Nationwide is allowing customers to monitor their damaged vehicle repairs online through Nationwide AutoWatch, an internet-based software tool being offered by the company.

When a customer logs onto the site, he will find an explanation and regularly updated digital photos of his vehicle's repair progress. In addition, the service provides customers with vehicle repair information and an e-mail platform through which they may contact the collision repair facility.

The AutoWatch link is fully integrated with the company's existing web site, NationwideAutowatch.com. The service is free to all customers who select a participating Blue Ribbon Repair Facility.

“The web site lets customers monitor their vehicles at different points during the repair process at participating Nationwide/Allied Insurance blue ribbon repair shops,” said Terry Fortner, Nationwide's associate vice president of claims. “The advantage for the collision repair facility is fewer phone calls, and for the customer, it gives them 24/7 access to the repair. We realize that people have an interest in what's going on because they have a personal relationship with their vehicles.”

The program is currently being piloted in Georgia, Ohio, Florida, and Delaware. North Carolina, Virginia, and Texas will be added in the coming months, with plans to expand the program by the end of 2006 to include all 45 states in which Nationwide currently writes policies.

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