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Choosing the right insurance carrier is crucial for brokers and agencies—and the issues go well beyond financial strength and products. Join us for a webinar that explores the often-overlooked elements that can take your carrier partnerships to the next level.

With the insurance market set to soften, agents have a rare chance to lock in client loyalty and fuel long-term growth. It is time to act.

Discover how Integrated Risk Management (IRM) can unify your risk and safety efforts, boost visibility, and drive smarter decisions across your organization.

In this Future of Risk interview, Quizzify CEO Al Lewis lays out an unconventional, bottoms-up approach to healthcare: He educates consumers to only pursue care that will likely benefit them and not expose them to harm. 

Learn more about the immense pressure the insurance industry is facing, forcing insurers to rethink operational models and update outdated technology to stay competitive and relevant.

The government must partner with organizations and insurers to increase the availability of obesity medications.

Dive into a new Majesco report that reveals strategies for insurers to engage tech-savvy, value-driven Millennials and Gen Z by addressing their expectations, leveraging technology, and building trust amid rising costs.

The systems streamline the management of business rules, letting insurers adapt swiftly and efficiently without the need for intervention by IT. 

Facing increasingly complex claims, insurers must modernize, shift their cultures to prioritize efficiency and empathy, and seek legal reforms. 

By combining historical aerial imagery, property condition data, and AI, insurers can optimize underwriting, inspections, and fraud reduction.

Security service edge (SSE) solutions are crucial for protecting data, but as the market has evolved and expanded to over 30 vendors, some cracks are beginning to show.

Here is a flexible software security review framework that organizations can use to improve their security posture.

AI is transforming insurance by enhancing fraud detection, optimizing claims, and improving customer service. Success depends on ethical, accountable, and strategic implementation.

Think of agencies as a relay team: Connecting all systems, people, and stages of the client journey and policy lifecycle makes the baton handoffs much easier.

Insurers find it hard to gauge each client's level of cyber risk. Managed security service providers (MSSPs) can provide client readiness reports. 

Embedded insurance promises to disrupt insurance distribution as well as product and help close the “protection gap”--the 50% of all economic losses not covered by insurance.

As the industry keeps making progress on reducing injuries, Bill Zachry describes how AI and other technologies can take workers' comp to a whole new level. 

Life insurers need to provide customers a more human experience, and AI can serve up poignant insights, at the moment of truth, when it matters most.

Integrating insurance policy management software with the rest of an agency's tech ecosystem can generate insights and boost productivity. 

As carriers and agencies adapt to hybrid work models, AI-powered tools are becoming increasingly crucial for maintaining efficiency and quality of service.

The current approach means agents, brokers, and consumers often settle for a less competitive company and rating and more expensive product.

The recent CrowdStrike outage and disruption to businesses of all sizes has refocused attention on the value of cyber insurance for non-malicious losses.

As insurers grapple with legacy systems and fragmented data, no-code predictive modeling tools provide a practical solution for unlocking insights into future risks and staying competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Countless studies show that consumers want to do business with companies committed to social good and that employees want to work for them. 

Personalization must become built in, not something we try to build on top. It must be hard-coded into our systems and business.

The on-demand economy is exploding, but building suitable auto insurance products and services for the drivers fueling this economy is taking far too long.

Planning will help companies strengthen their risk management strategies and secure more favorable terms. Here’s how to stay ahead.

How can we widen coverage and ensure more Americans enter retirement with the financial protection they need?

The NCAA is now mandating that schools give their athletes medical coverage that will extend two years after the athlete completes their eligibility.

Cutting-edge software solutions, tools, and forms of technology can help make the digital information infrastructure of companies all but impregnable.

Being able to access parental leave benefits information and assistance on-demand from anywhere is not just the future, but what’s possible today. 

After four decades of running my own business, I’ve developed a set of tips to help strengthen client acquisition and retention efforts–-even in difficult circumstances.

Next-generation distribution management can be key to fostering growth, delivering exceptional agent experiences, and advancing the agency into its next evolutionary stage. 

To combat rising costs, mid-sized insurance carriers should adopt technology solutions to reduce operational costs, streamline processes, and improve customer retention.

Current insurance types don't protect small businesses from trolls abusing the Americans with Disabilities Act. A new endorsement could address the problem. 

While merchants are excited about the possibilities of embedded insurance, insurers are feeling the pressure. 

Automating repetitive tasks can streamline workflows and allow for data-driven decisions with greater accuracy and speed.--but getting to scale can be tricky.  

Six in 10 people now use social media when looking for information on insurance products. Here are suggestions on how to adapt.

Traditionally, the L&A sector accepted outdated technology and manual processes, but now the industry is realizing that it can no longer settle. 

The frequency of large cyber claims (>€1 million) in the first six months of 2024 was up 14%, while severity increased by 17%.

The key is to use AI and the cloud for agile, incremental improvements that allow a "perform while transforming" journey. 

Life insurers are expanding their approach by incorporating non-medical data sources, such as driving reports, credit histories, and public records. 

The Mediterranean shines the spotlight on the vulnerability of food supply chains to droughts, which are predicted to become more prevalent under climate change.

Here are five ways to use insurance data to gain insights on claims, underwriting, marketing, and operations and gain a competitive advantage.

Four lessons for a better life in a world of confusing communications.

Generative AI enables self-learning models that continuously refine themselves using multimodal data, including text, images, and sensor data.

As America goes freelance, health insurance for independent workers is more important, more accessible, and more affordable.

