You may be asking yourself, what could I possibly use an insurance app for? Chances are you won’t be using it to pay a bill since most people use the automatic payment option. And how often are you really going to tweak your coverage? Will you even remember you downloaded the app? Claims are one area that an insurance app could greatly be of service. In fact, smartphone users can do almost all of the claims process right from their app. You can also use your phone to take pictures and shoot video right at the accident site, which can have a dramatic impact on claims management and fraud protection. Some insurance apps could even help score you discounts on your policy. Here are some of the insurance industry’s coolest mobile apps: 1. Liberty Mutual’s Home Gallery® App (Available for iPhone®, Android and iPad®) Home insurance gurus all suggest that homeowners keep an active home inventory, and Liberty Mutual’s Home Gallery app helps you do just that. Keeping a home inventory can seem like a grueling task, but this app makes it easy. Why keep an inventory? If you are robbed or your home is damaged by a fire, an inventory will make filing a claim much easier and help ensure that your belongings are protected. With this app you can: • Take photos of your belongings• Catalog each item by room or category• Add item details or scan item barcode for images and descriptions• Note the purchase price, purchase date, and take photos of the receipt• Export your inventory as a spreadsheet or PDF 2. GEICO App (Available for iPhone®, Android, iPod Touch® and iPad®) GEICO’s mobile app is one the most visible mobile insurance apps out there. The app is sleek and user-friendly. You can even customize the background to feature the famous Gecko, Maxwell the Pig, or the GEICO logo. With GEICO’s app you can: • Access digital ID cards• Manage your policy• Chat with Lily – “your insurance voice assistance” (maybe she’s related to Siri?)• Access GEICO’s Accident Guide to help you record accident details and file a claim. 3. Progressive Art App (Available for iPhone®) Talk about unexpected: Progressive’s Art App gives users access to the company’s contemporary art collections and learn about the contributing artists. The company says the collection reflects its culture of innovation. The app allows you to: • Zoom in for details.• Navigate pieces individually or create a slideshow.• Learn about the artists’ backgrounds.• Create your own gallery.• Share artwork with friends. Among the artists who have pieces in the collection are Vik Muniz, Cindy Sherman, Francis Alya, Kara Walker, and Yoshitomo Nara. 4. MoveTools™ by State Farm (Available for iPad®) Moving can be stressful, but MoveTools by State Farm makes it simpler. With this app, you can virtually pack every room in your house, stay organized with recommended tasks, and even create packing labels that display the contents of the boxes so you don’t have to open them. This app is user-friendly and is every organizer’s dream. 5. MetLife Infinity App (Available for Android, iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad®) The MetLife Infinity app allows users to create a digital legacy for family members and friends. You can create collections of photos, videos, and documents. These can be shared now or saved for a future date. 6. GoodRide® by Allstate (Available for iPhone® and Android) This app is designed specifically with motorcycle riders in mind. GoodRide by Allstate helps riders track their route, time and mileage for each ride. It also helps you prepare for trips so you can scout out gas ahead of time and check local weather. Allstate says on its website that the GoodRide app will soon feature a maintenance log so riders can keep track of every oil change and flat tire. You will even be able to set alarms for when service is due. Guest author Chris Beck is a Content Producer/contributor for The HomeownersInsurance.com blog, as well as a freelance writer in the insurance and tech space. Originally from Asheville, NC and a University of South Carolina Alum, Chris is an avid Gamecock sports follower.
