The General Insurance Association (GIA) of Singapore has launched a new accident reporting system called GIA Easy Accident Reporting System (GEARS). The online platform went live on November 30 yesterday.
To complement this shift to digital, physical walk-in and postal applications at the General Insurance Association Record Management Centre (GIARMC) will no longer be supported.
The new system change will enable paperless, cashless, and contactless transactions and encrypted email delivery of accident reports.
GEARS incorporates several new features that will replace the existing system, facilitating a more seamless and convenient payment and delivery of accident reports via the GEARS e-Counter:
- One-step contactless authorisation
The system will now enable motorists to remotely and securely authorise the purchase of accident reports by their repairer or lawyer digitally. The 24/7 fully online GEARS will send an authorisation link to the email address of the owner/driver, requesting confirmation that the law firm/workshop represents them. Going forward, owners/drivers are reminded to provide an email address they can be reached at when filing an accident report for a seamless authorisation process.
- Convenient cashless online payment
In an effort to move towards a cashless system, the GEARS e-Counter will only accept payments by GIRO, direct debit, or by scanning the NETS or PayNow QR codes using participating banks’ mobile apps. Cheque and cash payments will no longer be supported.
- Paperless and secure
The system incorporates enhanced features that ensure the authorisation process for the purchase of third-party reports is secure and accident reports are sent via encrypted files.
GEARS is one of a number of initiatives being introduced by the general insurance sector to accelerate digitalisation in the industry. As part of the sector’s ongoing mission to provide accessible and convenient services to customers, GEARS extends general insurers’ long-term commitment towards better meeting consumers’ emerging protection needs through continuous transformation and innovation that supports businesses and society at large.
Ho Kai Weng, Chief Executive of the GIA Singapore, said, “As our economy begins to open up and we see a resumption of key activities, more consumers will be back on the road, making the launch of GEARS particularly timely. Launching GEARS represents the sector’s long-term commitment to digitising, enhancing our operations and processes, and providing consumers with greater ease of use and improved convenience.”
“We’re honored to be part of the Association’s initiative to create a universal accident reporting system, making the process of accident reporting more seamless and efficient for consumers. We share the belief that the industry, both insurers and consumers, can benefit from a stronger digital ecosystem that replaces manual processes of the past with advanced, timely solutions that work,” said Jeremy Jawish, CEO and co-founder of Shift Technology which provides claims automation and fraud detection for the global insurance industry.
Shift Technology and the Association have previously collaborated on the development of the GIA Fraud Management System, which employs data analytics and artificial intelligence to detect fraud cases for motor and travel insurance. Implemented in 2017, the system has since played a key role in helping the industry mitigate underwriting losses for both segments. GEARS is the second digital initiative born from this partnership.
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