By offloading non-core tasks to outsourcing companies, agencies can boost productivity and improve overall operations.

Successful insurance companies will leverage AI for operational efficiency while retaining human oversight to address its limitations.

Operating in the cloud, data engineering and analytics drive efficient, personalized services while enhancing patient outcomes.

Striking a balance between AI-driven interactions and authentic human experiences is vital for earning customer trust and maintaining empathy.

Action is the order of the day. At the country, company, and individual levels, we need to talk less and do more. 

The plaintiff bar has investigated a staggering amount of money to improve its data on claims settlements. Insurance industry lawyers are way behind.. 

Key lesson: Never pull the plug on something that is working to do something new until proving that you can successfully do the new thing. 

Historical data offers outdated information. Real-time data keeps you informed of changes to a policyholder’s risk profile, letting you adjust premiums. 

Triple-I Chief Economist Dr. Michel Leonard discusses key geopolitical risk scenarios and their impact on the insurance industry in his latest quarterly interview with ITL.

Solar power carries risks from fire, natural hazards, and theft and vandalism. It also creates potential liabilities, including from overloaded roofs.

New product technology are addressing the traditional pain points of data analysis, model development, and risk assessment for life insurance actuaries.

Here are six strategic steps carriers can take to better prepare for handling auto claims following severe weather, such as the recent Hurricane Helene. 

Cybersecurity is crucial for insurance agents to protect sensitive client data from rising cyber threats.

If an insurer is evaluating risk for properties along a Florida coastline, a discrepancy of as little as 50 to 100 feet matters during hurricane season. 

Let's take a look at the latest financials of the full-tech insurtechs, the (not too) new kids on the block.

AI in pricing represents a breakthrough, with some insurers already shifting to automated solutions that promise more accurate risk assessment and increased profitability.

Although a life or AD&D claim involving one or both substances could seem straightforward, far too often carriers encounter complications during the process. 

Learn how automated trust solutions improve customer loyalty and make insurance companies work better.

Leveraging transferable skills and diverse backgrounds are key to bridging the industry's talent gap.

COVID-era tools designed to track worker activity have evolved into sophisticated metrics foundries and valuable AI data generators.

Risk management has been slow to adopt generative AI. Fortunately, that is starting to change.

As the insurance sector looks for ways to fast-track claims processing, adopting AI is not just a trend but a must.

Regulators in the EU and U.K. want insurers to balance AI's potential with protecting consumers from potential bias and harm.

Despite significant investments in AI, many organizations struggle to derive measurable value.

Facing increasingly unpredictable and destructive wildfires, insurers grapple with complex challenges in risk assessment, coverage, and claims response.

The U.S. P&C insurance industry faces challenges. AI-based behavioral insights improve risk prediction, helping insurers stay competitive and profitable.

Cohort analysis and AI detect insurance fraud by identifying subtle anomalies, emerging trends, and contextual insights.

Embedded insurance can delight customers, but outdated systems and data privacy concerns pose hurdles to overcome.

Blockchain and mobility tech promise enhanced efficiency, security, and customer experience.

Insurers must embrace innovative technologies to meet elevated customer expectations and remain competitive in the digital age.

There may be an alternative approach worth exploring: leveraging our current core systems while integrating modern technologies effectively. 

Despite ethical challenges and high costs, AI is poised to drastically improve risk assessment, customer experience, and operational efficiency.

Unprecedented surges in severe weather events highlight the need for insurance solutions to better inform and protect consumers from risks.

ITL FOCUS is a monthly initiative featuring topics related to innovation in risk management and insurance.

This webinar will discuss the findings of an independent survey sponsored by insured.io on the importance of digital channels when customers are selecting an insurance carrier. 

Here is a leader’s guide to the best techniques for waging war on the status quo, with customers the cause and to the good of shareholders.

In the oversaturated insurance conference landscape; which should you attend, and how can you maximize the experience?

By embracing personalization, technology, prevention, ethical considerations, and collaboration, insurers can position themselves for long-term success.

AI can improve loss ratios while benefiting growers, who can enjoy better risk management, more targeted interventions, and optimal use of resources.

Data visualization tools are empowering agencies with role-specific insights, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency across the organization.

By managing property valuations, business owners can avoid unexpected premium increases while adequately safeguarding their essential assets.

Leaders need to come to grips with this generation. Already 22% of the workforce, they will represent one out of every three employees by 2030.

Success with Gen AI comes from identifying the places in the customer journey where AI can supplement or enhance the experience.

Has insurance industry efficiency really improved because of technology over the past decade? The short answer is no. But we can get on a better path.

Will traditional insurers continue to lead, or will digital-first insurers seize the future, driven by innovation and customer-centric approaches? 

There are hopeful signs that insurers are finally embracing the benefits of technological innovation, as technology vendors are providing them with what they want.

The number and types of products that could be in scope for future PFAS litigation are boundless. Companies must prepare now. 

While increased life expectancy benefits individuals and society, it presents business challenges, particularly in managing workers' compensation claims. 

The time for adoption is now, and insurers must take action in our increasingly digital and data-driven landscape.

While the general outlook for the industry is positive, there are still lots of challenges to tackle, including soaring repair costs and a lack of mechanics.

By automating routine tasks, AI can free adjusters to focus on the human aspects of their work that require empathy, nuanced judgment and creative problem-solving.

One area in which insurance companies can make immediate changes is in how (and how often) they communicate with their customers.

Despite the gloom and doom, there are numerous examples of companies achieving competitive advantage through their use of insurtech. 

