Get In an Accident? There's an App for That

Cars and cell phones typically don’t mix—not unless you’re the passenger, anyway. In fact, you can get in big trouble in many states for driving around with a cell phone to your ear. And if you’re caught texting while driving, look out. However, smart phones are beginning to play a major role in auto insurance, and not just as a mobile device that’ll let you get online car insurance quotes while you’re in line waiting for your ultra-large Frappuccino.

Have a car accident? There’s an app for that. And not just one. Car insurance companies are the latest industry to jump on the application bandwagon by offering their customers the types of remote services that had only been dreamed of years ago. Nowadays, instead of calling your insurance company and waiting on hold for 15 minutes if you’ve had a fender bender, you can simply punch up your inquiry through an online app that will guide you through the process. You can even access your proof of insurance information if you’ve misplaced it.

As much of a lifesaver as an “accident app” is, that’s not the extent of the kinds of smart phone applications that car insurance providers are offering their customers. Some have launched mobile services that will help you compare auto insurance premiums for various vehicles—an application that can come in handy when wandering around a car lot shopping for your next dream car.