2ergo has launched a smartphone app that helps motorists record essential information in the event of an accident on the road. 

The app, called iAccident, incorporates GPS functionality, so motorists can photograph the scene of an accident with geo-location information embedded in the images. Photographs are also time and date stamped. The app creates an accident report which is then submitted to the iAccident database in an encrypted format. The report can be used for compensation and insurance claims. 

iAccident is compatible with systems used by all insurance companies, according to 2ergo. Consumers submit their reports online directly from their smartphone, and can choose to have the report forwarded to their own insurer or solicitor or have iAccident deal with their claim on their behalf. 

Roland Maguire, director of iAccident, says: “The UKs compensation culture has been characterised by insurance companies selling on personal injury claims to lawyers and consumers being encouraged to claim for non-existent injuries. As a result, insurance premiums are increasing exponentially, UK-wide. While the Governments proposed ban on referral fees for personal injury claims is a step in the right direction, it only addresses part of the overall problem.

“iAccident is designed to put consumers in direct control of their claims and to undermine unscrupulous operators and put them out of business. We believe that, if enough consumers use iAccident, we can start controlling insurance costs. In time, we would like to see insurance companies respond by decreasing the cost of premiums.”

John Stevens, group managing director of 2ergo, says: “Accidents are obviously stressful for motorists. People are expected to remember and share important details about the incident, while they are in a vulnerable state. Insurance companies often find that key details are taken down incorrectly or omitted altogether. Consumers can now use a free app that makes a real difference. If they keep iAccident on their smartphones in case theyre involved in an unfortunate event, it could make all the difference to how their genuine claim proceeds.”

iAccident is start-up company founded by people drawn from the legal, finance, vehicle recovery, and insurance sectors. The app is available now for iPhone, with an announcement on an Android version promised soon.