The IoT has become a permanent fixture in healthcare, helping in particular with remote patient monitoring, wearable medical devices and telemedicine.

Large language models will let insurers onboard, renew and service risks at close to zero marginal cost, underpinned with consistent control over risk selection. 

Independent agents are key for insurance. Carriers need a simple digital billing platform to improve efficiency and customer experience.

ITL FOCUS is a monthly initiative featuring topics related to innovation in risk management and insurance.

For four years, the P&C market has been on a wild ride. And buckle up. A lot more ups and downs are coming.

Quantifying climate risks is increasingly important for insurers, but they need better metrics and methods if they're to get ahead of the problem. 

The elections could affect Medicaid expansion, Obamacare's future, long-term funding of Medicare, strategies for negotiating drug prices and reproductive care.

More than half of global insurance decision makers say their transformation efforts have not achieved desired business outcomes. I

Technology is getting more sophisticated about all parts of the process, from targeting prospects for ads all the way through paying claims.

Be clear what success for employees looks like, encourage them to raise the bar and consistently link effort, results and impact on the big picture.

There is a bigger problem that is not widely discussed – the sheer complexity of bringing products to market quickly and updating them once in market. 

In this episode of the Future of Risk webinar, we lay out where cyber security and insurance have made significant progress – and where they haven’t.

The data at the industry’s disposal has hit critical mass, setting the stage for efficiency gains up to 10% to 20% with GenAI. 

This IoT has yet to realize its full potential but will allow carriers to focus on what insurance is intended to do – protect people and businesses. 

By fostering resilience, insurance companies build a workforce that is change-ready, emotionally agile and mentally strong.

Insurance agencies use generative AI to communicate but must integrate it into more sophisticated processes: policy analysis, document comparison -- and more. 

It is crucial to work with policyholders to help them understand their unique risk exposures to storms and to help them navigate that risk. 

The future of the insurance industry depends on how it responds to climate change.

The future is looking bright thanks to AI and business rules engines, which greatly reduce menial tasks and let underwriters take on more strategic issues.

With usage-based insurance, carriers can detect accidents instantly and dispatch assistance, but many aren't taking full advantage of their programs. 

Life insurance carriers need to be able to quickly and easily make product changes or develop new products, independent of their policy admin system vendor.

The crisis calls for collaboration on some combination of state-run plans, offerings from surplus lines insurers, litigation reform and risk mitigation.

Continuous engagement through a customer portal can build long-term relationships, loyalty, and trust.

37% of insurance companies acknowledge their resilience and agility are weak -- and firms that exhibit strong adaptability outperform competitors by up to 50%. 

Four years on from COVID-19, life insurers have a key opportunity to assess the accuracy of their risk models and better prepare for the next global pandemic. 

Ron Rock moderates a panel at InsurTech Insights Europe on growth, customer acquisition, and product development trends in the InsurTech ecosystem.

Rapidly improving management systems for insurance agencies hold the promise of major gains in efficiency. 

Skills-based hiring and skills-based salary levels can mean better results and access to a wider pool of talent at a time when AI is increasing the pace of change.

For insurers, investing in automation today is an investment in AI tomorrow. 

In this Future of Risk conversation, Andrew Robinson, CEO of surging Skyward Specialty, says his thesis is simple: Rule your niche. 

The insurance industry can no longer rely on current strategies and responses to this threat, nor can it continue to absorb and pass along the associated costs to policyholders. 

AI requires using guardrails to account for technical limitations, leveraging GenAI’s strength at hyper-personalized interaction and ensuring human agents remain in the service flow.

Finding the right partners allows for new business models and improvements in core competencies, accelerating growth. 

Firms have to Assess the marketplace, Balance technology with business and Commit to a growth mindset. 

In P&C insurance, the conversation is shifting from a pure buy-or-build dilemma to a more nuanced question: how much to build and what to buy?

Over 7,000 tests have been completed, and over 50 cases of cancer detected. 73% were for cancers with no current screening available today.

FRISS CEO shares how integrations with other specialists enhance fraud prevention. 

Litigation risk looms large over the insurance industry, driven by digital transformation, more complex insurance products and heightened regulatory scrutiny.

In workers’ comp, generative AI can transform claims management by improving accuracy, enhancing documentation and, freeing adjusters to focus more on the injured workers.

A surge in high-net-worth individuals presents a major opportunity for insurers to reshape and reimagine how they optimize their clients' wealth.

AI tools address long-standing challenges, improving injury care assessments, predicting recovery timelines, accurately pricing settlements and tracking patient progress

Personal auto carriers should report eye-popping Q2 results, but they still miss a key point that could greatly improve pricing accuracy. 

In a recent World Economic Forum report, nearly 1,500 surveyed professionals identified AI as their organization’s biggest technology risk.

Cyberattacks in insurance are rising, especially against small insurers, necessitating cyber insurance and secure SaaS solutions.

We analyzed 250,000 insurance customers and found that customer engagement through multiple channels greatly impacts retention and renewals.

Support programs demonstrate a commitment to employees' well-being, increase productivity, reduce absenteeism and enhance the employer brand. 

Insurers that decide they can handle claims with young, inexpensive, inexperienced and untrained claims handlers should be accosted by angry stockholders.

Quoting has historically been tedious and time-consuming, but a new approach can greatly simplify the process. What is it? Texting. 

Companies should revisit their risk exposures and ensure there are proper protections in place for the business as well as employees on trips that combine business and leisure. .

As the population ages, more people need long-term care, but insurers are backing away from the market. There is a gap that needs to be filled. 

