Despite all the technological advancements of the last few decades, inspection reports have generally remained the same. Upgrades to cell phones and digital cameras have certainly made the process faster, but administrators have still relied on initial verbal reports that often include opinion and hearsay to make decisions.
The process is changing with the industry’s latest evolution. Warranty Inspection Services’ new inspection technology provides a new level of detailed vehicle data.
WIS’ VeriScan tool includes an OBDii interface unit that is able to access diagnostic information from the vehicle’s engine and power management control unit (ECU/ECM). VeriScan facilitates the encrypted WiFi/cellular transmission of vehicle data and photos, as well as the inspector’s written report, to WIS’ secure servers.
A vehicle’s OBDii data, mandated on all vehicles in the United States since 1996, allows administrators to recognize fraud, answer questions about pre-existing conditions, avoid misdiagnoses of vehicles and aid in the accurate determination of liability.
“Administrators have been asking for a faster process with more detailed, accurate information,” says Chris Rand, co-president of WIS. “They can now access all the information about the vehicle while the verbal report is being given.”
While the inspector is still on-site, the administrator can determine if any photos are blurry, if additional angles should be captured or if other technical issues need to be clarified.
Glenn Gonzalez, director of claims for SRI, says the availability of all the data at once is particularly helpful when there is a dispute. “Our job is to get the customer back on the road ASAP and collecting information from the vehicle helps us get to the correct answer faster. This system makes inspections happen in real time.”
WIS’ pricing structure has not changed with the release of VeriScan. “We don’t think price should be a factor and we don’t want administrators to bring price into their considerations,” Rand says. The company has assumed all the expenses related to the new system.
In addition, WIS provides laptops and the VeriScan system to the inspectors it works with and accepts all liability. Independent inspectors pay a refundable deposit before receiving a laptop, but do not have to purchase any additional equipment or pay any monthly fees.
“VeriScan does not cost inspectors money or expose them to liability,” Rand stresses.
Customers of F&I Administration Solutions and StoneEagle can use their existing software to connect to the WIS system, eliminating the need for a third-party software system.
F&I Admin has integrated inspections from WIS into its SCS Auto VSC platform. The integration includes the ability to submit inspection requests, receive alerts that inspections have been completed and links to completed reports all directly from within the SCS Auto system.
David Trinder, CEO of F&I Admin, expects this partnership to result in significant time saving during the claims process for F&I Admin’s SCS Auto users.
“Our company’s strategy is to connect to all partners that create value and add efficiencies for our customers,” Trinder says.
WIS is now working on an updated version of the VeriScan tool that will include video and sound. Rand says the goal is to make the process as close to a live inspection as possible. “These process improvements are not meant to be window dressing changes, but rather they are fundamental advancements for the industry.”
