COMPUTER SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING IDENTIFICATION OF SUBROGATION OPPORTUNITIES

• US 20090300065A1
• Filed: 05/30/2008
• Published: 12/03/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hartford Fire Insurance Company (The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hartford Fire Insurance Company (The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.)
• Inventors: Birchall, James T.
• Application Number:
  US12/129,956
• Publication Number:
  US 20090300065A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/20 Administration of product repair or maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 Insurance

Abstract

A computer system includes a data capture module for capturing at least one of a make, a model and a unit identification number for a vehicle involved in a loss event. The system further includes a data storage module for storing the at least one of a make, a model and a unit identification number. A computer processor analyzes information related to the vehicle to detect a pattern of reported problems involving the vehicle. An output device outputs an identification of a subrogation opportunity based on the detected pattern.

Claims

1. A computer system comprising:

a data capture module for capturing at least one of a make, a model and a unit identification number for a vehicle involved in a loss event;

a data storage module in communication with the data capture module, said data storage module for storing the at least one of a make, a model and a unit identification number for the vehicle involved in the loss event;

a computer processor in communication with the data storage module for analyzing information related to the vehicle to detect a pattern of reported problems involving said vehicle; and

an output device, coupled to the computer processor, for outputting an identification of a subrogation opportunity based on the detected pattern.

2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the computer processor searches a database using the at least one of the make, model and a unit identification number for the vehicle involved in the loss event.

3. The computer system of claim 2, wherein the computer processor retrieves said information from said database.

4. The computer system of claim 1, wherein:

the data capture module captures event information indicative of at least one attribute of the loss event other than said make, model and unit identification of the vehicle; and

the data storage module stores the event information.

5. A computerized method comprising:

receiving, in a computer, first data that represents at least one of a make, a model and a unit identification number for a physical object involved in a loss event;

receiving, in the computer, second data that represents at least one attribute of the loss event not indicated by the first data;

the computer accessing at least one database using at least said first date to receive or gather third data from said at least one database;

the computer using at least said second and third data to identify a subrogation opportunity with respect to the loss event; and

the computer outputting the identified subrogation opportunity to a workflow device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein:

the loss event involves a motor vehicle; and

the unit identification number is a vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the loss event is a motor vehicle accident, and the second data includes a description of the motor vehicle accident.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one database includes a vehicle history database.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein the physical object is a component of a motor vehicle.

10. The method of claim 5, wherein the loss event involves a building and the physical object is an appliance installed in the building.

11. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one database includes a product recall database.

12. A computerized method comprising:

receiving, in a computer from an input device, first information that represents a make and model for a physical object involved in a loss event;

the computer automatically analyzing second information to detect a pattern of reported problems involving said make and model;

the computer automatically identifying a subrogation opportunity based on the detected pattern; and

the computer outputting, to an output device, third information indicative of the identified subrogation opportunity.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said analyzing includes an internet search using said make and model as search terms, and data mining results of said internet search.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said second information includes consumer comments on a website.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein said second information includes claim data of at least one insurance company.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein:

the loss event involves a motor vehicle accident; and

the physical object is the motor vehicle.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein:

the loss event involves a motor vehicle accident; and

the physical object is a component of the motor vehicle.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the loss event involves a building and the physical object is an appliance installed in the building.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

basing an underwriting decision on the identified subrogation opportunity.

20. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

providing an indication that the loss event involves a bodily injury or involves a possibility of a bodily injury.

21. A computer system comprising:

a data capture module for capturing at least one of a make, a model and a unit identification number for a vehicle involved in a loss event;

a data storage module in communication with the data capture module, said data storage module for storing the at least one of a make, a model and a unit identification number for the vehicle involved in the loss event;

a computer processor in communication with the data storage module for (a) analyzing information related to the vehicle to detect a pattern of reported problems involving said vehicle, (b) accessing at least one vehicle history database to determine a prior repair history for said vehicle, and (c) accessing a vehicle recall database to determine whether said vehicle has been subject to a manufacturer'"'"'s recall; and

an output device, coupled to the computer processor, for outputting an identification of a subrogation opportunity based on at least one of (a) the detected pattern, (b) said prior repair history for said vehicle, and (c) said manufacturer'"'"'s recall.

22. A method comprising:

determining a make, a model and a vehicle identification number for a motor vehicle that has been involved in an accident;

using said make and model to access a vehicle recall database to determine whether said motor vehicle has been subject to a manufacturer'"'"'s recall;

using said vehicle identification number to access at least one vehicle history database to determine a prior repair history for the motor vehicle;

using said make and model to search the internet and/or at least one website to detect a pattern in reported problems involving said make and model;

identifying a subrogation opportunity based on at least one of (a) said access to said vehicle recall database;

(b) said access to said at least one vehicle history database; and

(c) said detected pattern of reported problems; and

outputting the subrogation opportunity to a workflow device.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein:

said subrogation opportunity is identified during a period of time prior to completion of a loss estimation process with respect to the accident.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

determining capabilities of a vehicle repair shop that repaired the motor vehicle prior to the accident.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

detecting a mismatch between the capabilities of the vehicle repair shop and damage suffered by the motor vehicle prior to the accident.

26. A method comprising:

receiving a signal originated by a damage sensor installed in a motor vehicle;

determining, based on the received signal, a type of damage sustained by the motor vehicle;

using the determined type of damage to access a database of vehicle repair shops; and

based on the database access, identifying vehicle repair shops that have a capability for repairing the determined type of damage.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein:

the signal is received by a handheld electronic device;

the handheld electronic device is used to access the database of vehicle repair shops; and

information that identifies recommended vehicle repair shops is displayed to a user by the handheld electronic device.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising:

transmitting the information from the handheld electronic device.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the signal is received by the handheld electronic device while the handheld electronic device is in proximity to the motor vehicle.

30. The method of claim 26, further comprising:

basing an underwriting decision of on information contained in the database of vehicle repair shops.