Enhanced customer experience, cost reduction, fraud prevention, improved accuracy and scalability make it a compelling choice for the industry. 

Many agents wonder why they should triple check if data fields are filled in correctly. This is where gamification kicks in.

Mainframe modernization can let incumbents turn the tables on newcomers by taking full advantage of new approaches while leveraging their historical strengths.

Paul Carroll, editor-in-chief of Insurance Thought Leadership, recently sat down with Scott Frisch, EVP and chief operating officer at AARP, to discuss the power of what AARP has labeled the longevity economy. 

Today's insurance CRM solutions capture customer data, likes, dislikes, preferences and more so insurers can finally realize their personalization goals.

The mantra "there's a pill for every ill" is being replaced by an emphasis on preventative care, fostered through health insurance. 

Proponents rave that embedded insurance benefits the insurer, third parties and customers, but we should temper the hype--without spoiling the enthusiasm.

Here are four key strategies insurance companies should consider when expanding into international markets.

Here’s why I believe the insurance industry should look at the exodus of underwriting talent as an opportunity instead of a crisis. 

The future of the annuity business lies in leveraging digital technologies to enhance regulatory compliance, streamline operations and deliver superior customer experiences. 

By adopting automation and sustainability, insurance carriers can enhance the customer experience while driving down operating costs. 

With short staffing and less experienced adjusters, organizations must equip claims professionals with better, data-driven tools.

Agent and Brokers Interview June 2024

While embedded insurance may offer a quick solution, it lacks the personalized service and tailored coverage that independent agents can provide. 

The time is now for insurance companies to change how they think about hiring, retention and technology.to ensure a strong pipeline of talent.

The fight against insurance fraud, particularly with new schemes surfacing, requires a blend of advanced AI technologies and human expertise.

In other words, don't "invest in a modern data integration platform that transforms processes and enhances the company’s solution stack."

We’ll see a level of collaboration — and efficiency and transparency — that we’ve never seen before. 

The excess and surplus insurance market is experiencing dynamic growth, creating major opportunities for insurtechs.

Telematics is the key, but four obstacles have to be overcome for it to achieve its full potential. 

Risk mitigation is no longer just a nice bonus but instead a critical aspect of a strong insurance application, and crucial to limiting premium increases.

Here are five strategies for insurance brokers aiming to thrive in the age of AI and digital transformation.

However, vigilance is required because the speed and extent of the way the industry’s risk profile is changing is unprecedented in modern times.

Dr. Michel Léonard of the Insurance Information Institute discusses the current economic landscape and its impact on the insurance industry for the rest of 2024 and beyond. 

Most forecasts are for 20 to 25 named storms, 10 to 12 hurricanes and four to six major hurricanes--all well above recent averages.

Due to advances in AI, properly built algorithms using approved data sources can produce accurate life insurance quotes in only five minutes.

Here are five risk management solutions to deploy today to help reduce your risk of IT lawsuits.

Terrorism is a multifaceted issue that requires comprehensive strategies to address effectively. 

State rainy-day funds have remained at near-record levels, offering a cushion against inflation and increased costs.

Forecasts of a "well above-average" 2024 Atlantic are a timely warning for insurers and companies with portfolios and assets at risk. 

Personalized medicine and targeted therapies are becoming a reality, thanks to AI's ability to analyze vast amounts of genetic and molecular data.

Manual processes, a lack of centralized data and ineffective commissions processes consume valuable time and introduce risks for human error. 

A recent session shows how convening leaders of at-risk communities can help provide them the tools they need to tackle climate change. 

With rates soaring and insurers pulling out of California, agents must double down on outreach, empathetic communication and client education.

There were explosive stock price increases at insurtechs that demonstrated higher-quality growth. 

Digital solutions can make the high-stakes claims experience seamless, but industry data indicates a chasm between customer preferences and reality.

In the face of what the U.N. calls a "code red," here are three strategies that property and casualty insurers should immediately undertake. 

In this Future of Risk conversation, insurtech veteran Callie Thomas explores how the industry can ditch some very bad habits and pursue 10X improvement.

In this month's ITL Focus, we look at how a generational transfer of wealth will transform life insurance and at how to align incentives in health insurance. 

While fraud detection has historically been a manual process relying on human analysts, technology can now automate and enhance the work. 

In the face of high insurance premiums, here are six steps to mitigate risk and make yourself as appealing as possible to insurers:

A recent discussion revealed a global car insurance fraud exploiting lax verification to insure cars online and then steal them. This has led insurers to adopt stricter measures like multi-factor authentication.

Consider that just 43% of healthcare expenses have been traced to services that may have been shopped for by a motivated employee.

With insurers having to deal with increasingly complex challenges and opportunities, chief risk officers will take on wider strategic role.

It's no longer enough to ask if companies are following protocols to avoid cyber attacks. It's time to ask, "Are those protocols the right ones?"

Here is a personal perspective on how we can know healthcare costs before they are incurred.

One financial organization ran a penetration test and found that fully 4% of employees still fall for phishing emails.

A laser-eyed focus on consumer education and engagement is crucial, and the key to how agents can navigate the hard market.

Having a customer portal is a non-negotiable, but deciding how much to invest in its design is the challenge.

Insurance carriers facing profitability challenges and shrinking market options turn to behavioral deep learning for sustainable solutions, managing risks effectively while serving stakeholders.

Insurance companies have money and don't protect it as well as banks do. We as an industry look like we deserve to be stolen from.

