In an attempt to cut down on fraudulent motor claims, UK online insurer esure is piloting an electronic location viewing system that provides staff with interactive aerial images of roads and junctions.
The Esure system is based on ActiveGo's imaging product, ActiveSnap, and enables users to zoom in on aerial photographs of sections of roads using their computers - right down to road marking level. Esure says the technology will be used for cases where distances, road markings and other static features are central to the claim.
Staff can also use the system to place cars onto a photograph of a road in positions that replicate those of an incident, and distances can be measured down to the nearest six inches.
The insurer expects the system to dramatically reduce costs of investigating contentious claims which hinge on two drivers' accounts of a road layout or distances.
Gordon Hannah, head of claims, eSure, says: "Hundreds of thousands of claims every year involve information about the physical layout of the world - whether it is roadmarkings, the design of a junction or the size of a flat roof. This technology will enable our staff to virtually 'go there' from their desks to check the evidence.
"We believe this will provide clear information that can quickly resolve claims where small scale facts are key to the outcome. In the process, it will cut costs and ultimately benefit all of esure's policyholders."
Esure insists that genuine claimants will benefit most from the technology as it will result in speedier payment of valid claims and faster detection of exaggerated or fraudulent claims.