A revolutionary in-car tracking system that instantly alerts a control centre in the evident of an accident is to be launched by motor claims management group Accidentcare.
The small black box-type product was developed in conjunction with technology company Global Telematics. It is called Orchid Accidentcare.
Accidentcare says the system could mean reduced premiums for motorists who install it.
Orchid is a 24-hour monitor and tracking device that provides constant information to Accidentcare's control centre on the exact location of a driver's car.
Should they have an accident which stops the vehicle, in-built impact sensors automatically notify the centre, which will then telephone the driver to find out what help they need.
This could be in the form of a tow-truck, replacement car hire or overnight accommodation.
A dedicated “care co-ordinator” will be in charge of the entire claims process.
“It gives the motorist complete peace of mind,” said Martin Wiggins, Accidentcare's head of business operations. “Most insurers rely on the customer ringing them. We want to be proactive rather than reactive.”
The system also claims to act as a deterrent against theft, since any stolen vehicles can be located immediately.
“We are also working with insurance companies to reduce the cost of their claims for them and enable them to act more promptly,” said Wiggins.
Accidentcare hopes Orchid will not only cut costs, for instance by requiring only one tow truck be called out where two cars are involved in an accident, but that it will also allow insurers to monitor driving patterns.
“If, say, we know someone never drives inside the M25, they should be a better risk.”
Orchid, expected to be launched in May, is expected to be cheaper than other tracker systems and can be paid for over three years.
Accidentcare is even talking to motor manufacturers about the possibility of having the system installed when vehicles are built.
“Our system will probably go into high-value vehicles to begin with, but over time we want to put it into cheaper vehicles. We want Mr Average to buy it,” said Wiggins.
