Esurance Introduces Video Appraisal

March 18--Esurance, an arm of Northbrook-based Allstate, has introduced a new video feature on its mobile-phone app that enables policyholders to talk to appraisers in real time to get a damage estimate on the spot.

The brand, which sells most of its car insurance over the Internet, is making the video appraisal feature available on its latest version of Esurance Mobile. Consumers with eligible car insurance claims may video chat with an Esurance appraiser using their iPhone or Android smartphones, eliminating the need for an in-person inspection.

It can also save the customer the time of scheduling an appointment and waiting for payment process because the Esurance appraiser can send an electronic payment to settle the claim on the spot.

During the video appointment, the appraiser will show the policyholder how and where to video the damage.

The feature is also available to non-policyholders who have a claim with Esurance.

Last year, Allstate introduced QuickFoto Claim, which allows people to send smartphone pictures of their damaged vehicle to the insurer as a faster way to settle claims.

Esurance didn't say what "eligible" claims are, but under Allstate's QuickFoto claim, policyholders who experience more than a minor accident still have to meet with an adjuster or repair shop before getting an estimate.

byerak@tribune.com

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