ClaimsElement, a Shoplink® add-on module that allows collision repair facilities to electronically retrieve data from insurance adjuster estimates prepared using Audatex solutions, has been released by Audatex, a Solera company.

A secure, server-based solution, ClaimsElement eliminates the need for shops to re-key estimates by retrieving estimate data directly from Audatex in an encrypted format and importing it directly into the Shoplink estimating system. Security is a critical concern for insurance carriers and their policy holders, and all of Audatex's carrier-partners have approved the use of ClaimsElement for repair facilities. 

According to surveys conducted by the Collision Industry Conference (CIC), of the 9 million auto claims each year, 2.5 million require re-keying. "The ability to retrieve electronic versions of estimates via ClaimsElement has significantly improved my daily workflow," said Kathie Wright of Walled Lake Collision in Walled Lake, Wisconsin. "Instead of spending time re-keying insurance estimates into Shoplink, I am now able to retrieve them with a click of a button, directly from within the estimating application. This new and innovative ClaimsElement feature saves my business at least half-an-hour for every estimate that I don't have to manually re-key."

In addition to the time saved in preparing estimates, ClaimsElement improves carrier and vehicle owner satisfaction by eliminating the errors that occur as a result of re-keying, shortening the repair cycle time and reducing the need for supplements. The module also improves workflow in repair shops by making it easier to get estimate information into shop management systems. For carriers, the software provides a greater degree of efficiency and data security than existing manual methods and proposed removable media solutions. As an added security convenience, carriers can track estimate sharing data on a regular basis.

"Audatex is dedicated to developing solutions that help repair shops improve their business performance and build stronger relationships with insurance carriers," said Tony Aquila, chairman and CEO of Audatex. "ClaimsElement reflects our philosophy of using innovation to deliver quantifiable business process improvements for our customers."