Toronto, Ontario — Intact Insurance and Belairdirect have announced plans to expand the use of digital photos in estimation procedures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure.
Ontario members of Intact’s Rely network received a note from the auto insurer advising them that the change would be one “allowing an Intact staff appraiser to write the initial repair estimate.”
“On May 7, 2020, Intact Insurance and Belairdirect will expand the use of digital photos, allowing an Intact staff appraiser to write the initial repair estimate. This will eliminate the initial estimate appointment, reduce cycle time and streamline the repair workflow,” the note, written by Charles Bottomley, the claims manager for Intact’s Ontario auto supply chain stated.
The new process will require businesses to use Audatex software.
“Within 48 hours of receiving the photos, the Intact appraisal team will write the initial estimate and send the repair assignment, with photos, to the repair facility through Audatex. With automatic upload and no re-keying of information, the repair shop can review the estimate and photos in Audatex quickly, confirm parts availability and schedule the customer for the repair appointment.”
The note says that, in cases where vehicles are inaccessible, repair shops will still be required to write initial repair estimates immediately upon the arrival of the vehicle.
