AXA launches car insurance claims app
As just a third of drivers admit to knowing what to do should they be involved in an accident, AXA Insurance, one of the UK's largest insurers, has this week launched a motor insurance claims iPhone app to help.
The application, available now from the Apple iTunes app store, will help motorists involved in an accident get through the stressful and often confusing process of dealing with details at the scene of the crash as well as help the whole claims process run more smoothly.
The innovative and easy to use app is one of the first of its kind in the UK and is available free to both AXA customers and non-customers. It can be used to store personal and policy information, capture photos of any damage following an accident, enter details of any witnesses and exchange details with other drivers. Using GPS technology, the app will record key information about the accident such as the location and the time.
For AXA customers, it has the unique feature of locating and contacting the closest approved repairer to come collect the customer and their vehicle if it is un-drivable. Customers can also notify the claim there and then by emailing the info to the claims team who will then call the customer back within 2 hours (during normal office hours). For those interested in obtaining insurance with AXA, the app also has a quote function.
Understanding the claims process
Consumer research from AXA shows that motorists are confused about the correct procedures following an accident with only 34% claiming to be confident they know exactly what to do.
Around a quarter of drivers (27%) would not think to swap name, address and phone number with the other driver or take down their registration plate.
Although 84% say they would swap insurance details with the other driver, in reality this is less likely to happen with only 15% of drivers having their insurance details on them. A worrying 3% of motorists admitted to not having insurance.
Around 13% would apologise to the other driver - something insurers advise against - and 5% said they would automatically blame the other driver!
Two thirds (66%) of people would think about getting witnesses to the accident, while just over a third would phone the police.
When it comes to the detail of the accident, which can help settle a claim quickly and effectively:
Only two thirds (68%) would consider noting the date and the time
Less than half (45%) would note the weather, visibility, lighting conditions
Just 57% would take photos of the accident
Less than half (41%) would get the name, address and phone numbers of any passengers
Simon Clayden, head of IT innovation at AXA, said: "Having an accident, however minor, can be traumatic and it is clear that many drivers really don't know what they should do if they are in this situation. And even those who do can forget vital information at such a stressful time.
"Our app allows you to permanently store the information you need and will take you through a step by step process at the scene of the accident, prompting you to record all the necessary detail. For our customers, we can also get the claims process rolling there and then.
"We know that nobody ever wants to have to claim but if they do, providing better service through new and convenient channels can only help make the process less distressing."