USAA Makes Car Buying Easier With AR

USAA has announced it is piloting an augmented reality application that aims to make car buying easier for its members. The app, which uses Blippar’s car recognition and AR technology, allows members who are in the market to buy a car to point their mobile device at any vehicle year 2000 or newer and instantly see information like purchase price, cost of insurance and any similar vehicles for sale in the area overlaid on the car.

AR – which is probably best-known for gaming apps, such as Pokémon GO – is predicted to play a key role in consumers’ shopping experiences in the future. The USAA app will allow members to quickly access USAA’s Car Buying Service, including local dealers and loan rates, in addition to providing cost and availability information.

“Since 1922, USAA’s goal has been to provide great service through exceptional experiences. We welcome the opportunity to explore a variety of augmented reality use cases that are ultimately meant to make our members’ lives easier and facilitate their financial security.” – Chief Digital Officer at USAA, Chris Cox.

The app is being piloted on USAA’s member innovation website, usaalabs.com. Members can login and sign up to participate in the pilot to test the app and provide feedback. The company will then incorporate that feedback into the next phase of the app.