Auto insurance claims are becoming more complex, more costly, and more exposed to fraud. Higher vehicle values, increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics, and inconsistent verification methods have placed added pressure on claims and SIU teams to make faster and more defensible decisions.
For a large national auto insurer, gaining clearer visibility into vehicle condition, location history, and usage is no longer optional. It has become a core requirement for effective claims handling and fraud prevention.
The Challenge: Claims Complexity and Fraud Risk
Claims and investigation teams at this insurer routinely encounter situations where:
- Damage may have existed before the reported loss
- Vehicles are reported stolen or vandalized under questionable circumstances
- Garaging locations differ from what was declared on the policy
Fraud indicators surface only after substantial claim dollars have been spent
Traditional claims tools often depend on claimant statements, delayed records, or limited databases. These gaps increase investigation time and raise the risk of overpayment.
Adding Intelligence with DRNsights for Insurance
To address these challenges, the insurer integrated DRNsights for Insurance into its claims and SIU workflows.
DRNsights provides access to historical vehicle sightings and imagery, allowing investigators to confirm:
- When and where a vehicle has appeared
- Whether damage existed prior to the reported date of loss
- Whether vehicle usage and garaging align with policy terms
This intelligence introduces an objective verification layer that strengthens, rather than replaces, adjuster expertise.
Success Story 1: Identifying Prior Damage to Prevent Overpayment
Scenario
A field appraiser inspected a commercial-use van following a rear-end collision. The insured vehicle struck the claimant from behind, and damage was reported to the rear cargo doors and rear bumper. During the inspection, the appraiser also observed extensive damage along the right side of the vehicle, including visible rust on the right rear quarter panel.
DRNsights Value
Using DRNsights historical image data, the appraiser reviewed prior vehicle sightings to validate the condition of the vehicle before the reported loss. The imagery confirmed that damage to the rear doors existed prior to the date of loss and was unrelated to the collision.
Outcome
Unrelated prior damage was excluded from the estimate, preventing unsupported physical damage from being paid. DRNsights enabled an accurate, defensible settlement based solely on damages attributable to the loss.
Success Story 2: Reducing Repair Costs Through Prior Damage Verification
Scenario
A desk appraiser reviewed a claim in which the insured reported damage to the left-side bumper, fender, hood, and door, all allegedly occurring on the date of loss. Internal systems already indicated that right-side damage pre-existed the incident.
DRNsights Value
Through DRNsights picture proof search, the appraiser located historical images showing that most of the claimed left-side damage also existed prior to the reported loss and was not related to the incident.
Outcome
The repair estimate was reduced by more than $2,000 after excluding unrelated prior damage. DRNsights supported a fact-based adjustment and helped prevent unnecessary claim spend.
Success Story 3: Validating Vandalism Claims and Applying Betterment
Scenario
An insured reported overnight vandalism resulting in multiple areas of vehicle damage. The claim asserted that all damage occurred during a single vandalism event.
DRNsights Value
The claims team used DRNsights to review historical vehicle sightings and confirmed that several damaged areas existed well before the reported loss. Some damage dated back more than a year prior to the vandalism claim.
Outcome
The repair estimate was revised to remove unrelated prior damage and apply appropriate betterment based on vehicle age and condition. DRNsights ensured the settlement aligned with policy coverage while maintaining fairness and accuracy.
Success Story 4: Supporting a Broader Fraud Investigation
Scenario
A claim was reported with questionable facts of loss, prompting further review by the Special Investigations Unit.
DRNsights Value
DRNsights imagery identified the insured vehicle at a repair facility associated with other suspicious activity. The visual evidence reinforced existing red flags and connected the claim to a broader pattern of concern.
Outcome
The findings supported an expanded investigation into potential organized fraud activity. DRNsights played a key role in linking this claim to a wider, multi-party investigation.
Success Story 5: Confirming Garaging Misrepresentation
Scenario
An insured reported a loss occurring in New York while the policy listed Florida as the primary garaging location.
DRNsights Value
DRNsights location history showed the vehicle had been consistently present in New York for an extended period, contradicting the garaging information stated on the policy.
Outcome
Garaging misrepresentation was confirmed, and an underwriting referral was submitted. DRNsights provided documented evidence to support underwriting and compliance actions.
Business Impact
By embedding vehicle intelligence into daily claims and SIU workflows, the insurer achieved:
- Faster claim resolution
- Reduced fraud exposure
More accurate settlements - Stronger underwriting and compliance outcomes
Most importantly, claim decisions were grounded in verified data rather than assumptions.
Closing the Loop on Claims and Fraud
This insurer’s experience reflects a broader shift across the insurance industry. High-performing claims and SIU teams increasingly rely on connected vehicle intelligence to link investigation directly to outcomes.
DRNsights for Insurance enables insurers to operate with confidence, protecting financial performance while ensuring fair and consistent treatment for policyholders.