How does technology change the insurance claim process?

Nov. 15, 2018

Both collision repairers and the insurance industry professionals need to better understand how new vehicle technology works and how it adds complexity to the repair process.

asTech

New vehicles, equipped with advanced onboard technology, are making their way into auto body repair shops at a much faster rate than ever before. This means that both collision repairers and the insurance industry professionals need to better understand how this new technology works and how it adds complexity to the repair process.

When a vehicle has been involved in a collision, most organized and efficient repair facilities utilize standardized pre-repair processes such as blueprinting and disassembly for repair (DFR) to help identify all accident-related damages before the repairs begin. This ensures proper cycle times and reduced rental days are achieved, more guaranteed completion dates are met, and higher customer satisfaction results are generated. Performing a pre-repair diagnostics service with the asTech^® device prior to performing repairs will identify if any diagnostic and/or electronic damage should be incorporated into the overall repair plan. This is an advantage to the technician, vehicle owner and especially, the insurer.Advantages of a pre-repair diagnostic serviceThere are a number of familiar benefits gained when a technician performs a pre-repair diagnostic service with the asTech^® device before any repairs begin. Some of the benefits include: identifying hidden damage early in the process, improved cycle times, reduced rental days, more accurate parts sourcing, and finally; shops can pre-schedule certain types of dealer calibrations that may be required. Understanding the extent of the diagnostic-related damage can speed up the total loss determination process. The cumulative effect of these benefits allows repair shops to consistently improve their overall customer experience numbers.

Performing a pre-repair diagnostic service also provides the repair shop and insurance company with a comprehensive report on the diagnostic health of the vehicle when it arrived at the shop. The report includes a full listing of each Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s) present at the time the vehicle was serviced.

Handling the claim
New vehicles are being manufactured with more highly advanced technology than ever before. This technology is achieved by a huge assortment of sensors, modules, and cameras, positioned throughout the vehicle. In the event of a collision, these sensitive systems can be damaged. Even the slightest fender bender can cause damage to, and require replacement of, this technology.

Although the new automotive technology can seem complex, the claims handling process doesn’t have to be. Having a pre-repair diagnostic service performed on the vehicle with the asTech device will reveal problems which cannot be readily seen. Each repair should be planned in accordance with the report asTech provides and the OEM repair procedures. Following this process will help verify that no damage goes undetected and that no procedure is ignored.

Insurer benefits Performing pre- and post-repair diagnostic services with the asTech^®device ensures all damaged parts are identified and repairs are completed in a timely fashion thus reducing rental costs, meeting more guaranteed completion dates, and improving the overall customer experience. Reducing overall claim costs and improving customer retention are two key insurance benefits of servicing vehicles.