Esurance Reinvents Insurance Claims Experience With Real-Time Video Appraisals

SAN FRANCISCO, March 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Esurance, the direct-to-consumer personal insurance company, has a new, industry-first mobile feature: video appraisal, which enables consumers to video chat in real-time with an Esurance appraiser to get their claim estimate on the spot.

Video appraisal is available on the latest version of Esurance Mobile, and allows consumers with eligible car insurance claims to video chat with an Esurance appraiser using their iPhone® or Android™ smartphone.* This can eliminate the need for an appraiser to inspect the vehicle in person, saving the customer the time of scheduling that appointment and waiting for payment processing for their claim.

The entire process for a video appraisal can be quick and easy, and at the conclusion an Esurance appraiser could send an electronic payment to settle the claim, getting a claimant back on the road faster than using a traditional in-person appraisal.

See how video appraisal works here.

Dealing with a car insurance claim can be stressful and time-consuming. And the length of time between scheduling a vehicle inspection and getting back on the road is a critical period for consumers and insurers alike.

Video appraisal helps consumers save time by speeding up this process. The first of its kind in the insurance industry, video appraisal lets consumers:

• Schedule a video appraisal at a convenient time for them
• Get an appraisal without having to leave their car in the shop
• Get their damage estimate and payment on the spot

During the appointment, the appraiser will show the claimant how and where to video the damage, enabling them to provide an appraisal in real-time — all through the Esurance mobile app.

Video appraisal is yet another helpful tool from Esurance that makes the insurance process easier from quote to claim, and it's available for both Esurance policyholders as well as non-policyholders who have a claim with Esurance. No other major insurance company in the U.S. offers this unique, real-time video feature as part of its claims experience.

* Esurance Mobile is available for free download on iTunes or Google Play. Video appraisal works on either Apple and Android devices with front and rear cameras and at least iOS 7 or Android 4.0+ operating systems. Users need to download the Esurance Mobile app, have an open eligible claim, a good signal, a 4G LTE connection, and conduct the appraisal in a well-lit area with access around the entire vehicle.

About Esurance®
Esurance provides auto, homeowners, motorcycle, and renters insurance direct to consumers online, over the phone, and through select agents, including sister company, Answer Financial. With an easy-to-use mobile app, quick comparison quotes, and online repair monitoring, Esurance is the smart choice for today's web-savvy consumer. As a member of the Allstate family with an A+ rating from A.M. Best, Esurance is a reliable choice for car insurance, offering anytime, anywhere service just a click, call, or tap away. For more information, visit www.esurance.com or call 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262).

Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M-DERYbZnU
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111222/SF26836LOGO-b

SOURCE Esurance