Insurers are getting a jump-start on claims by using mobile technology to begin the process before a claim is lodged, according to geographic information systems (GIS) specialist Esri Australia.

New “rapid damage assessment” software allows users to instantly map property and infrastructure damage via smartphones and tablets running GIS software from the field.

“If you can identify which policyholders are likely to be affected by an event, you are able to begin your claims process well before a claim is lodged,” Esri Principal for Banking and Insurance Gary Johnson told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

He says GIS can also benefit insurers in the planning phase, letting them project damage assessments onto a map to see how many policyholders may be affected by an event.

The software may reduce assessing bottlenecks that can occur directly after an event.

Mr Johnson says insurers also use the technology to send text messages to policyholders, warning them of impending hailstorms that could damage uncovered cars.

It can also improve the underwriting process, which has traditionally used postcodes to calculate risk. Mr Johnson says the software will lead to more “equitably priced premiums”, since it interprets the risk of natural hazards such as cyclones and floods at an individual property level.

“The trend in Australia is moving from aggregating risk at postcode level to looking at individual property risk,” he said.