Consumers can manage their policy and get quote estimates using the application. In addition, customers can monitor the progress of their vehicle in the repair shop through daily photos and emails.

“Our customers are online-savvy people and early adopters of technology, and a lot of our customers have iPhones,” said Carla Silvey, director of user interface and email marketing, at Esurance, San Francisco.

“Since our customers want to have access to their policy information anytime, anywhere, through this recent iPhone app release we delivered in giving them access 24/7,” she said. “The app allows customers to keep up to date on when their claim will be settled, pay their bill, view their policy info and more–all from their iPhone.

Esurance provides personal auto insurance direct to consumers online and through select agents, including sister company, Answer Financial.

Here is a screen grab of the application:

Mobile insurance
Consumers can access the accident toolkit, which provides them with information on what to do if they are ever in an accident.

In addition, consumers can access ID cards, view their coverage and find preferred repair shops in their neighborhood by using Google maps.

Customers can also report claims via the application.

Here is another screen grab of the application:

“All of our customers who have iPhones can benefit from this free app,” Ms. Silvey said. “We will be notifying customers through emails, on our Web site, and via a recent press release announcement.”

Additionally, the application includes a repair monitoring feature.

Consumers who have a car in the shop are able to see daily photos throughout the process.

The photos can be shared and consumers can contact the repair facility directly via email or phone, as well as contact their dedicated claims representative.

“The app itself is free, and is primarily geared towards service for existing customers, though potential customers can also use the app to get a quote estimate,” Ms. Silvey said.

“This is an important step in expanding the mobile offering that we provide, and we’re actively exploring additional platforms and opportunities for future growth,” she said.

Final take
Rimma Kats, editorial assistant at Mobile Commerce Daily, New York.