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

Veteran Brian Pfeffer was the recipient of the vehicle donated by American Family Insurance and refurbished by Gerber Collision & Glass as part of the 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.

Since 2007, the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides Program, along with their partners like American Family, has presented more than 3,500 vehicles, valued at more than $50 million to veterans, individuals in need and charitable organizations.

Total-loss cars get new life and purpose

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. Brian was nominated and chosen in collaboration with the Seattle Vet Center.

Recipient is guest at Lumen Field

Brian and his son, Lucas, were special guests of American Family Insurance at the Seattle Sounders vs. Minnesota United soccer game on September 26 at Lumen Field, where he was presented with the keys to a completely refurbished 2023 vehicle.

Brian is a proud eight-year veteran of the U.S. Army, who served in both Iraq and South Korea. Following his service, his focus is now managing a number of medical conditions and creating a new life as a devoted single father to his son, after arriving in Washington earlier this year. Brian does not currently have a large support network, and is making do with an unreliable vehicle. He and his family will benefit greatly from this gift, with his ultimate goal of returning to school and meaningful work.

At Lumen Field for the presentation from American Family was Sales District Leader Valerie Reich, and from Gerber Collision & Glass were Chris Savenetti, Seattle central market manager, and Alex Possanza, general manager of the Kent, Washington location. Also joining in the presentation were American Family agency owners Jonathon Cisneros and Lieu Vuong and Julia Stouber from Seattle Vet Center.

American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass have been honored to participate in the NABC Recycled Rides program providing vehicle gifts several times a year for more than a decade, removing the barrier of unreliable transportation and helping contribute to a better life for deserving recipients.

(Group photo, from left): Julia Stouber, Chris Savenetti, Alex Possanza, Brian Pfeffer, Lucas Pfeffer, Valerie Reich, Jonathon Cisneros, Lieu Vuong.

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About American Family Insurance 
American Family Insurance based in Madison, Wis., 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 investments and creative partnerships. American Family Insurance is the nation’s 12th-largest property/casualty insurance company, ranking No. 226 on the Fortune 500 list. American Family has a current ‘a+’ credit rating through AM Best, and has distinction as a “Standing the Test of Time” company, which is represented by having an AM Best financial strength rating of ‘A’ or better for at least 75 years. The company offers American Family-brand products through a network of exclusive agency owners as well as nationwide through key strategic partnerships. American Family Insurance also includes Homesite and Main Street America Insurance. The company has approximately 10,500 employees nationwide.