Contents Buddy

One of the most difficult and time-consuming parts of completing a flood claim is dealing with the contents portion of that claim. As adjusters, we are mainly focused on the building portion of the claim. We rely on the insured to provide the info needed to complete the contents portion. For many insureds, this can be an overwhelming task during a very stressful time. We ask them to take as many pictures as possible of the damaged items and then ask them to fill out contents sheets. Most will take pictures using their phone. Sometimes, the pictures are taken on a number of different devices. Some will take pictures using a digital camera or film camera. Once they’re done, now they have to figure out how to get all of those pictures into one file and then to their adjuster. Cellphone pictures are large files and only a few can be emailed at once. If there are more than a few pictures, emailing is not a viable option. Some adjusters use file sharing programs to enable the policyholder to share their photos with their adjuster. While this works for are a large number of pictures, the insured still has to get all of their pictures from all of their devices into one location so they can then upload them to the file sharing program. For some, especially those who are not computer savvy, this can be a daunting and frustrating process. It creates additional stress and anxiety on an insured that is already overwhelmed. Once all of their photos are taken, now the insured has to complete the contents list. They can go old school and hand write it leaving the adjuster to transpose the written list into their estimate. This becomes a very time consuming process adding hours to the time it takes to complete a claim. Remember, time is money! Currently, one of the most efficient ways to get the contents list from the insured is by sending them an Excel spreadsheet formatted to import into the adjusters estimating software. While this is the preferred method, how many times has an insured said they don’t have Excel on their computer, they don’t know how to use Excel, they lost their computer in the flood or don’t have a computer? Some will say they know how to use Excel, but they change the formatting and now it won’t import into your estimating software. Contents Buddy lets the insured put all of their photos into a central location, label those photos and submit them to their adjuster. It creates an Excel spreadsheet that will import into the adjuster's estimating software and a photo report that can be printed and submitted with the claim? This will save time and reduce stress for both the adjuster and the insured. Contents Buddy was created by an adjuster to make the contents portion of the claim easier and faster to complete for both the adjuster and the insured. If an insured can use their phone to take pictures, send texts and emails, they will be able to use Contents Buddy. The insured can start using the app right after first contact with their adjuster. The app will be emailed and texted to the insured who can then immediately start documenting their contents loss. With Contents Buddy, policyholders can complete their entire contents list on their smartphone. Or, if they feel more comfortable using a full-size keyboard, the insured can take all of their pictures with their phone, sync those pictures to the cloud and then access and label those pictures using the Contents Buddy website. When the policyholder's contents list is complete, their adjuster is notified. The adjuster can then access the policyholder's account to review and edit their contents list. When done, Contents Buddy will complete and download an Excel spreadsheet formatted to import into their estimating software. It will also produce a photo report that can be included in the claim file. Contents Buddy. Simpler. Faster. Less Stressful.