Apple introduces crash detection

At its launch event a few days ago, Apple announced a new feature: Crash Detection. Apple's latest Apple Watches and iPhones can detect if you are in a severe car crash thanks to Crash Detection. It is reported that it will automatically connect you with emergency services, provide your location, and notify emergency contacts. Apple said Crash Detection runs only when you're driving and processes data only at the time of the crash, entirely on your device. Apple said it has studied, for years, vehicle impacts at state-of-the-art crash test labs. During its testing and development, Apple said it focused on four types of severe car crashes: Front-impact, side-impact, rear-end collision, and rollovers.

This is a very interesting development for both insurers and motoring clubs. The recent Cambridge Mobile Telematics - DriveWell Crash & Claims launch offers crash detection from sensor data, and can help insurers proactively support  customers with emergency and tow services within seconds of a crash. The CMT solution also offers DriveWell Crash & Claims features not only real-time crash detection and assistance, but also total loss, injury, and fraud detection capabilities. And now it appears apple is offering the capability and perhaps the service.

Does this represent another disintermediation wedge that insurers and motoring clubs will have to deal with? Will the likes of Apple and CMT become the “hero”? How will these types of development redefine the insurance value chain? Will this become part of the connected car capabilities that the auto-manufacturers are developing? May depend very much on  the partnering strategy of these players. Exciting times, with the prospect of great improvement in services for customers!

Source; Pocket Lint