In the auto physical damage arena, it takes a lot to arouse the excitement of seasoned claim appraisers and handlers. After Hartford introduced its new Claim Expediter wireless mobile system, however, positive feedback started pouring in from our appraisers and claim handlers.

"Our insured woke up this morning to find that someone had sliced through her convertible roof with a razor or knife," wrote one of our appraisers, shortly after being equipped with the new technology. "She called in the claim this morning. I received the assignment [on my laptop] driving in my car at 9:30 a.m. I made contact with her and was able to hand her a check and copy of her estimate for the repairs at her job at 1:30 p.m."

The increasing availability of wireless technology in most major areas of the country, combined with The Hartford's determination to improve customer service, is what has made Claim Expediter possible. What makes it unique is the complete and total integration of all estimating sources. The Hartford's field appraisers, network body shops, and independent appraisers receive new assignments and transmit completed estimates, total loss evaluations, and digital images via the system, thereby creating a single repository of data for all estimating sources. Claim-handling staff can gain access to the system in order to view the status of all appraisal assignments, which streamlines and enhances our ability to respond to any customer or internal inquiry on a claim.