An analysis of the causes of adverse development in the 2016-2019 accident years and what this means for more recent accident years.

With AI handling data processing, information retrieval and automated recommendations, underwriters can reinvent their role.

The focus on affinity groups is gaining momentum in tandem with consumers' growing preference for highly personalized solutions. 

Many agents shy away from venues as a specialty, but there is great opportunity for those who take the time to understand the sector. 

In the 20 years since four hurricanes hit the state in just six weeks, insurers have learned many lessons--and have much better technology. 

Insurance carriers stand on the verge of a transformative era fueled by AI's promises of personalized services, predictive analytics, and enhanced productivity, aligning with evolving customer expectations.

How can you be customer-centric if your business is designed to put the policy and not the customer at the center? You can't.

A captive solution built on indemnification rather than insurance can shield health plan sponsors and members from egregious overbilling.

Agent and Brokers Commentary: May 2024 

As crazy as most agents' lives are these days, take a look at Gabriela Dominguez and her experience in South Florida.

Four simple questions will help agents communicate better with clients, helping the agents lean into a role as advisers on risk. 

Here are 10 insurance-flavored podcasts that you don't want to miss. 

Integrating AI into insurance technology would allow for continuous risk assessment and, thus, adjustment of premiums. 

With more cannabis providers seeking coverage, insurers must turn to risk assessment and expanded policies.

Carriers face pressure from consumers to speed up the P&C claims process. An omnichannel engagement strategy should be part of the solution.

The growth of the embedded insurance landscape will create a swell of new partnerships and VC investment.

Many core insurance functions are well on their way to keeping pace with the modern consumer. Payment must be next in line. 

The State of Online Payments report reveals that 60% of respondents encounter monthly digital payment issues, emphasizing the need for streamlined solutions to enhance efficiency.

While Objectives and Key Results have become popular and can be effective, merely implementing them is not enough. 

Businesses must adopt a multi-layered defense strategy, including regular data backups, robust endpoint protection and employee awareness training.

Electric vehicles cost about 20% more to insure than internal combustion engine vehicles do--but the hurdle can be overcome. 

Imagine an application programming interface that retrieves weather records or property information instantly, eliminating the need for manual data entry. 

The industry faces a massive talent gap.

There is still life on the Island... and the first generation of iconic full-stack insurtech carriers may survive.

Inflation presents unique challenges -- and opportunities -- for the investment strategies of insurance companies.

Speed is of the essence in today’s finance world, and these development platforms let companies roll out new applications in record time.

Social selling requires sincere engagement, so every post or comment must include relevant insights and wise solutions to problems.

The attack on United Healthcare highlights the evolving and escalating risks for medical organizations and the need to act now. 

Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements are mistakenly seen as tailored for small employers; larger companies benefit, too. 

As climate-related disasters push large carriers out of key insurance markets, smaller carriers can take the lead.

ITL FOCUS is a monthly initiative featuring topics related to innovation in risk management and insurance.

While today's digital environment allows new fraudulent behaviors, it's making identifying and stopping fraudulent activity easier than ever before.

Savvy insurance marketers can wow customers and prospects with near-real-time, precisely targeted, relevant messaging thanks to an abundance of data.

While having insurance is crucial, it won't prevent reputational damage, the exposure of sensitive customer data or the loss of trust.

A broad survey found that 77% of senior executives said they are in some stage of adopting AI, up 16 percentage points from a year ago.

In this Future of Risk Forecast, Adam Rimmer of FloodFlash explains how parametric insurance is closing the protection gap in flood insurance. 

Insurers must navigate high-frequency losses post-disaster, where fraudsters capitalize on overwhelmed systems. 

The top three bad cybersecurity practices are all common among insurance agencies. Carriers can help, for just $1 per agency per year.

The widespread adoption of telehealth, catalyzed by the pandemic, reshaped the way medical services are delivered across the U.S.

In a survey, 41% of insurers say they have kept their insurance-specific software years longer than their core systems and are running out of steam.  

Human agents receive the support to make their jobs more manageable, reducing contact center churn while improving customer engagements.

While 70% of retirement-age Americans will need continuing care at some point, merely 14% are very confident they’ll be able to afford it.

Just as Underwriters Laboratory was set up to make electricity safe for the world, insurers have a huge opportunity (and responsibility) with climate change. 

The use of generative AI for coding for in-house applications is set to be the next big thing in 2024.

AI not only encourages safer driving but also provides a route to transparent and accurate risk assessment, for fairer underwriting. 

Insurance has a long history of paper forms, snail mail, and even (still!) faxes. 

With climate change increasing risk, GIS allows for accurate risk assessment that goes even deeper than ZIP code level.

Businesses need to protect their people and property with continuity planning, increased security and, perhaps, relocation of inventory.

Agent and Brokers Commentary: April 2024 

Agent and Brokers Interview: April 2024 

The transformation of RGA's data and analytics operations offers a potential blueprint.

Michael Reilly, a managing director at Accenture, says underwriters only actually underwrite for 30% of their day -- but can soon get to 60%.

Imagine being able to access data all in one place, any time and to have the power to fulfill endless business needs. Technology is making that goal possible. 

AI will help automate repetitive tasks, improve accuracy, increase efficiency and enable actuaries to function as business strategists.

As climate change transforms destructive floods into a primary peril, insurers and companies with valuable assets in harm's way need better tools. 

After aggressive increases helped firms recover from a decade of woeful rates, premiums are declining. The shift may be too much too soon. 

