Jan. 20, 2012—DingIT, an auto body Internet technology company, recently released a free iPhone app that allows vehicle owners to receive online estimates from local collision repair centers.
Users of the iPhone app submit a request for estimates from body shops by uploading information and photos of their damaged vehicle. The app uses geo-location technology to detect the location of the user in order to submit the estimate request to body shops in their vicinity.
Sagi Smolarski, co-founder and head of technology for Los Angeles-based DingIT, said the iPhone app was designed to simplify the process of taking photos and submitting estimate requests.
“The benefits of getting estimates online include significant time savings, the cost of gas, and the actual saving on cost of the repair, which can reach hundreds of dollars,” said Eyal Golan, co-founder and head of global marketing for DingIT. “There is no doubt that making this service available via smartphones is a major leap as it makes this service simpler, quicker and much easier to use.”
DingIT said body shops must submit a “request for application” so the company can ensure the quality of shops it adds to its network. Shops can only be added to the network after DingIT screens the facility’s credentials.
DingIT also developed a shop rating system based on customer feedback. Users can see how shops were rated by previous vehicle owners.
Visit DingIT.com for more information, or to submit a “request for application.”