Why Isn't Customer Experience Better?

Whether you’re browsing an article about the latest trends in insurtech or listening to a panel of insurance industry disrupters discussing customer acquisition strategies, it’s hard to avoid references about emerging technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, chatbots and data analytics. But, have these digital advancements truly transformed the experience for customers shopping for insurance? Are insurers, agencies and consumers benefiting from such enhancements in technology? Arguably, the answer is yes. The insurance buying experience has evolved dramatically in the last decade, and insurers, their agents and consumers have all benefited. However, when we examine the underlying products and the various touchpoints throughout the customer journey, we can see there are significant opportunities for improvement. Insurance Shopping: Consumer shopping patterns and expectations have changed in all industries, and insurance is no exception. The enormous dollars spent by top insurers are pushing more consumers to start their shopping process in a digital format, where speed and accuracy are paramount in keeping customers engaged. Consumers have become accustomed to choosing from multiple product options and to one-click shopping, but replicating an Amazon experience in the insurance industry is extremely challenging. For one thing, insurance products are highly complex and regulated, and premiums can change based on a multitude of variables that are not immediately transparent to consumers. Variables such as: age, coverage limits, credit, driving history, prior claims or age of home can dramatically affect eligibility or policy premium. And while these factors are key data points for underwriting, verification of these inputs often leads to lengthy question sets and inaccuracies in pricing at point of sale and beyond. Then there are the costs associated with verifying reports such as credit, MVR, CLUE and prior carrier through third party vendors, which add friction and cost in the shopping process. These are among the challenges that a few digitally focused, independent insurance agencies such as Gabi Insurance are aiming to overcome. Such digital platforms can simplify the quote process while representing both traditional carriers and newer entrants to the market like Clearcover. Digital agencies stay engaged with the customer throughout the life of the policy and may help reduce the cost of third-party reports, which are currently passed on to consumers. See also: Is Insurtech a Game Changer? It Sure Is   Beyond the Quote: While the point-of-sale experience is critical in effective customer acquisition, the entire customer journey -- meaning all the touchpoints along the way -- help maintain customer loyalty. Digital distribution channels that leverage emerging technologies can track customer interaction and use the data to identify improvement opportunities up- or downstream. While some insurers have made significant improvements in their frontline underwriting and product design, most still rely on products that were designed for traditional distribution channels (brick and mortar) and require some level of post-sale verification of policy attributes. As a result, customer experience can quickly shift from digital to paper-intensive, snail mail and the requirements can vary based on the type of products purchased. Consumers may be required to send proof of discounts, photos or evidence of insurance that were unverified at the time of the quote. In such cases, digital agencies like Gabi may be better equipped to quickly engage customers via text, chat or email and expedite requirements on behalf of their insurance partners while contributing to higher net promoter scores (NPS) and improved overall retention. Ultimately, to create an optimal insurance shopping experience that’s more aligned with customer expectations, insurers need to invest in revamping their products and processes for digital distribution channels. That’s easier said than done, as bringing products to market takes multiple years to deploy and millions of dollars in investment. Large, established insurers may require additional investment in core technologies, rebranding and potentially cultural and ideological transformation, while new insurers such as Clearcover, Hippo and Lemonade are not encumbered by legacy systems. Adopting the entire digital transformation ecosystem is difficult and costly for insurers and involves multiple departments within an organization, which often have competing objectives and operate in silos. Insurers may have much to gain from partnering with digital agencies as their distribution models provide growth opportunities and turnkey access to customers who are less likely to buy from brick and mortar agencies. Further, insurers can gain valuable insight into customer demographics and behavior that are unique to online shoppers and use this information in future product development and process improvement strategies.