After years of decline, the number of compromised credit cards sold is on pace to exceed 34 million this year, a major reversal.

Gain insights from a study on 250,000 P&C insurance customers' multichannel engagement and receive 10 tips for better customer experiences.

Increased surety usage is anticipated in real estate, renewable energy and healthcare in 2024, as it moves beyond construction.

Selecting the right deployment model for insurance management software is crucial for optimizing operations, ensuring data security and maintaining resilience. 

Businesses applying for coverage must abandon the myth of secrecy and provide much more information for underwriters.

Accurate cost prediction models, timely alerts and easy access to a patient's complete information might provide crucial progress,

Blockchain is reducing money laundering and fraud, while allowing for an array of smart contracts, such as Lemonade's crop insurance. 

In personal lines and small commercial, a high percentage of underwriting (risk selection) is done through straight-through processing.

With stock market valuations for some big-name insurtechs taking such a hit, the public perception seems to be that innovation in insurance has paused.

Nearly 40% of Gen Z does not have homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, highlighting the need for solutions tailored to this group. 

Generative AI, unanticipated risks, rate increases and social media’s effects will preoccupy insurers for the rest of 2024.

Through data analytics, personalized interventions and robust support systems, AI can mitigate overuse of the addictive drugs.

Responsible AI can automate routine tasks that burden healthcare professionals and assist in analyzing large datasets.

The term "low-code" has been rising in prominence, but there are key differences between it and fully no-code programming. 

Insurers need to revisit their underwriting and policies, educate clients and shift the conversation from cyber security to resilience. 

Data science teams often don't understand the organization's risk frameworks, and insurance leaders have too little experience with analytics.

Retailers need to integrate application security posture management (ASPM) into their cyber risk management strategy.

Success depends mostly on sufficient internal motivation to improve, so the executive being coached will invest fully in the process.

The urgency to offer post-quantum cryptographic and quantum resilient network solutions to customers has never been greater.

Generative AI offers unparalleled opportunities for insurers to enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences and stay ahead.

Key developments include improvements in disease prevention, health surveillance and delivery models.

Single-entry quoting tools can let agents generate more options for clients, and automated quoting tools on the website provide great convenience.

Technologies such as AI are reducing costs for underwriters, which will translate to more competitive customer rates.

As incomes rise and demographic shifts occur, emerging markets present the largest growth opportunity for insurance in this century.

Even as technology drives efficiency and innovation in claims, the key is to find the right balance between it and the human touch. 

Shifting to more sustainable winemaking practices brings risks that require mitigation. Personalized beverage insurance can be the answer.

Emerging tech like generative AI poses new fraud risks for insurers. They must adapt with improved security, detection tools, and data management to stay ahead.

Get your copy of our 18-step Buyer's Guide and a 100-point Evaluation Checklist to confidently choose an AI-powered IDP provider.

Baby boomers and their families need to plan now for the inevitable cost of long-term care and for their roles as care givers. 

The claims process is a critical touchpoint in the customer journey, and it's here that the digital experience often falls short.

Data security is no longer a simple IT task and can't be solved with one tool. It's a strategic imperative that touches every level of an organization.

The potential for advanced technology in claims management is there, but first you need a solid foundation. Here's how to build one. 

AI has emerged as a formidable tool, particularly advancements in computer vision models and large language models.

Change management will become a critical capability for insurance agencies, as resisting technological innovation can cost companies millions

InsTech CEO Matthew Grant says insurtechs' ideas were often "No. 11 on a board's list of top 10 priorities," and "change is hard" in insurance.

While previous generations had their share of hurdles, Gen Z faces an unprecedented set of obstacles. 

Climate change can cause extreme temperatures, air pollution, infectious diseases and mental health issues, all of which endanger lives. 

Our Gen AI chatbot greatly improved customer engagement and question resolution--and opened our eyes to a host of other opportunities. 

Here are five reasons! We'll start with the fact that employees have the privilege of helping people at key moments in their lives. 

Agent and Brokers Commentary: March 2024 

Greater digitization and AI will create more unity among underwriting, data strategy and technology teams, eliminating silos.

Kasey Connors of the IIABA says conditions may finally be improving for agents and brokers--but they still have some hard work to do. 

Automated processes, AI-driven solutions and digital platforms enhance efficiency while placing customer satisfaction at the forefront.

Here’s how they will change the claims process, as well as the legal ramifications of their integration.

Insurers are not only streamlining operations, they’re setting new benchmarks for efficiency, accuracy and personalized service.

Emerging Trends, Threats, and Risks to the Global Insurance Industry in 2024.

In 2024, personal lines insurance is all about adapting to new challenges through innovation for improved profitability and competitiveness.

If you believe social inflation, nuclear verdicts and legal system abuse present existential risk, just wait until AI takes hold.

The escalating cost of cyber claims will force insurance companies to reevaluate their offerings and focus much more on prevention.

Pinpoint Predictive's Shannon Shallcross explains why companies need a "fail fast" culture, must audit their AI practices, and more.

Insurers must iron out problems at two critical moments: when accepting a premium payment and when paying a claim. 

For instance: 2024 will be the year that the wellbeing of those 65 and older becomes a major topic of conversation for their children. 

Surety bonds don't protect the person buying one; they protect the entity requiring it. So the applicant's credit history is at issue. 

It can be significantly streamlined with advanced technology, such as automated data capture tools and secure, cloud-based platforms. 

Uncover the strategic priorities that are required to succeed as the transition to the Realignment era happens.

