By Chris Bakes, managing director, auto solutions, and Jason Kurutz, director, product management and business strategy
Strategic partnerships in the auto damage space provide the opportunity for insurance carriers, appraisers, adjusters, repair facilities, vehicle owners and fleet managers to work toward a shared goal: bringing vehicles back to pre-loss condition. Establishing these relationships early helps to streamline the process if an accident happens and makes finding the right, tailored solution easier, faster and at a lower cost. When we work together, the experience is improved for everyone involved.
At the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas Nov. 1-4, attendees will have a chance to explore the latest product innovations, keep pace with new and evolving vehicle trends, take part in educational sessions, and make connections with potential partners. Here is a sneak peek at the conversations we expect will be front and center throughout the event.
Technology vs. human involvement
Despite concerns that technology may replace the human element of claims, independent adjusters/appraisers (IAs) aren’t going away. Think of the platforms as an enhancement to the experience. It allows clients and claimants to communicate in a way that’s convenient for them. It also frees up claims handlers to focus on the more complex elements of the process. Sedgwick’s end-to-end app enables mobile triage at the start of a claim — reducing cycle times and lowering indemnity costs, especially for low- to medium-severity losses.
Field appraisers
Many of us are familiar with the role of field appraisers after an auto incident: assessing vehicle damage to determine repair costs. But behind the scenes at Sedgwick, they do so much more than that. Accurately estimating the appropriate amount for an insurance company to pay can be a complex undertaking. There are various types of appraisals and nuances to each — from specialty equipment to a recent catastrophic event. That’s what makes training our network so important. In collaboration with our Vale Training division, we work to ensure our 1,000+ field appraisers are up to date on modern vehicle technologies and related best practices.
Auto direct repair program
While working in conjunction with teams in the field, leaning on an auto direct repair program (DRP) promotes collaboration, both within the industry and between the client and customer. Most people don’t plan to encounter damage when they head out on the road, but they want peace of mind that they’ll be taken care of if they do. To best serve the consumer requires a streamlined approach, a process that ensures the right type of losses are being expedited for repairs, and service options that are scaled to fit the unique needs of each client.
We’ll see you at the conference, but in the meantime…
- Catch up on the latest edge magazine articles.
- Learn more about our end-to-end auto solutions, auto appraisals and auto DRP network.
- Follow Sedgwick on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram for live updates.
- Search #SEMA2022 to explore what’s trending on social media the week of the show.
Every step of the way, we’re here to help you embrace, elevate, and expand your view. Find the Sedgwick team at booth #33299 to connect throughout the conference. We’ll see you soon, Las Vegas!