28-02-2013

All those in attendance at this year’s UK Commercial Vehicle Show should keep their eyes peeled for the grand unveiling of the SmartWitness, which despite looking innocuous, promises to reduce insurance premiums for commercial vehicle drivers across the UK.

The on-board SmartWitness video and data recording kit aims to reduce the running costs of van drivers by offering protection against both false and knock-for-knock claims. According to estimations from manufacturers, the system will provide accurate and indisputable information in the event of an accident, helping to cut the costs of commercial vehicle insurance claims by 50 per cent and reduce the number of false and malicious claims.

The SmartWitness system works by continuously recording a 170° view through the widescreen, as well as the braking and acceleration speeds and G-forces present if an accident does occur. By linking SmartWitness with Google Earth and Google Maps, the system is also able to provide critical data about the vehicle’s location. This data can then be uploaded directly by insurers via the internet.

Nick Plowman, a spokesman for SmartWitness, said: “Our product will be the only one on the market which delivers all the benefits of reduced insurance costs, enhanced safety and real-time driver appraisals, as well as providing insurers with accurate and timely resolution to speed up claims.

“The speed of claim resolution plays a critical role in reducing the associated costs of a claim. If insurance companies have to wait for the information they require to arrive in the post, costs such as car hire will immediately be added onto the claim. SmartWitness provides real-time information, which can eliminate spurious claims from the off, reducing the cost of injury compensation and repair claims. This technology will also go a long way to eliminating 50/50 and knock-for knock claims.”

The 2013 UK Commercial Vehicle Show will be held between 9-11 April at the Birmingham NEC.