With their innate digital savviness and spending power, Gen Zalpha (a fusion of Gen Z and Alpha) is reshaping the landscape. 

Left unchecked, biases can lead to discriminatory outcomes, potentially putting certain individuals or sectors at a disadvantage.

AI and business process management are key ingredients of intelligent automation, along with robotic process automation.

Insurers are funneling $100 billion annually through their litigation departments--and the extent of litigation challenges has yet to fully manifest.

With many carriers excluding certain natural catastrophe perils, brokers can fill coverage gaps for clients with parametric policies.

They still require far too many manual steps. The good news is that digital platforms and tools can greatly accelerate the process.

ITL FOCUS is a monthly initiative featuring topics related to innovation in risk management and insurance.

In this month's ITL Focus, Paul Carroll interviews Jess Keeney, Duck Creek's Chief Product & Technology Officer, exploring the game-changing role of generative AI in underwriting and its implications for insurance technology and customer engagement.

With drivers concerned about rising premiums, there is a prime opportunity to win them over to telematics.

It may require a 50X increase in processing workloads, which means P&C insurers need a modern, cloud-based infrastructure.

The hard market/soft market cycle has reigned for decades, but COVID shocks and a host of new technologies may be ending it. 

Tony Kuczinski, an insurtech pioneer at Munich Re, explains what went wrong in the early days – and what is now going right.

Navigating these challenges requires strategic foresight, technological agility and a commitment to meet evolving customer needs.

Liability for floods, wildfires, earthquakes and other "natural" disasters may start to be assigned to corporations -- and their insurers.

As a consequence of the hard market, the 2023 full-year results from the reinsurance sector are expected to be record-breaking.

insurers should turn to downward counterfactual analysis, learning from near misses to prevent future catastrophic events.

There is much to learn about how AI was used while we were eating buffalo wings and chips during the big game.

The growth of mass timber as a construction material provides lots of benefits, including sustainability, but also brings hazards. 

There is one common thread: Organizations must understand where data is located, the context of the data and if it is at risk.

Privacy violations related to personal information have serious implications for consumers, insurers and their supply chain partners.

Medicaid redetermination problems highlight the need to take three steps to ensure that all those eligible for coverage receive it. 

Despite the impressive technology at Tesla's disposal, the road ahead for its insurance operation is fraught with difficulty.

As contactless payments rise, so do security challenges. Many companies are turning to a technology known as tokenization. 

Advanced data analytics and machine learning can bring insurers back into profitability after years of posting losses.

Be a Ricky Bobby. Get in the car and say, "I want to go fast." But be a sloth, too. Go slow to go fast. 

Generative AI is all the rage in the world of business, including insurance, but is it everything it's cracked up to be? Deepak Dastrala, Chief Technology Officer of IntellectAI, says Gen AI may disappoint ... unless it's combined effectively with traditional AI.  

James Keane, VP of National Sales for SIAA, and Paul Carroll, ITL Editor-in-Chief, reveal key insurance strategies for success.

Agent and Brokers Commentary: February 2024 

Embrace AI, encourage customers to reflect on their insurance needs and talk to carriers about their evolving goals and appetite. 

State legislative changes include a range of considerations, from COVID-19 to offering greater support for mental health issues.

In theory, we're shifting away from insuring a person in a private car and are covering their mobility in all forms, but the situation is complicated. 

Customer journeys are measured in a very siloed way. It's hard to aggregate data, let alone connect it to the journey. 

Emerging benchmarks will let firms make informed decisions on whether to scale, streamlining the AI implementation process.

The new battlefront is hackers exploiting human vulnerabilities, not systems or software. Coverage needs to adapt. 

Forward-thinking insurance agencies are ready to put AI to work, but for many, the data just isn’t up to the challenge.

Recognizing your cognitive biases (confirmation, availability, etc.) is the first step toward sidelining them and making better decisions.

Pressure from threat actors will increase, but innovations will provide tailored coverage options and services to curtail threats. 

Natural language processing can sift through massive data sets instantly, identifying anomalies that may indicate fraud.

ITL FOCUS is a monthly initiative featuring topics related to innovation in risk management and insurance.

In this month's ITL Focus, Scott Sayce, Global Head of Cyber at Allianz Commercial, discusses key cybersecurity trends in 2024 with Paul Carroll.

Establish authenticity, develop a short-form video strategy, use digital for brand awareness and create a "phygital" experience.

Investment decision makers say they expect to take on more risk. They express concerns about AI but say benefits outweigh risks.

In this webinar, AARP EVP and COO Scott Frisch details the massive economic importance of those 50 and older.

AI-driven automation transforms insurance fraud detection, enhancing speed and accuracy while minimizing financial losses for a more customer-centric approach.

Amazon's closing of its Insurance Store shows the strength of incumbents. AI and telematics offer routes to even better results.

The old way of generating qualified leads is failing. Digital performance marketing might be the answer.

A smarter approach to auto claims can cut costs and take the pressure off premiums. 

The closing of Amazon's Insurance Store shows the need to be organized around the customer -- and to figure out ecosystems. 

Cyber and business interruption top Allianz's annual survey, while nat cats, fire, explosion and political risks are the biggest risers. 

Companies that want to attract top talent should think like a chief marketing officer to reach a wider breadth of potential candidates.

Organizations must understand the changes in cybercriminal business models and prioritize investments that limit financial loss.

Cyber underwriters face a myriad of risks, emerging trends and formidable challenges in crafting robust policies.

There is a misconception that sustainable solutions cost more. The reverse can be true, especially in auto claims and repair.

