Next step for telematics: transforming the claims process
Integrating telematics and driving data could transform the claims process. Interactive first notice of loss [FNOL] could notify teams automatically and pre-populated a loss intake screen with the facts of an accident, improving the speed and accuracy of the process. GPS data would also be able to transmit details of when and where the accident occurred, estimate the point of impact as well as the pre- and post-collision movements of the insured vehicle. In addition to providing insurance companies with essential information to reconstruct the accident and assess liability within minutes, the process would enable them to alert emergency services, determine drivability of a vehicle, and send a tow truck and/or rental car to the scene if necessary. Repairs could even be scheduled and parts ordered before the car even arrives at the garage reducing cost and time associated with multiple tows and storage. Further down the process the data could help determine the cause [both liability and legitimacy] and severity of damage to vehicles as well as drivers and passengers.

Since the first cars were sold, there have been crashes.

And while the insurance claims industry has made enormous advances over the years, the fundamental process of handling a claim has been largely the same for decades at least during my time in this industry, which spans nearly 30 years, and includes research and work in claims and the application of “black box” information in the evaluation of liability and injury causation.