Photo Estimate Committee Home

Background

The purpose of this committee is to define business information passing between parties as it relates to the collision repair and related industries.  We are asking for responses and feedback from the industry at-large relative to the work the committee has done to date, and to emphasize the importance of continued work in this area. 

The first objective will be to develop a single focus of the committee’s scope, objectives and goals.  It is evident that a framework has already begun that can drive future progress, and success will be dependent upon an expanded active participation.

 Today, the cycle time for repairing and returning vehicles to the consumer after auto accidents takes a significant amount of time. Much of that time can be shortened if the gaps experienced in the reporting steps can be reduced with electronic notifications.  In addition to improving cycle time, reducing costs and improved documentation are also critical goals of this committee.

 Our emphasis is on gaining efficiencies and improving customer service which is being stressed in the industry today.

Mission

The Photo Estimating Committee’s scope expands beyond photos to include all forms of imaging and can also include Scan information.

 CIECA’s Photo Estimating Committee’s goal is to develop and maintain messaging standards and codes aimed at notifying parties of the loss, documenting the loss itself, and reducing the costs associated with the repair process. When implemented, the benefit will be to get it to the correct appraisal channel (e.g. repair facility, salvage yard, field appraiser, virtual appraisal) and reduce the cycle time, and improve the overall customer experience.  Standards will benefit insurers, repair facilities, and vehicle owners in expediting the vehicle inspection process.  In addition, it will aid in the insurer’s determination of coverage and/or liability and deter fraud.

 All business needs will be identified to enable estimates to be written from photos and other images that can be initiated anytime during the claims process. This can include the first notice of loss, the assignment, the estimate and potentially the valuation and salvage process. 

Consumers demand a more timely, convenient, and efficient process, and setting standards is the first step toward this goal.

Industry Segments

Insurance Companies

Insurance Agents

Repair Facilities

Information Technology Providers

Third Party Administrators