Morrison, CO resident receives vehicle from American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass as part of NABC Recycled Rides® program

Morrison, CO resident receives vehicle from American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass as part of NABC Recycled Rides® program

American Family Insuranceand Gerber Collision & Glassteamed up to provide a refurbished vehicle to a Morrison, Colorado retired veteran.

Sergeant Scott Sprague (U.S. Army retired) 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. The presentation was made at the October 5 Colorado Rapids match at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City.

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.

Donated vehicles and repairs mean new life for total-loss cars

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, which often includes military veterans. Recipients meet certain requirements such as need, valid driver's license and ability to insure and maintain the vehicle.

NABC Recycled Rides recipient in Colorado

Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Sprague was a special guest at the Colorado Rapids vs. Seattle Sounders match October 5.

He served in the military for four years and was deployed to active conflict zones two times - to Iraq and to Afghanistan. While serving, he received multiple awards, including the Bronze Star medal with a valor device, Army Commendation medal, National Defense Service medal, and Global War on Terrorism expeditionary medal. He also received multiple Presidential Unit Citation medals. Scott was nominated for the NABC Recycled Rides program by HUD-Veterans Affairs Supported Housing, to assist him in getting reliable transportation.

"We're long-time participants in the NABC Recycled Rides program with Gerber Collision & Glass, and we're especially excited to have this vehicle presented at a Colorado Rapids match, one of American Family's Major League Soccer partners," said Gwen Larkin, American Family Insurance associate vice president, specialty claims. "We're so pleased to be able to assist veterans like Scott, who have served their country bravely and with honor, in obtaining safe and reliable transportation."

Representatives from the participating organizations presented Scott with the keys to a completely refurbished 2019 Toyota Tacoma. For the presentation at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park, Scott was accompanied by his daughter, Emma, and son, Silas.

In addition to Gwen Larkin, also attending the event from American Family Insurance Claims Services was Shawn Connor, director, adjusting services. Attending from Gerber Collision & Glass were Market Manager Doug Timmons and General Manager Kerry Raes. Debbie Teeter was in attendance representing NABC.

American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass have been honored to participate in the NABC Recycled Rides program providing vehicle gifts for deserving recipients for more than a decade.

American Family Insurance announced a multi-year partnership with the Colorado Rapids in April 2023.

Captions for photos at top: Scott Sprague while active duty in the U.S. Army.
Group photo (left to right at presentation): Ella Sprague, (Ella's friend), Silas Sprague, Scott Sprague, Gwen Larkin, Doug Timmons, Kerry Raes, Shawn Connor, Debbie Teeter.

# # #

About the American Family Insurance Group
American Family Insurance Group, a mutual holding company 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 Group is the nation's 12th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 243 on the Fortune 500 list. The Group 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 75 years. 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, Homesiteand Main Street America Insuranceand has approximately 12,000 employees nationwide.