These car insurance apps speed up claims

If you have a car accident, a smart phone will allow you to contact your insurer, get medical assistance, take pictures and call for a tow truck. But several Canadian property and casualty insurers and one insurance broker have invested in mobile technology that makes it even easier for customers to record information and make claims.

Here are four examples:
 
State Farm’s “Pocket Agent": This app  is compatible with  iPhone, iPod Touch and Android apps. Customers with an auto policy registered on statefarm.com can begin the claims process, find repair facilities and contact their State Farm agent.   An additional convenience for customers is the Pocket Agent’s ability to pre-populate personal information and details of vehicles insured with the company, based on their statefarm.com log-in ID and password.
 

AXA Mobile: This  iPhone app allows clients to report a claim following an accident or glass breakage by:

 - Selecting the details of the accident.

 - Entering information about the other parties involved and even record comments about the accident.

- Identifying the damaged parts of the vehicle

- Taking photos of the damaged vehicles and the accident scene.

- Locating the nearest certified repair shops.

AXA Mobile also provides quick access to important telephone numbers plus useful advice about what to do if you are involved in an accident.

 
Aviva Canada’s Mobile Website: Instead of smart phone specific apps, Aviva Canada has opted for a mobile website compatible with all browser-enabled smart phones including iPhones, BlackBerries and Android phones.

 The mobile website allows customers to access contact information for service stations or service providers, file new claims and locate brokers.

Rhodes & Williams’ “My Pocket Insurance Broker:” My Pocket Insurance Broker is available for Android and iPhones. In addition to information that will help clients send information to their insurance broker, the app has the built-in ability to access the device camera, store and send photos.

Non-clients can use the app for recording events at the time of an accident and keeping track of policy information in one spot. The company claims their app is the first available from an independent insurance broker.

In an Insurance-Canada.ca blog, Canadian Insurance Top Broker editor Daryl Angier reports that there have been concerns among some brokers that mobile applications offered by insurance companies will allow insurers to bypass them and connect directly with policyholders - thus threatening the traditional role of brokers as trusted advisors.

Also see: Ten must have free apps for your tablet and This app helps monitor blood pressure, heart rate.