Whether it's auto or property insurance, mobile technology makes it easy to go through the claims process remotely

Have you ever had to file an insurance claim before? Whether it's for an auto accident or property damage, there can be a number of delays along the way. You have to contact your insurance company, schedule a visit with an adjuster, and wait for them to inspect the damage before you wait on a paper check in the mail. But those are the ways of the past! Today, we'll take a look at new methods and show you how mobile technology makes filing a claim easier than ever.

How insurance claims are traditionally handled

Traditional property claims

Traditionally, when you experience a loss to your home and needed to file an insurance claim, the process involved the insurance company sending an adjuster out to evaluate the property. They would personally inspect the damage, take measurements, and eventually provide you with an estimate.

While this works, it certainly isn't the fastest or most efficient way to handle the claim. It requires that you or your spouse take time off of work, or otherwise take time out of your busy day to meet the adjuster and there can sometimes be scheduling delays as well.

Traditional auto claims

The process is fairly similar in the world of auto insurance claims. You would call your insurance company to begin the process, and they would schedule a time to have an adjuster meet you to inspect your damaged vehicle. 

Alternatively, many insurance companies have partnerships with automotive shops, that can also provide an inspection. Assuming your vehicle can still safely drive, you would take it to the shop and they would assess the damage and provide an estimate to your insurance company for repairs.

While this allows you a little more scheduling flexibility, it is still time out of your day that you have to plan for.

How technology is making claims handling easier

When it comes to filing an insurance claim, time is valuable. Whether you just need a few simple repairs on your car or you need to replace a damaged roof on your home to keep the rain out, every day counts. That's why utilizing advancements in technology is so important. Not only does it make the process easier, it reduces the amount of time between the damaging incident and the repair. 

As with most things in the world of technology, there are dozens of tools available, and practices will vary based on your insurance provider.  In order to demonstrate how these tools and practices can save you time, we'll discuss the specific methods Germania Insurance has employed as an example of what is possible.

Remote property claims

When filing a property claim, there are possible bottlenecks throughout the process - bottlenecks that remote technology can help remove. Germania Insurance is taking advantage of the latest tools and software in order to make the property claims process easier for policyholders. 

Meeting your adjuster. Just because you're going remote doesn't mean you don't want to have a face-to-face relationship with your claims adjuster. That's why we've given our adjusters iPads to utilize Facetime for a better more personal experience. For customers who do not have an Apple device for FaceTime, our adjusters are able to leverage technology such as Zoom or Skype to have face-to-face video communication. 

You can also communicate with your adjuster via text or email at any point during the claims process so that you don't have to worry about scheduling specific times to talk on the phone or meet in person. 

The digital inspection. After you've met the adjuster, they can then utilize a collaboration tool called ClaimXperience. This allows policyholders to show live video of the damaged areas while the adjuster on the other end takes still shot photos for file documentation, or record video at any time that is convenient and then submit seamlessly to the adjuster. 

Adjuster are also able to use software, called Xactware, to digitally create accurate measurements or sketches of rooms inside your home with limited information. If needed, they can also secure and import photos or sketches from repair contractors, mitigation services, or plumbers who may have been called to your home as a result of the damage.

Receiving the payout. Rather than waiting for a paper check through the mail, which can take days, certain claims are eligible for settlement payments to be processed and delivered through an Electronic Funds Transfer. After the inspection is complete, the adjuster will discuss the settlement with you, determine if you are eligible for an ETF, and guide you through the transfer process. It doesn't get much faster than that!

Mobile auto claims

Like a property claim, the process of inspecting damage for an auto claim can take time if it has to be done in person. Fortunately, in many cases, this can be done remotely, too!

The mobile app method. There's an app for everything, and fortunately, that includes filing an auto claim. For many auto losses where the vehicle is still drivable, Germania offers its very own Mobile App that's designed to make the process as painless as possible. After you've contacted Germania's toll free number (1-877-437-6264) or gone through our website, the adjuster can give you instructions on how you can download and install the app. 

Taking photos is a snap. Once the app is installed, it will guide you through the process of taking photos. It will have you snap a picture of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and then help you take photos of the damaged areas. Your adjuster will then review them and provide an estimate through the app, usually within 24-48 hours!

Receiving the payout. Just like the payout for a property claim, many auto settlements can be sent via Electronic Funds Transfer. Once the settlement has been finalized, your adjuster will help you set it up!

Wrap-up

Filing an insurance claim can be stressful. Whether you've been in an automotive accident or your home has been damaged by a disaster, the last thing you want to do is go through the hassle of scheduling an inspection and waiting weeks to get your payment. 

By leveraging mobile technology, the entire process, from the first phone call to receiving the settlement, is made more simple and efficient. At the end of the day, the purpose of insurance is to help you rewind the clock so you can get back to living. 



To learn how Germania Insurance uses mobile technology to make filing a claim easy, get a quote or contact one of our trusted agents!

Read more: Have a new Texas home, or just want to learn more about homeowners insurance in Texas? Read all about it in our blog, or check out the latest here!