Retired U.S. Army veteran honored with vehicle from American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass as part of NABC Recycled Rides® program

Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Officer-In-Charge Stewart Moran of Wisconsin was the recipient of a vehicle donated by American Family Insurance and refurbished by Gerber Collision & Glass as part of the national National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.

Through this 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 donates vehicles to deserving recipients.

Total-loss cars get new purpose with NABC Recycled Rides
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 to identify a military veteran 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
Stewart was a special guest at the UW Badger men’s basketball game vs. Chicago State on Friday, Dec. 22 at the Kohl Center in Madison. American Family Insurance Chief Claims Officer Tim Constien and Chief Underwriting Officer Dan Kelly, and from Gerber Collision & Glass, Dave Griffin, market manager-Wisconsin West and Rheann Schleiter, general manager of the Wayne Terrace location, presented Stewart with the keys to a completely refurbished 2020 Ford Escape. In addition, one of American Family’s partners, Copart Auto Auctions, paid for registration and title fees for the new vehicle.

Retired Sergeant Officer-in-Charge Stewart Moran served in the U.S. Army for five years and was deployed to active conflict zones three times during his tenure – once to Kosovo and twice to Iraq. During his last deployment, he was injured by a roadside improvised explosive device. For his injuries and actions following this attack, he was awarded the Purple Heart, a solemn distinction that signifies a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves while in the line of duty. As a retired military veteran, Stewart works with Sierra Delta, a local non-profit wellness organization dedicated to empowering veterans through tailored support, dog training grants, resources, community opportunities and service to others.

“The NABC Recycled Rides is a beneficial program that allows insurers like American Family and repair shops like Gerber Collision & Glass to partner together to provide safe and reliable vehicles to deserving recipients,” said Constien. “We’re proud to be long-time participants in this program and tonight honor Stewart, who served our country with honor and continues to assist other veterans."

Also attending the event from American Family Insurance Claims Services were: Jim Hanneman, divisional manager, vendor management; Jeremiah Libers, divisional manager, auto physical damage; Andy McCormick, front line manager, auto physical damage; and Jamie Weidner, claims vendor specialist, vendor management.

American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass are honored to participate in the NABC Recycled Rides program every year and provide vehicle gifts to deserving recipients.

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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. 301 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, The General, Homesite and Main Street America Insurance. Across these companies the group has nearly 12,500 employees nationwide.