While it’s unclear whether all property/casualty insurers will accept claimant-submitted video evidence after a motor vehicle accident, drivers may feel empowered with new mobile app technology that does more than tell you where to drive.
Although some states prohibit windshield-mounted devices, dashboard cameras and black-box technologies available are relatively inexpensive, and now include a DVR app called
The app continuously records video of the road ahead using your phone's camera while also tracking vehicle speed, location and G-forces using the onboard global positioning systems (GPS) receiver and accelerometer.
Similar to iPhone operations, a tap of the screen saves a clip of the moments preceding a motor vehicle accident. The length of the saved digital video file varies from 30 to 60 seconds, depending on where in the caching loop you trigger the save. If the accident is severe and the driver is unable to tap the screen, the device can be programmed to automatically save a video clip based on impact.
Experts say that, in addition to GPS devices already in use by Special Investigation Units hired by personal lines’ property/casualty insurers for use in claims investigations, the DVR-related technologies entering the marketplace may be of special interest to units investigating claims fraud.
