Video technology rollout to help risk management surveys

07 September 2020

Ecclesiastical Insurance is launching desk-based video inspections to customers following investment in new technology.

  • New video software will allow for remote inspections along with desktop reviews 
  • Risk of local lockdowns across UK could hinder site visits
  • Keeping customers and staff safe a priority while ensuring high level of customer service.
The video streaming function, developed by long-time collaborators RiskSolved, allows a real-time view of the client’s property, providing a higher quality of desk based surveys.
 
The investment was planned before the global pandemic and with the risk of local lockdowns across the UK, the technology will allow the specialist insurer’s risk management team to continue to serve customers safely. 
 
Ecclesiastical’s frontline risk management teams returned to fieldwork in July following the lifting of the UK-wide lockdown and new guidance was developed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and customers. Measures implemented include avoiding any sites where there may be customers self-isolating. Members of the risk management team have been conducting desk top surveys to help safeguard customers and will be using the video connectivity to complement that.
 
The video streaming process allows clients to feed information back digitally on their property and how they are managing their risk improvements.
 
A call is scheduled with the customer or onsite surveyor via email and the video streams through a phone or tablet, allowing the risk manager to see live visuals and provide a remote video inspection.
 
The ability to provide high quality desk based surveys also reduces the amount of travel for members of the team, helping Ecclesiastical to reduce its carbon footprint, whilst having contact with many more customers than would otherwise be possible.
 
Jo Whyman, risk management director at Ecclesiastical, said: “Our commitment to providing our customers with excellent service is something we have maintained since 1887 and are proud to continue this tradition.
 
“We are continually improving and extending our risk management services to our customers and video inspections is a natural next step.
 
“Not only does it enable us to have a visual connection via a mobile device with our customers, but it will prove to be a very useful tool, helping us to keep them and our staff safe with the ongoing pandemic.”
 
Debbie Baker, Sales and Marketing Director at Risk Solved, said: “video inspections provide a more insightful survey. Our customers give their customers access to this information via the customer portal, along with full survey or self-assessment information and associated risk improvement recommendations. We are delighted to be working with Ecclesiastical delivering this new capability and strengthening our relationship with them. ”