Temp logging device can cut insurance costs

Hard evidence helps to support claims
JOY ORLEK
INSURANCE COMPANIES are increasingly on the lookout for tools that can help clients to identify, resolve or eliminate problems that lead to claims. This is particularly relevant in the field of temperature control where some insurers will reduce tariffs if the exporter is using a temperature logging device – or even refuse to insure the product without the logger in place. It’s often a question of penny-wise, pound foolish to cut corners when the evidence can be tracked, says Kelvin Price, managing director of Midrand-based c.w. price & company, which holds the exclusive agency for the Australian-manufactured ESCORT Data Logging Systems. These self-powered data loggers are easily programmed to monitor and record conditions at regular intervals during transportation and storage. “When your shipment arrives at its destination you have a complete temperature and humidity profile from dispatch to receipt,” says Price. “Not only does this provide confidence in the quality of your product, but in the event of an insurance claim you will have clear evidence to support your case.” He uses the example of perishables that are bumped off an aircraft, a fairly common occurrence. It’s important to know when and where the event occurred for insurance reasons, says Price. Currently the demand for data loggers appears to be driven by insurers rather than shippers who are constantly looking at ways to reduce their bottom line. But with the growing tendency by authorities to insist on hard evidence to support claims that a product or service has been maintained in optimum conditions, use of tools like the data logger are gaining growing acceptance.