Esurance, the direct-to-consumer personal insurance company, has added what it believes to be an industry-first mobile feature: video appraisal, which enables consumers to video chat with an Esurance appraiser to get claim estimates on the spot.

Video appraisal, available on the latest version of Esurance Mobile, allows consumers with eligible car insurance claims to video chat with an Esurance appraiser using their iPhone or Android smartphone.

Video appraisal seeks to eliminate the need for an appraiser to inspect the vehicle in person, saving the customer the time of scheduling an appointment and the stress of waiting for their claim to process.

At the conclusion of the video appraisal, an Esurance appraiser could send an electronic payment to settle the claim, getting a claimant back on the road faster than using a traditional in-person appraisal.

Video appraisal allows consumers to:

• Schedule a video appraisal at a time convenient to them.
• Get an appraisal without having to leave their car in the shop.
• Get their damage estimate and payment on the spot.

During the appointment, the appraiser will show the claimant how and where to video the damage.

Video appraisal is available for both Esurance policyholders as well as non-policyholders who have a claim with Esurance.

Esurance Mobile is available for free download on iTunes or Google Play. Video appraisal works on Apple and Android devices with front and rear cameras and at least iOS 7 or Android 4.0+ operating systems.

Users need to download the Esurance Mobile app, have an open eligible claim, a good signal, a 4G LTE connection, and conduct the appraisal in a well-lit area with access around the entire vehicle.

Source: Esurance