JANUARY 2021 FOCUS OF THE MONTH
Commercial Insurance
FROM THE EDITOR
Much of the focus on innovation has related to personal lines. That makes some sense: Policies tend to be more cookie-cutter than in commercial lines, and individuals, spoiled by Amazon and other online resources, have demanded a better experience from insurers. But don't sleep on commercial lines. As businesses see what's changing in personal lines, they aren't going to be left behind. Businesses are demanding simpler interactions and more understandable policies, as well as better prices. Insurers are responding with smooth digital communications, augmented by AI; with autofill to diminish the drudgery of forms; with analytics that provide a better understanding of customers' businesses; and even with the Holy Grail for insurance: an ability to help customers foresee and prevent losses, rather than just indemnifying companies after the losses occur. Check out the hand-picked content below and stay up to date on the latest in commercial insurance.
- Paul Carroll, ITL's Editor-in-Chief
6 QUESTIONS FOR STEPHEN APPLEBAUM
We asked Stephen Applebaum, Managing Partner, Insurance Solutions Group, 6 things.
What is the biggest change you expect to see in commercial lines in the next 12 months?
COVID-19 related claims, notably first-party property business interruption and third-party liability, will proliferate and create new distractions in commercial insurance once the complete extent of losses is tallied in 2021 and beyond, attracting growing attention from media, regulators and other public watchdog groups, further complicating commercial policy renewals and new business and challenging actuaries, underwriters, agents and brokers. Adoption of policy process automation, including automated underwriting workstations, will accelerate as carriers struggle to regain operating efficiency while managing risk more accurately.
Connected auto, home and business insurance models will begin to see meaningful adoption. Telematics program adoption, featuring innovative partnerships will explode in commercial auto insurance for fleets, especially small business, offering more compelling value propositions focused on driver safety/behavior modification, rewards and fleet and asset management benefits. Commercial property will follow this trend.
WHAT TO WATCH
The Future of Blockchain Series Episode 2: Usage in Commercial LinesBlockchain has incredible potential to streamline business functions and open up opportunities for a wide range of innovations |
WHAT TO READ
WHO TO KNOW
Get to know this month's FOCUS article authors:
Stephen Applebaum |
Ciara Brady |
Matteo Carbone |
Hélène Galy |
Jonathan Jackson |
Vincent Romans |
James Vickers |
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