Mobile apps are not just for “techies” anymore. Businesses in the U.S. received approximately $25 million in purchases for the first three months in 2011 from consumers using mobile apps. This is a pretty clear indication that mobile shopping is starting to be the preferable way to shop. Why not? It offers a way to communicate instantaneously and to purchase and enjoy just about everything at just a touch of a button.
Food businesses are utilizing apps for their customers to view menus and to make reservations. Fitness gyms use the apps for the clientele that travel to locate other gyms around the country and to download their workout regime. Of course, there is the news, weather and sports to catch up on, all at your fingertips. Now, we have some of our insurance carrier companies jumping on the mobile wagon and we’ve been actively informing our customers about some the great app features and helpful information that they provide.
Progressive Insurance is one of our carriers and they’ve come out with “Progressive App” for both iPhone & Android. This allows customers to report a claim and submit photos of the damages directly to the company 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The app also allows the customer to locate a Progressive Service Center and to make a payment to their account. On the fun side of insurance, Progressive has come out with some gaming apps, such as Flo-isms, Route-Rageous and an Progressive Art App.
We offer The Hartford Insurance Company, who has come out with an auto assistance app “The Hartford Mobile” that really is a must have for every Hartford consumer, personal or business. It provides access to auto services 365 days, 24 hours a day. A consumer can access an auto accident checklist, exchange driver and accident information and include photos of the vehicle damages. Additionally, they can obtain roadside assistance, contact Hartford’s RESCUE if stranded, find a repair shop and locate a replacement vehicle facility. For businesses, you can request Auto ID Cards for insured vehicles, Certificates of Insurance and express access to the Business Service and Claims Centers.
Then we have Travelers Insurance (remember the red umbrella?), they have an app for iPhone and Android called “Auto Accident Help“. In the event of an accident, it automatically detects the date, time and location. It advises the person to stay calm and guides them through the documenting process of an accident and how to submit a claim properly. It allows to photograph damage, record an audio description of the accident, collect information from drivers, passengers, witnesses and police. It provides easy access to numbers such as roadside assistance and repair shops and it will produce a detailed accident report with the attached photos, recordings and contact information. Once the everything is submitted, a person is able to track the claim and the accident report.
Safety Insurance is one of our largest carriers for our autos and we are pleased to see that they have come out with a mobile app called “Safety Mobile”. Its’ features allows a customer to have immediate access their insurance information as well as reporting an auto claim. This feature makes the claim process a whole lot easier and faster. It also provides important FAQs and contact numbers for billing, claims & customer service all at your fingertips.
Lastly, Plymouth Rock Assurance has come out with an iPhone App for both customers as well as non-customers. It allows a user to set up numerous vehicle profiles with maintenance reminders, VIN numbers and all the important information that is relative to the vehicle’s service records. The app will also provide a list of preferred mechanics and towing service with a One-Tap Call functionality and photo display. Additionally and most importantly, there is a distress call feature. In the event of an accident or theft, there is everything that is provided with a location-based Google Maps and photo notes to help document your loss as quickly as possible. There is also a One-Tap Call setting for an emergency contact, a flashing light/strobe light, warning light and a universal SOS signal especially for at night. Plymouth Rock also offers resources about Road Hazards, Emergency Roadside Repairs and Troubleshooting based on information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
So, as insurance companies become more in tuned with the convenience and ease of using mobile apps for customer payments, account info and contact numbers, it is fair to say that consumers will be seeing more choices for insurance apps in the near future. So, stay tuned with us for any additional apps that are yet to come.
Here at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency our goal is to try to help our viewers by suggesting solutions for all insurance needs. By no means can we address each reader’s specific concerns in every incident. So, we strongly advise to check with an insurance representative to address your specific needs. However, you can also contact us for any questions or concerns and we will be happy to help you.
Come visit us at www.donmedeirosinsurance.com or give us a call at 508-678-1271. We look forward to hearing from you! If you have a Facebook account, fan us at http://www.facebook.com/donmedeiros.