Phoenix resident receives vehicle from American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass as part of NABC Recycled Rides® program
Robert Keegan, an elementary school teacher from Phoenix, Arizona, was the recipient of a vehicle donated by American Family Insurance and refurbished by Gerber Collision & Glass as part of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.
American Family Insurance and body shop Gerber Collision & Glass teamed up to provide the refurbished vehicle during a presentation at the March 1 Milwaukee BrewersTM spring training game at American Family Fields of PhoenixTM.
Through National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program, American Family partners with local auto body shops to donate vehicles that have been declared a total loss, which could result from a collision, hail damage or other accident. This nationwide, nonprofit project, organized by the NABC, repairs and then donates vehicles to deserving recipients.
From total loss to significant gain
When a car is declared a total loss, American Family pays the customer for the actual cash value of the vehicle before the loss. American Family usually takes possession of the vehicle and can sell it through a salvage vendor. With this program, rather than take the salvage proceeds, American Family donates the vehicles and a local auto body shop donates its services to repair them. Other vendors also offer parts and services. The vehicles are repaired to industry standards and meet safety requirements.
American Family and Gerber Collison & Glass worked together with a nonprofit organization to identify a deserving recipient for this gift. Recipients meet certain requirements such as need, valid driver’s license and ability to insure and maintain the vehicle.
NABC Recycled Rides latest recipient
Robert Keegan was a special guest at the recent Milwaukee Brewers vs. Texas Rangers spring training game at American Family Fields of Phoenix.
Robert is an elementary school teacher who has been without his own transportation as he navigates some challenges in his life. He had to rely on public transportation to get to his job, which was not always reliable and involved a long commute. Robert sought help through A New Leaf, a local nonprofit organization, where he is working closely with a case worker to achieve his goals of independence, both financial and other. With the benefit of this safe, refurbished vehicle, he can maintain employment, have more stability in his life and be able to give back to his community, which is a priority for him. 
“Many of us will never know or understand the barrier it can be to live without reliable transportation,” said Tim Constien, American Family chief claims officer. “We admire individuals like Robert who are taking determined and positive steps to overcome obstacles and strive for a better life. We’re proud to join with our partners to provide him this vehicle and offer him some assistance and stability as he works toward full self-sufficiency.”
Representatives from the participating organizations presented Robert with the keys to a completely refurbished 2019 Honda Civic.
In addition to Tim Constien, also attending the event from American Family Insurance was Danny Henderson, vice president of claims and Mesa American Family Insurance agency owner Mike Stapley. From Gerber Collision & Glass, Gary Bunce, senior vice president of sales and. Sam Ripes, general manager, attended. Robert was also supported by Sarah Homan, his case worker from A New Leaf.
American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass have been honored to participate in the NABC Recycled Rides program providing vehicle gifts for more than a decade.
Photo caption from group photo at top of page, left to right: Tim Constien, Danny Henderson, Mike Stapley, Gary Bunce, Sam Ripes, Sarah Homan, Robert Keegan, and Barrelman the mascot.
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About the American Family Insurance Group
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family Insurance has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investment and creative partnerships to address societal challenges. We act on our belief in diversity and inclusion by constantly evolving to meet customer needs and preferences. American Family Insurance group is the nation’s 12th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 243 on the Fortune 500 list. The group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, Homesite and Main Street America Insurance. Across these companies the group has nearly 11,000 employees nationwide.