Initio’s Award-Winning Innovation; Smart Claims

Crack the champagne – a toast to our focus on insurance claims!

We are incredibly proud to be recognised for our hard work and innovation with the 2024 Canstar Innovation Excellence Award, which honors our efforts in setting new insurance claims standards for convenience and efficiency in the insurance industry.

 

Initio stands out not just for its technology, but for its practical, impactful applications that significantly improve the customer experience. Let’s explore the technological innovations at the core of our submission, which we call Smart Claims:

A fully digital, seamless claims process

Initio is one of the few insurance providers offering customers a 100% online claims process from start to finish, setting a new standard for convenience and efficiency in the insurance industry. Our Smart Claims platform eliminates the need for traditional phone calls to confirm details, handling everything online with ease and precision. This approach not only simplifies the claims process but also significantly speeds it up, allowing customers to focus on recovery and rebuilding without unnecessary stress.

Key features of our Smart Claims process:

  • Streamlined submission: Customers can submit claims quickly and effortlessly, without the traditional hassles of paperwork and long waiting times.
  • Efficient claims management: Our system ensures claims are managed efficiently, significantly reducing wait times and allowing our staff to focus on expediting claim processing rather than making follow-up calls.
  • Reduced need for customer calls: Our online dashboard’s transparency and instant access mean fewer calls are needed, making us more available to pick up when you do call. This enhancement significantly improves your experience while allowing our support team to assist you more efficiently..

Proactive customer support and real-time updates

During Cyclone Gabrielle, Initio leveraged its advanced mapping tool, Locatio, to proactively identify and contact customers likely affected by the disaster. This not only ensured timely assistance but also demonstrated our proactive approach to customer care.

Enhancements in customer support:

  • Claim support and updates: Our efficient system freed up our claims consultants to provide personalized support, focusing on those in critically affected areas.
  • Continuous availability: Despite the digital focus, our claims consultants remained available via phone for those needing personal interaction, further supported by continuous online chat and easy claim access.
  • Transparency and real-time updates: Customers could monitor the status of their claims through their dashboards, which included detailed updates such as site visits by builders and a comprehensive communication history.

Initio’s offerings are not only innovative but also distinctly superior to what is currently available in the market, both domestically and internationally.

What makes smart claims different?

  • Complete online management: Our website allows customers to fully manage their policies independently, from purchase to claims, providing unparalleled control and flexibility.
  • Advanced risk assessment: Utilising data from Regional and Government Councils and updates from the LINZ database, we provide precise risk assessments, enhancing our underwriting process.
  • Synergy of smart claims and Locatio: The integration of these technologies not only reduces administrative burdens but also accelerates claims resolution, improving overall customer satisfaction.

What the Canstar judges said about initio’s online insurance experience

The awards panel recognised that initio is the pioneering insurance provider in New Zealand. We enable customers to secure quotes, arrange cover, and file claims swiftly via a digital platform. They praised initio for its effective service that simplifies insurance management for homeowners, utilising technology to evaluate risks promptly and precisely.

The judges were most impressed by the ease and efficiency of receiving a quote with Initio. There was consensus around the judging table that this could be disruptive as other insurers look to adopt a similar approach.

Our ongoing promise

Initio will continue to refine and enhance our platform, committed to providing the finest digital experience available in New Zealand, ensuring our customers receive outstanding service tailored to their needs.

For more information