle and providing an unrivaled customer experience."

The Chicago-based start-up is backed by OCA Ventures, New World Ventures, and Lightbank.

More information:

www.BodyShopBids.com

http://bodyshopbids.com/insurance

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