American communities are experiencing a devastating increase in tornadoes, wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and other catastrophes. Furthermore, the challenges presented by COVID-19 have complicated response and recovery efforts to these increasingly costly natural disasters.
Insurers have implemented contingency plans due to COVID-19 and stand ready to assist policyholders by processing and paying claims as quickly as possible, even when working remotely. Insurers are also deploying cutting-edge technology innovations to protect policyholders, employees, and repair workers during social distancing and the transition to a more remote economy.
Long before COVID-19, insurers had begun using advanced technology to better serve their customers and increase the speed at which claims were processed, especially in declared disaster zones where response infrastructure may be damaged. Post-pandemic, this forward-thinking approach is doing more than just expediting the claims process; it is keeping customers safer by reducing or eliminating the need for in-person interactions while protecting policyholder dollars against losses to insurance fraud.
In the event of a crisis or accident, property and casualty insurance, like car insurance and home insurance, provide protection for you, your family, and your community. Insurers are there to help manage your risk and protect you from loss during uncertain events in an uncertain world. Working together, more can and will be done to help bridge the insurance gap, protect Americans and communities following catastrophes and other events, and lower premiums by eliminating avoidable loss and abuse.
HOW THE INDUSTRY IS HELPING
Insurers use innovative technology, like drones, that enable them to view damaged property remotely and offer faster response times in often-hazardous disaster zones. The use of advanced remote-viewing technology helps insurers evaluate and pay claims faster, get customers the assistance they need expeditiously and keep all parties safe by reducing in-person interaction.
For some insurers, the time from claim assignment to estimated completion for a virtually inspected claim can be more than twice as fast as a traditionally inspected claim, getting the check into the customer’s hands much sooner, reducing personal uncertainty, and also reducing total costs for everyone by getting things back to normal as soon as possible.
Besides speed, the process also gives the customer a greater sense of control while eliminating the hassle of scheduling an in-person inspection.
Insurers also use technology that allows them to capture geo-coded, high-resolution aerial imagery hours after a catastrophic event to scope out damages to the property so that the policyholder’s claim can be accurately adjusted.
Many insurers provide links to customers via email or text for simple, one-touch claims and offer real-time video collaboration for more complex claims.
Unfortunately, unethical contractors and third parties have a long history of preying on storm victims. We are concerned that fraud and abuse continue increasing during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Insurers are working with law enforcement and other third parties to help protect vulnerable customers and root out the new, disturbing trend of pandemic-related fraud.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Catastrophic events – particularly natural disasters – are increasing in both frequency and severity. Now more than ever, it is vital that Americans understand the potential risks they face and how they can protect themselves. Knowing how to actively manage your risks can help you select the right insurance coverage for you and can significantly reduce costs.
In the event of a crisis or accident, property and casualty insurance provide protection for you, your family, and your community. Insurers are there to help manage your risk and protect you from loss due to life events.
More needs to be done to help bridge the insurance gap to help protect Americans and communities following catastrophes and other events.