Vehicle Damage Estimation Using Historical Image-Based Claim Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional insurance claim processing for vehicle damage is time-consuming and costly due to the need for multiple assessments to accurately evaluate damage and estimate repair costs.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing historical data and machine learning algorithms to analyze images of vehicle damage, comparing them to a database of similar past damage cases to estimate the likelihood and cost of repairs, incorporating manufacturer and insurance data for precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple manual assessments are performed to accurately evaluate damage, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage assessment accuracyVSAvoidclaim processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary damage assessment by capturing images at the claim scene and automatically processing them through machine learning models before human adjusters arrive. This preliminary action provides initial damage estimates and identifies likely damaged parts, allowing human assessors to focus only on complex cases and reducing overall assessment time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies of damaged vehicles through photogrammetry and 3D modeling, generating virtual representations that can be analyzed repeatedly without requiring physical inspection. These digital twins allow multiple assessments to be performed on the same damage case simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential manual inspections and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If multiple manual assessments are performed to accurately evaluate damage, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage assessment accuracyVSAvoidclaim processing throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical manual assessment process with an automated computer vision system that captures images and uses machine learning algorithms to evaluate damage. This substitution processes claims at much higher speeds while maintaining or improving accuracy through consistent application of assessment criteria, thereby increasing overall productivity without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service damage assessment where the captured images automatically generate damage reports and estimates without requiring immediate human intervention. The machine learning models independently evaluate the damage, identify affected parts, and calculate repair costs, allowing claims to be processed in parallel and significantly increasing throughput while maintaining accurate assessments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If automated image analysis is used to reduce assessment time, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassessment timeVSAvoiddamage evaluation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a multi-functional machine learning framework that performs multiple assessment tasks simultaneously: damage detection, part identification, severity evaluation, and cost estimation. This universal approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized manual assessments into a single automated process, reducing time loss while maintaining or improving overall measurement precision through the coordinated execution of multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250356428A1Methods and apparatus for automated claim processing using historical data
Publication Date: 2025.11.20 STATE FARM MUTAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
  • US20250356428A1 patent drawing
  • US20250356428A1 patent drawing
  • US20250356428A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to process insurance claims using historical data are disclosed herein. An example method of estimating damage to a vehicle, the method includes receiving, using one or more processors, one or more images of damage to a vehicle, identifying, using one or more processors, one or more additional vehicles having damage similar to the damage to the vehicle based on the one or more images, determining, using one or more processors, a likelihood that a part of the vehicle is damaged based on damage associated with the one or more additional vehicles, and determining, using one or more processors, whether to include the part in a repair estimate based on the likelihood.