•New features include greater support for telematics-based claims handling, PDA devices and an integrated communications hub

LONDON, 19 December, 2011 – IT-Freedom (www.it-freedom.com), the leading provider of specialist software solutions for the general insurance industry, today announced the availability of the latest version of ICE Claims. The claims management software has been enhanced with advanced capabilities including telematics-based claims handling, support for PDA devices and an advanced communications hub.  The new features will help increase efficiency, shorten claims management lifecycles, minimise claims leakage and reduce the risk of fraud.

IT-Freedom has seen a rapid uptake from the General Insurance industry for its ICE Claims software.  It has continued to work closely with customers to develop new functionality that provides increased value.  There is now greater support for telematics-based claims handling.  This allows a claims file to be opened within seconds of an accident taking place, and for the insurer to proactively contact the insured party to immediately verify the details behind any incident and potential claim.  Details are recorded from the telematics box to establish location of the vehicle, the speed at impact and driving pattern immediately prior to the accident for example.  Along with better management information, these features ensure insurers can successfully reduce claims farming and cost.

ICE Claims also supports integration with PDA devices for real-time work allocation and on-site data collection and images which improves the efficiency of field based staff and allows rapid decision making on the claim.  The claims management software also makes it easier for insurers to meet their commitments under the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) regulations regarding the speed with which claims are processed and settled, with powerful automated payment functions and automated service levels against MoJ cases. Also included is reporting of activity by stage and success rate.

The ICE Case File is a new communications hub that provides clear visibility over each claim or policy.  It allows any document, video, image or call recording to be added to a case file and displayed alongside each claim.  Powerful search facilities enable rapid identification of key information and ad-hoc email and SMS communications can now be initiated and stored from within ICE Claims.  The ICE Case File will improve operational efficiency for claims management staff and help shorten claims lifecycles.

Claire Burrell, Claims Director at First Central Insurance Management commented, “We have worked closely with IT-Freedom on the new communications hub and our claim handlers are delighted by its flexibility and ease of use. This will transform the way in which we handle our claims and improve our productivity for our benefit and our customers. IT-Freedom shared our vision of an integrated communications hub which they have now delivered.”

Andrew Passfield, Solutions Director of IT-Freedom concluded, “We have continued a programme of significant investment in ICE Claims’ claims management capabilities to ensure that we continue to deliver even greater value to our growing customer base.  The new features have been developed in close co-operation and partnership with our customers to solve real problems in the insurance industry.  We have made it our goal to make it as easy as possible for general insurers to manage their claims.”