Loss adjuster Cerno has formed a joint venture with Claim Central Holdings to offer a service combining adjusting with building and supplier management.

A new company, Claim360, has been formed and is already operating to cut costs and claim time, Claim Central Holdings CEO Brian Siemsen told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

He says a trial of several hundred claims cut the time a claim was open by an average of 37%.

Mr Siemsen says the hybrid model of loss adjusters and builders working together is more efficient for insurers and intermediaries. Consumers also see their claims being handled in a more consistent and cohesive manner.

“You can improve your level of communication if you understand where the claim is across the chain,” he said.

The venture uses Claim Central’s technology, but Claim360 will operate as an independent company with its own board, and will employ more than 100 staff in the next six months.

Cerno CEO Greg Johnson says insurers have been telling him they want both building and assessing skills in one package.

“This is neither traditional loss adjusting nor a builders’ model,” he said. “We simply took the best parts of both to create a hybrid solution not seen in the industry before.”

Mr Johnson says the model brings together adjusters and estimators to enable collaboration and transparency of cost control, claim life cycle, quality and customer satisfaction.

Clients can use their preferred suppliers or Claim360’s panel of builders.

“With the storm season on its way, the service is flexible enough to rapidly respond to a catastrophe at any time,” Mr Siemsen said. “One person can attend the site and repairs can commence within 48 hours.”