Happenings

NTUC Income Launches Free App To Combat Insurance Fraud

BY Azfar Hashim

Orange Eye, a first of its kind mobile application, aims to encourage drivers to submit video footage in the event of an accident

NTUC Income has launched a new mobile application to encourage the use of in-car cameras. The app 'Orange Eye', now available for free on both iPhone and Android platforms, comprises a recording device which captures footage of the road and enables drivers to conveniently submit their videos as evidence when making motor insurance claims. For NTUC Income motor policyholders, Orange Eye also comes with the additional option to notify Orange Force, its 24/7 accident response team.

The use of in-car cameras has grown significantly in recent years. At NTUC Income, there has been a marked increase in policyholders submitting their claims together with the video evidence. Video evidence can be useful in reducing discrepancies of statements between parties, and can also assist NTUC Income in protecting the interests of its customers if fraudulent activity is suspected.

Besides a recording device, Orange Eye has an Accident Toolkit that helps drivers make informed decisions in accident situations. This includes an “instant call” button to activate NTUC Income’s Orange Force accident response team, a “message” button to send a pre-determined SMS together with map location to your chosen emergency contact, as well as other useful advice on what to do after an accident.

Mr Peh Chee Keong, NTUC Income's Vice President of Motor Insurance said, “If fraudulent practices persist, motor insurance premiums will inevitably increase. This affects everyone, including safe drivers who do not make any claims. Orange Eye has the potential to curb rising motor insurance premiums.”

In recent years, NTUC Income has increased its efforts to combat fraudulent claims. Using comprehensive data analytics to identify pre-determined “red flags”, the insurer has referred more than 150 suspicious cases to the authorities for further investigation in the last five years. Investigations of more than 50 cases have been completed, of which about one-third were brought to court and warnings issued in six other cases.

According to the General Insurance Association of Singapore, an estimated 20 per cent of motor insurance claims are inflated or fraudulent. This costs the motor insurance industry approximately $140 million each year.

To encourage the use of Orange Eye, NTUC Income will offer its motor policyholders a $100 discount on their insurance premiums when they submit useful video evidence that helps settle a claim, regardless of which party is liable. The same offer is also extended to non-policyholders if they choose to be insured with NTUC Income upon renewal of their motor insurance policy. Even those who are not involved in the accident can enjoy the discount if they have useful video evidence that helps settle a claim made after an accident, provided they are policyholders or become policyholders.

Mr Marcus Chew, NTUC Income's Vice President of Strategic Marketing said, "Orange Eye, which is free, transforms a mobile phone into a multi-functional device that integrates with the service provided by Orange Force. It underscores NTUC Income’s continual innovation for the benefit of our customers.”

Orange Eye also alerts drivers to renew their road tax and insurance and allows them to share videos via social media.