IAG bolsters disaster response with "game changer" portable satellites
IAG, whose brands include NRMA Insurance, CGU, WFI and ROLLiN', has partnered with Optus to trial the new Starlink micro terminals, providing satellite internet to customers lacking essential services during severe weather events and natural disasters.
The terminals, which are easily portable and no larger than a briefcase, offer internet connection in metro and rural areas experiencing blackouts and internet outages.
Having no power or internet can pose a risk to life and safety for people who need immediate help. NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Property Claims Fulfilment, Scott Lindsay said investing in the latest technology and innovations is critical to providing the best support possible for people and communities impacted by extreme weather and natural disasters.
"The aftermath of a natural disaster is a difficult and distressing time. Being cut off from essential services in the days and sometimes weeks after a natural disaster is incredibly difficult and can really slow people's recovery and their ability to get back on their feet quickly," he said.
The Starlink micro terminals are a game changer, allowing our assessors to process property damage reports in real-time, stay connected and bring our mobile claims centres to locations in communities where customers most need our help.Scott Lindsay
NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Property Claims Fulfilment
Mr Lindsay said the speed at which insurance assessors can reach a customer's home, check they're safe, assess damage at their property and arrange temporary repairs to prevent further water damage, is critical after a natural disaster.
"Our Assessors submit their damage reports into the claims system in real-time, often from onsite at people's homes so they can be actioned immediately by emergency repair and builder networks.
"But that's only possible with reliable internet coverage for our people in the field," Mr Lindsay said.
"Any delay due to needing to drive to find phone or internet connectivity impacts the speed at which we can arrange get those emergency repairs underway."
"It's essentially a solution that's the size of a briefcase, so it's easy to throw in the boot and drive around with and it's rugged enough to withstand the elements," said Marcus Grimes, Vice President of Product, Enterprise and Business at Optus.
"The connectivity is fed through a wireless WAN solution that seamlessly switches between 4G, 5G, and satellite networks, offering intelligent connectivity and network agnosticism. The solution allows IAG's teams in the field to make voice calls over wifi and file reports on the go meaning they can respond quicker."
IAG deployed the micro terminals to its fleet of NRMA Insurance vehicles and mobile pop-claims centres, supporting hundreds of customers impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Customers who visited these mobile sites were able to access internet services, device charging facilities and support with lodging their insurance claims, while claims specialists and assessors could arrange immediate support, including temporary accommodation and emergency financial assistance for customers.
The new technology successfully bolstered IAG's on-the-ground response for Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and will continue to benefit communities across the country for future extreme weather events.
