Bridging the Data Divide: Why Collaboration is Key to Smarter Claims and Repairs

When a vehicle is totaled or sent for repairs, time and information accuracy are everything. If the claim isn’t processed correctly or quickly, that vehicle can end up sitting in a yard or repair facility — sometimes for days. Each delay adds up, often costing thousands of dollars that could have been avoided with better, shared data. 

At CIECA CONNEX 2025 in Nashville, I spoke about the gap between the data we have and the data we need.

Every day, vehicles are repaired or declared total losses based on incomplete or inconsistent information. And when that happens, everyone feels the impact — from repairers and insurers to OEMs and customers.

That’s where VIN-specific build data changes the equation.

When every stakeholder — OEMs, insurers and repairers — works from the same, precise vehicle information, we can:

• Eliminate Guesswork: Repairers and insurers no longer need to make educated guesses about a vehicle's specifications.
• Reduce Delays: Accurate data streamlines the process, ensuring that repairs are done correctly the first time.
• Ensure Compliance: ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) calibration and OEM requirements are met consistently.
• Improve Transparency: All parties have access to the same information, fostering trust and accountability.

How Collaboration Eliminates Guesswork and Delays:

At J.D. Power, we see build data as more than just a technical improvement. It’s the foundation of collaboration — the common language that helps each part of the claims and repair journey align around the same truth.

For instance, when repairers, insurers and OEMs share data in real-time, it reduces the likelihood of disputes and ensures that everyone is on the same page. This collaboration minimizes the back-and-forth that often leads to delays, allowing for quicker and more accurate repairs.

Moreover, sharing data fosters a culture of transparency and trust. When each party knows that they are working with accurate and up-to-date information, it builds confidence in the system and encourages a more cooperative approach to problem-solving.

As I said at CONNEX, build data eliminates guesswork and drives trust across the ecosystem. But it takes all of us working together to make that vision real.

So I’ll leave you with the same questions I shared with the audience:

• Where are your bottlenecks today?
• What improvements would have the biggest impact?
• How will you leverage VIN-specific data to stay ahead?

Collaboration isn’t just the key to better repairs — it’s the key to better claims, and ultimately, a better experience for every driver on the road. By working together and leveraging VIN-specific build data, we can create a more efficient, transparent, and trustworthy automotive claims and repair ecosystem.

About the Author: Jim Vecchio is the Head of VIN Products at J.D. Power. Jim is a seasoned entrepreneurial executive who is focused on fueling data solutions across J.D. Power. Connect with Jim >

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