Crawford Partners With CEI Group to Offer Auto and Heavy Equipment Managed Repair Programs

ATLANTA, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Crawford & Company and the CEI Group Inc. (CEI) are partnering to offer comprehensive automobile and heavy equipment managed repair programs that can help Crawford clients reduce claim costs and vehicle down-time.

Crawford (NYSE: CRDA; CRDB), the world's largest independent provider of claims management solutions, now offers access to CEI's provider network, which comprises some 4,000 collision repair shops, including 800 truck collision repair centers in North America.

"Our partnership with CEI will help claims managers attain an immediate reduction in overall claim costs and help customers get back on the road more quickly," said Dester Terry, director of Casualty Services for Crawford. "Claims managers can be assured that each estimate has been fully audited and that every cost-saving method was considered during the repair."

Through Crawford's vehicle managed repair programs, smaller insurance companies can offer their customers the same comprehensive services as larger carriers competing in today's market, Blair Bennett, Vehicle Services product manager, added. Crawford's programs offer:

• A nationwide network of more than 4,000 fully licensed and credentialed repair shops
• Preferred scheduling for repairs
• Estimates that are audited for accuracy
• A national, limited written warranty for customers, guaranteeing the work performed and no future costs associated with the original repairs.

Crawford and CEI also offer credentialed networks for both rental and glass claims, which can be used in conjunction with the managed repair programs or as stand-alone programs, providing flexibility and customization.

"Studies show that customer satisfaction with collision repairs is a key factor in policyholder retention," said Domenic Brusco, CEI director of insurance services.  "Our experience demonstrates that, by consistently delivering high levels of quality and customer satisfaction, CEI's repair network and assured processes help carriers manage repair expenses and monitor the policyholder experience. We're proud that Crawford recognizes CEI's value, and are honored to help them continue to lead the way in vehicle claim management."

Crawford's managed repair programs enhance an already comprehensive list of services that includes vehicle damage appraisal, heavy equipment appraisal, vehicle condition inspection and VTech™, the Company's advanced, web-based, proprietary inspection management tool that allows clients to submit assignments online and routes them to professional appraisers. For more information, call (866) 572-8772 or email [email protected].

About Crawford

Based in Atlanta, Ga., Crawford & Company (www.crawfordandcompany.com) is the world's largest independent provider of claims management solutions to the risk management and insurance industry as well as self-insured entities, with a global network of more than 700 locations in 63 countries. The Crawford System of Claims Solutions(SM) offers comprehensive, integrated claims services, business process outsourcing and consulting services for major product lines including property and casualty claims management, workers compensation claims and medical management, and legal settlement administration. The Company's shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbols CRDA and CRDB.

About The CEI Group, Inc. (CEI)

CEI is a provider of technology-enhanced vehicle accident, driver safety and fleet risk management services.  Its provider network comprises some 4,000 collision repair shops in North America, including 800 truck collision repair centers. Its customers include self-insured commercial, institutional and governmental fleets, directly and through its alliances with fleet leasing companies. CEI also provides vehicle direct repair program outsourcing to leading property and casualty insurance companies.

Founded in 1983, CEI has headquarters near Philadelphia, Pa., with field sales offices in Trevose, Pa.; Monroe, Mich.; Tulsa, Okla.; and Pittsburgh, Pa. In 2000, CEI launched DriverCare™, a line of fleet risk management and driver safety services, including DriverCare Risk Manager™, DriverCare mvrComplete™, DriverCare Quarterly, and DriverCare Web-Based Training™. For more information about CEI, visit www.ceinetwork.com.

SOURCE Crawford & Company