We’re not quite there yet. But there is a path to get there—probably in only a few years.

We’re already at the point where fender bender claims can be estimated with a set of smart phone photos (offered by esurance and many other carriers)

But what more serious accidents which involve damage to a car’s mechanical systems?

Here is one element of an Adjuster Bot solution: electonic control units, ECUs. For years, automobiles have been manufactured with dozens ECUs which control, monitor, and diagnose a broad away of systems within the vehicle, including its engine, power train, brakes, steering, airbags, electronic stability control. Information from ECUs can be accessed from vehicle’s On-board Diagnostic Port (OBD-II). The primary purpose of the OBD-II is to enable maintenance and repair of the various systems. (Telematics devices--aka dongles--plugged into the OBD-II port have been the primary method to gather and transmit telematics data to insurers.)

A second critical piece of the puzzle falls into place: communication. Automobile manufacturers are racing towards creating connected cars—typically using 3G or even 4G LTE cellular modems.

So this is what an automobile Adjuster Bot ecosystem would look like:

• A cellular modem which tells the Adjuster Bot that an accident has occurred
  • And transmits data from ECUs describing the functional/non-functional status of major car systems
• The AI-powered Adjuster Bot which, through deep learning, identifies the probability of repairing or replacing components within those systems; and which:
  • Alerts police and/or medical assistance as warranted (e.g. if airbags deployed)
  • Queries repair estimation and total loss systems
  • Integrates with the insurer’s Direct Repair Program
  • Creates an initial estimate of cost and time to repair
  • Presents a customized video to the driver, describing:
    • Arrival of tow trucks, transportation to a rental car facility, the split of insurer and policyholders financial responsibility; links to download a claimant app

Next up: Adjuster Bots for Connected Homes