Solera launches AI-based car repair valuations estimator

Solera has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) based solution for the vehicle repair sector that can identify damage and create estimates digitally.

The new Qapter system works by analysing images of the damaged vehicle to detect damaged parts, determine the type and severity of the damage, define appropriate vehicle manufacturer repair operations and create an estimate based on these pre-defined repair operations.

Solera - the parent company of Cap HPI - said that the system using machine learning and draws on data from more than 300 million previous claims.

Darko Dejanovic, the chief executive of Solera, said: “Implementing AI will drive huge efficiency gains, but above all, the extent of such gains are determined by accuracy.

"This accuracy depends on the quality, not just the quantity, of the data and images that are used to train the algorithms, as well as the supporting historical damage estimate.

"This historical data more thoroughly trains the algorithms, not simply on the repair itself, but also on the broader context of the damage.”

The industry has already begun to evolve to meet unexpected market conditions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic with an enhanced focus on providing digital-first and touch-less claims experiences for customers which support social distancing while protecting employee and customer health and safety.

Solera’s image capture capabilities allow for initiation of a claim through a fully digital interaction where the customer provides images of vehicle condition and damage directly from their phone to the insurer or repairer, eliminating the need for face-to-face interaction.

“With leading claims platforms currently available throughout North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, we are excited to provide even more value to our customers by making current platforms ‘smarter’ through the use of AI and supporting a seamless transition from existing solutions to the new platform. We’ll be working closely with our customers to deliver this functionality over the coming months and provide regular releases across markets,” continued Dejanovic.