ThingCo launches connected car service

Insurtech company ThingCo has launched a new connected car service delivered by a professionally fitted video camera-enabled device.

Theo incorporates a high definition camera with night vision, an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) to warn of lane departures and proximity to other vehicles, and telematics technology to provide feedback on driving behaviour.

The service uses a crash algorithm to send a voice message to the customer using Amazon Lex technology to confirm if there has been an accident, while the telematics data and video footage will validate the circumstances of the accident

Theo will also offer to guide customers through the claims process, assisting, where possible, with the provision of a hire vehicle, repair and legal services.

Its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities will also alert drivers to hazards such as when approaching the vehicle in front too quickly and as the service develops, warnings of accident black spots will be offered.

Mike Brockman, chief executive officer of ThingCo, explains how Theo will benefit the driver in particular: “At ThingCo we are on a mission through Theo, to empower drivers through their driving data. That starts with giving them the tools to make their driving safer through state of the art road safety technology—ADAS, telematics, AI-powered intelligent voice and video footage.”

“But what makes Theo fundamentally different from any technology offered by an insurer or motor manufacturer is that we will act completely in the interests of the driver. We will support them if they have a claim, with the customer’s permission utilise the evidence from Theo to prove their innocence and in the future we will give them access to competitive insurance based on their driving data. In essence, we will have their back.”

He added: “Using the Theo app, customers can track their driving behaviour, plan and review their trips, manage insurance claims, receive rewards and incentives and, they will soon be able to share their driving score, through a comparison tool on the Theo app, for insurance quotes. And this is just the start, ThingCo’s mission is to put motorists of all ages and experience in greater control of their safety, their insurance, their claims experience, through their driving data.”

Mark Dugdale