CARMEL, Ind. -

Along with a recap of the first meeting of the OpenLane Recovery Remarketing Advisory Board, OpenLane shared some advice for when a repossessed vehicle has a dead battery.

When third-party inspectors arrive at a repo agent’s lot and discover recovered vehicles with dead batteries, OpenLane pointed out they may not be able to capture the current mileage for these vehicles. 

“Inspectors will often note that such vehicles are a ‘non-runner’ or have ‘unknown mileage,’” OpenLane stated. “Both conditions have a significant negative impact on the marketability of recovered units and dramatically reduce resale values.”

When remarketing recoveries, OpenLane emphasized agents are responsible for ensuring vehicles are well represented and can be started prior to the inspector’s arrival.

With that in mind, the company offered a trio of tips:

—If the battery of a vehicle is weak, recharge it or advise the lender about the value of replacing the battery — an additional value-added service agents can provide.

—If a vehicle still does not start after recharging the battery, place a note on or in the vehicle indicating the no-start condition, saving the inspector time and effort.

—When the inspector arrives, advise the individual if you have a jump-box available to start any vehicle with a dead or weak battery

“By ensuring that your recoveries can start and the mileages can be captured, you’ll dramatically improve your ability to remarket successfully on your clients’ behalf,” OpenLane stressed.

OpenLane Recovery Remarketing Advisory Board Gathers

Back on April 17 and 18, OpenLane held the first meeting of the OpenLane Recovery Remarketing Advisory Board.

Officials explained the advisory board was created to provide OpenLane with direct feedback from respected and experienced recovery services industry professionals.

“Our mutual goal is to constantly improve OpenLane’s remarketing processes and offerings to better serve the recovery industry,” officials insisted.

The members of the 2012 OpenLane Recovery Remarketing Advisory Board are:

—Chris Dunleavy of TCAR Inc.
—Lisa Maloy of WM Maloy Company
—Kevin McGivern of Equitable Services Inc.
—Warren York of USA Recovery Solutions (formerly, M Davis & Co.)
—John Ziebro of Relentless Recovery Inc.

“Our first meeting of the advisory board provided us with valuable insights and actionable ideas that the recovery remarketing team is currently working on,” officials recapped.

“OpenLane appreciates the time and commitment from the advisory board and looks forward to our next meeting,” they added.

OpenLane noted that if agents are interested in joining the advisory board as members rotate out, they can contact the company at recovery@openlane.com.