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Lisa Hronek Posts Tagged ‘Mobile Apps’
Nationwide Mobile Application Grades:
After examining a handful of companies, the mobile apps that stand out the most are the ones that perform a variety of tasks. Personally, claim and roadside service are the most valuable features; however, payment options, policy information, and quoting capabilities are also of value. Let’s take a look at Nationwide…
Nationwide Mobile App: Like many carriers, Nationwide has created an all-in-one app, but the question remains…does the app hit on the important features needed for success? The answer is yes! Customers can access accounts, view insurance ID cards, obtain agent information, request an auto insurance quote, start a claim, collect accident info, and newly added payment options.
Nationwide Bank: Though this application falls outside of the P&C industry, it is a well-developed banking app. It gives banking customers the ability to stay connected to their checking, savings, money market and CD accounts.
Overall: Nationwide has the benefit of being reviewed towards the end of my “mobile app” blog series. Many of the earlier examinations fell short because the applications were in testing stages. It appears that Nationwide has learned from its previous experiences, customers, and competitors ….everything I would need is capable with the Nationwide app. The only drawback is the lack of roadside support options and repair shop locators. Maybe the next update will have the missing capabilities.
Grade: B
Farmers Mobile Application Grades:
After examining a handful of companies, the top carriers have had a handful of apps that perform a variety of tasks, including claim and roadside service to making payment and looking up policy information. Let’s take a look at Farmers.
iFarmers: Farmers has released the iFarmers application for iPhone and Android users. This new app lets customers and non-customers perform a number of insurance activities, but functionalities vary depending on customer status.
Existing Farmers customers can view policy details for any of their Auto, Home, Life, and Umbrella policies as well as securely view and pay their existing bills for their Auto and Home policies. Farmer’s iClaim app can also be launched and allows customers to access their claim information. Features for everyone include the ability to obtain a customized insurance quote, agent contact information, safety tips, and information on local services.
iClaim: This mobile application features HelpPoint Claims Services that enables customers to report a claim, document accident details, and find a preferred rental car vendor. Customers are also able to keep a home inventory that allows them to document their home and valuables.
Overall: Farmers application capabilities connect on many of the important features that customers find to be useful in an insurance mobile app; however, there is one noticeable feature missing…accident assistance.
Grade: B-
Mobile Application Grades: Progressive
Progressive has created a number of mobile applications for insurance needs and applications just for fun. The Flo apps are nice to have, but at the end of the day, I want my insurance app to help me make payments, begin/track claims, and help with roadside assistance. So how do Progressive’s mobile apps shape up?
Progressive Mobile: Progressive has an app for the iPhone and for the Android, which is expected; however, it appears that there are different functionalities across platforms. Both cell phone models allow customers to make payments, find a service center, and see policy information. The difference comes with customer roadside assistance and quoting for prospects. On the Android, customers are able to get emergency service if they have Progressive’s Roadside Assistance coverage, but this option isn’t available on the iPhone app. As for new business opportunities, only iPhone users can quote and buy a Progressive car insurance policy, right from their phone. iPhone prospects are also able to locate a local agent.
Flo-isms: This app is available for both the iPhone and Android. Consumers are able to playing popular Flo sayings. I’m not the biggest Flo fan, but I can see how this app appeals to some of the millions of Flo fans.
Insure My Truck for iPhone: Consumers are able to get an insurance estimate for a Commercial truck by sending in a picture of the commercial driver’s license, plus a few other details about the trucks, trailers, and drivers.
Art App for iPhone: Explore a diverse selection of works from Progressive’s contemporary art collection—one of the largest of its kind in the world—and learn about the artists, who include Francis Alÿs, Kara Walker, Vik Muniz, Cindy Sherman and Yoshitomo Nara.
Route-Rageous: Available on the iPhone, this fun interactive game works similar to a racing game. Consumers must guide a car through a difficult driving course to reach the checkered flag. There is a choice of 5 vehicles and 10 levels to play.
Superstore Shuffle: This clever fun app allows customers to help Flo service as many customers as possible though the insurance purchase process before their “shift is over.” Customer service goals must be reached to advance to the next level.
Progressive, like GEICO, does a great job of incorporating fun into its mobile apps. The product apps service various customer and prospect needs; however, capabilities vary depending on the cell phone platform. As Progressive moves past the testing stage for some of its apps, functionalities should become available for both the iPhone and Android.
Grade: B Zanaflex
Allstate Mobile Application Grades
Allstate has created a handful of mobile applications, most of which are product and service related. Unlike GEICO which released apps that incorporated its popular TV commercial characters, Allstate is Allbusiness. Business is fine, as long as I can get a quote easily, access current policy information, and track claims. So do Allstate’s mobile applications cover these needs?
Allstate Mobile: Allstate has come a long way since the original implementation of its mobile application. Allstate Mobile gives customers “everything you need, from policy information and bill pay to accident support, at the touch of a button.” One of the most impressive features is the Accident Toolkit, which gives a step-by-step checklist for obtaining all necessary information (accident location, drivers, witnesses, photos, accident notes) and submitting a claim. Customers can also get a ballpark estimate on an auto insurance policy when adding a new vehicle or driver to a policy.
Allstate Motor Club: Another outstanding application, but only for Allstate Motor Club customers. Like the Accident Toolkit, this mobile application covers all roadside assistance essentials. GPS capabilities pinpoint customer location. Card-less innovation enable customers to get emergency roadside service with one-touch. The diagnostic menu enables customers to choose which type of service is needed (dead battery, flat tire, locked out, etc.) Lastly, customers can track the dispatch information, such as ETA and service provider details.
Good Hands Roadside Assistance: This app works similar to the Allstate Motor Club application; however, it’s open to non-Allstate customers. The main difference is that the tracking of the dispatch information is not available.
Digital Locker: Available to everyone, this application works as a home inventory of your personal property and can be stored directly into your phone. Consumers can catalog personal property, add pictures of inventory, estimate the value of items, and even synchronize data to the cloud.
GoodRide by Allstate: This application is targeted to motorcycle riders as a “Free app that helps you log all the details about your bike so you can log more time on the road – even if you’re not an Allstate customer.” Consumers can plan a trip with information regarding local weather and gas stations and they can share ride summaries on Facebook and Twitter.
Tag In by Allstate: Allstate has been a large supporter of no texting while driving. This application has the ability to send pre-selected messages with a few touches instead of typing out each letter.
In my opinion Allstate does a great job of producing usable applications for its customers. The roadside assistance apps and digital locker are very nice additions to the Allstate mobile app family, which aren’t commonly produced by Allstate competitors. Even though all of the apps add value, the one thing lacking is the ability for prospects to get a quote. Prospects can search for an agent or call a 1-800 number; however, they can’t receive a quote via mobile application at this time.
Grade: B