Smartphones and the future of accident reporting
Right now it is only happening in Netherlands and is only in the very early stages in France, but smartphones are increasingly being relied on to transmit vital information to parties involved in car accidents. Some even say that soon, accident report forms won’t be needed anymore for French drivers. From next year, some drivers will be able to use their smartphone to submit their statement and send it to their insurance representative, after an accident. The Association of Mutual Insurances Companies (GEMA) and the French Federation of Insurance Companies (FFSA) are continuing to work together to make electronic reporting a reality.
France and “e-reporting”
Many including French federation insurers are collaborating to develop a complete “e-report” system of accident reporting which would take the form of a downloadable application, accelerating the process of accident reporting as well as the system of compensation claims.
Benefits of e-reporting
E reporting, or the increasing integration of technology into the accident reporting systems of different countries is sure to speed the whole process of accident reporting. Using apps and technology to submit accident reports should also, in time reduce paper consumption and operational fees.
Other benefits will include reduction in incomplete or spoiled forms and reports. Again this will save time and help create a more seamless and efficient system for the reporting of accidents. Andreck Gérard, President of the GEMA in France has stated that: “This will be a real technological and logistical breakthrough for the management of all road accidents. We often get blamed for taking too long…but now, we will be able to act faster….Everything will be much easier…”.
E-reporting challenges
However, the use of technology to facilitate accident reporting is not without problems. There are compatibility challenges associated with ensuring that everyone can access such a system. Moreover, people will be more reliant on phones and on the internet. Currently, only the main smartphones (Android & IOS) are compatible with the system and users need to have an up-to-date phone to access the app.
The system is also so new there may be unknown challenges to cope with. Only the Netherlands have actually tried the system and so far not many people actually use the system (despite having the same system since 2011, only 5% of accident reports are made using Smartphones).
The future….
So, who will be the next to try it? What are your views on these issues?
