VICMA Intermediary for Multi-Insurer Claim Data

Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle repair shops face inefficiencies and high costs due to the need to purchase and maintain multiple estimating systems to interoperate with different insurance companies, which limits their ability to work with multiple insurance providers.

Innovation Solution

The development of a Vehicle Insurance Claim Management Application (VICMA) that provides interoperability with different types of repair estimating systems, streamlining communication and collaboration between vehicle repair shops and insurance companies through modules for assignment management, financial management, and performance measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If vehicle repair shops purchase and maintain multiple estimating systems to interoperate with different insurance companies, then interoperability with multiple insurance companies is achieved, but system complexity and operational costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteroperability with multiple insurance companiesVSAvoidnumber of estimating systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (adapter or interface layer) that enables communication between different insurance company systems and the repair shop's estimating system. This intermediary translates and bridges data exchanges, allowing the repair shop to work with multiple insurance companies without maintaining separate estimating systems for each.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal estimating system that can interface with multiple insurance companies through standardized protocols and adapters. This single multi-functional system replaces the need for multiple specialized systems, allowing the repair shop to serve various insurance companies while maintaining one core estimating platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If vehicle repair shops purchase and maintain multiple estimating systems to interoperate with different insurance companies, then interoperability with multiple insurance companies is achieved, but operational costs become prohibitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to work with multiple insurance companiesVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal estimating system that can interface with multiple insurance companies through standardized protocols and adapters. This single multi-functional system replaces the need for multiple specialized systems, allowing the repair shop to serve various insurance companies while maintaining one core estimating platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple insurance company interfaces and data exchange protocols into a single integrated estimating system. By merging these functions into one unified platform, the repair shop eliminates the need to purchase, maintain, and train staff on multiple separate systems, thereby reducing operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If vehicle repair shops use multiple estimating systems to support different insurance companies, then compatibility is improved, but training and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different estimating systemsVSAvoidtraining and maintenance burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (adapter or interface layer) that enables communication between different insurance company systems and the repair shop's estimating system. This intermediary translates and bridges data exchanges, allowing the repair shop to work with multiple insurance companies without maintaining separate estimating systems for each.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12223551B2Communication of insurance claim data

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY

AI summary

Systems and methods provide for an automated system for determining whether claims related to an insured item should proceed to an arbitrating body. A virtual assistant (also referred to herein as an “arbitration assessment assistant”) installed in a computing device (e.g., computer, laptop, tablet computer, mobile phone, etc.) may be responsible for managing and assisting an insurance representative (e.g., an insurance adjuster, subrogation representative, etc.) in determining liability and fault relating to a claim, conducting a subrogation process, and ultimately determining whether the claim should be submitted for arbitration. In one or more aspects discussed, herein the process may be fully automated.