ATLANTA, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Crawford
& Company (NYSE: CRDA; CRDB), the world's largest independent
provider of claims management solutions, is introducing a new,
cost-effective self-service application for popular mobile devices
that can offer customers a better experience with post-lease
vehicle inspections.
The application, called My VCI, was released Monday for
iPhone® and iPad® mobile digital devices. A browser-based version
and applications for other digital devices will follow, as will one
for commercial truck inspections, says Blair Bennett, assistant vice president and
director of Vehicle Services for Crawford.
My VCI is designed to be used by leasing companies for the
vehicle inspections typically performed shortly before leases
expire, Bennett said. Fleet managers who need to regularly inspect
their vehicles also may find it useful, he added.
The application walks the user step-by-step through the
inspection process. After the process is complete, all necessary
data is uploaded to the appropriate stakeholders, based on the
configuration determined by the client. "My VCI should provide a
faster, better experience for the customer," Bennett said. "They'll
be able to download the app and complete the inspection in 10 to 20
minutes, on their own time and without the need for a visit from an
inspector."
With the absence of inspectors and high level of automation, My
VCI should cost about 60 percent to 80 percent less than an
in-person vehicle inspection, Bennett said. "We expect the cost
savings combined with the convenience to customers to offer an
attractive alternative to in-person inspections for both the client
and the leasing company, ultimately helping to improve their client
retention," he said.
My VCI represents the latest in a series of investments
Crawford recently has made in its
nationwide vehicle claims services, which include damage appraisals
and condition inspections for a variety of vehicles, an extensive
managed repair network and towing services.
In 2011, the Company acquired ClaimHub, a web-based, centralized
claims platform for dispatching, tracking and managing all
assignments and work product involved in the auto claims process,
to expand its product offering and further enhance its ability to
interface with clients.
Crawford also launched a
centralized claims center, Vehicle Services Connection, for 24/7
claims intake, damage assessment and oversight of complex losses,
and established a transportation product team that focuses on
high-value trucking claims.
About Crawford
Based in Atlanta, Ga., Crawford
& Company (www.crawfordandcompany.com) is the world's largest
independent provider of claims management solutions to the risk
management and insurance industry as well as self-insured entities,
with an expansive global network serving clients in more than 70
countries. The Crawford System of Claims Solutions(SM) offers
comprehensive, integrated claims services, business process
outsourcing and consulting services for major product lines
including property and casualty claims management, workers
compensation claims and medical management, and legal settlement
administration. The Company's shares are traded on the NYSE under
the symbols CRDA and CRDB.
SOURCE Crawford & Company