Lloyd's insurer Crowe Insurance Group has joined forces with SC Coachbuilders to use digital imaging technology to speed up coach and bus insurance repair claims.
It aims to reduce delays to the start of repairs caused by the wait for an engineer.
By using the system, operators will be able to take damaged vehicles direct to SC Coachbuilders for repair, or, for convenience request an on-site repair quotation. The repair estimator can email digital camera-generated images of the damage, along with the estimate, to the claims handler.
In the majority of cases the claims handler will be able to authorise repairs, or immediately refer the image to an engineer for rapid remote approval.
Steve Dodson, Crowe's accident damage and engineering manager said "Technology is the key to reducing the time coaches and buses spend off the road following an incident. We see our joint initiative with SC Coachbuilders as a major step forward in supporting our clients and reducing the traditional down time costs."