Understanding how data can give carriers insights is key, but AI won’t draw accurate conclusions on its own.

Data and AI can function as a personalized fitness coach and virtual care provider, while aiding in workers' recovery.

Customers now have a number of ways to discover, research and purchase policies, so the customer journey has become less linear.

With prices soaring for employer-provided healthcare coverage, a flexible model that ties insurance to hourly wages has emerged.

Never before in the history of healthcare has any drug, procedure or test combined this much effectiveness, popularity… and cost.

Cloud technology is known to drive strong customer satisfaction, innovation, productivity and scalability.

In this Future of Risk conversation, Deb Smallwood explains how breakthroughs in AI create openings to finally advance the industry's diversity goals. 

Agent and Brokers Commentary: January 2024 

Paul Carroll, ITL Editor-in-Chief, and Allister Yu, Senior VP Operations at Rhoads Online Institute, discuss the transformative impact of automation in the insurance industry.

The traditional business model has been resilient, but insurers must strive to exceed the evolving expectations of customers.

While fraud is declining in most industries, it is rising in insurance, where emphasis on quick "time to bind" blocks countermeasures.

AI can drive productivity gains and product innovations and improve the employee experience, so the future is bright. 

Electoral politics, especially at the state level; the economic outlook; geopolitical risks; and evolving employee benefits top the list.

Insurers navigate tech-driven changes, focusing on unifying internal processes and leveraging AI for streamlined prospecting journeys.

The right design for embedded insurance can let insurers learn from claims and continually make assets less vulnerable in the future. 

It costs an average of seven to nine times more for an insurance agency to acquire a new customer than to retain one.

This webinar stretches the bounds of what seems possible with the Internet of Things – including provocative examples such as parametric insurance that is based on factors inside homes and factories, not just on the weather, and such as insurance for AI.

Blockchain's distributed ledger capabilities, combined with mobility technologies, will change the game for insurers. 

Decades into the digital age, customers still fill out paper forms, repeatedly provide the same information -- and get frustrated. 

Updated building codes have saved the U.S. over $1.5 billion in avoided losses annually since 2000. Insurers must promote such practices.

Cameras and AI outperform human observation, which has limitations due to lack of time and inability to objectively measure improvement.

Costly consequences arise from bad insurance data; solutions involve automation, standardization, integration, modernization, and regular quality checks.

Facing talent shortage and heavy workloads, the insurance industry seeks relief through process automation solutions.

We need to reduce the cost of cut-the-pipe automatic shutoff functionality by at least a factor of five. How do we get there?

For a mature organization, culture is the bedrock of individual commitment in the service of collective ambition.

insurers must strike a balance between competitive pricing and delivering exceptional services to ensure customer retention.

The swift payouts based on objective data make it a versatile and responsive tool for managing climate risks preemptively.

To be successful in our use of AI, we must remember one thing: A machine cannot replace the need for human touch in our industry.

AI can help in a big way but is not the sole solution. The key lies in integrating people-focused strategies with AI advancements.

ITL FOCUS is a monthly initiative featuring topics related to innovation in risk management and insurance.

This month's focus, sponsored by InvoiceCloud, is Claims.

Here are nine predictions for 2024, based on the certainty that few of yesterday’s approaches will be successful in tomorrow’s world.

Political risk, financial pressures, the complexity of AI, fallout from bank failures and claims related to ESG all pose challenges.

Wearable devices can warn workers of dangerous situations, helping them stay safe while lowering workers' comp claims.

Health insurers must work closely with clinicians to ensure that AI tools are effectively integrated into their workflows.

When adjusting catastrophe models for current and future climates, consider whether unquantified risks could be lurking in the tail.

Though historically neglected, agribusinesses now have innovative technologies, granular data and specialized risk management tools.

From enhanced computing power for AI to its ethical implications in creative endeavors, there are both opportunities and challenges.

The first wave taught the valuable lesson that innovation builds on traditional fundamentals rather than replacing them outright.

A well-crafted strategy must be rooted in business goals, driven by updated processes and systems and supported by sound data management.

Historical data can be an unkind partner in times of sudden change. For risk-based pricing for auto insurance, these are such times. 

In this Future of Risk Forecast, Nick Lamparelli says firms have mostly digitized -- but still can't find the information they need when they need it. 

Decentralized work requires personalization, prioritizing wellness, reinventing recognition and adopting flexible reward structures.

The promised land of all those tech investments has yet to be reached. New thinking is needed, to produce an ever-evolving ecosystem. 

Lemonade's current approach makes much more sense than the original plan, but they still seem far from delivering.

Idalia's storm surge and floods underscore the need to accurately model and incorporate secondary perils into catastrophe models.

Major storms are moving northward, staying strong longer and expanding into areas previously considered less at risk.

There’s more data on drivers than ever, and if insurers know how to use it, they can reverse customer defections this winter.

ATRI research finds truckers dislike cameras, despite enormous safety benefits, primarily due to privacy and litigation issues.

AI lets insurers make connections and draw insights from data that otherwise may not have been available, at least not at speed or scale.

Monitoring operators' greenhouse gas emissions, which is now broadly possible, sheds considerable light on the extent of a risk.

Embedded insurance, customer-facing digital tools, telematics and the IoT, rich data sets and AI and ML will mark a paradigm shift.

Traditional insurance continues to be needed, but businesses must consider solutions to fill the gaps–or be left to costly exposures. 

Some insurtechs are showing interest in leveraging the concept of sky computing, also known as supercloud or meta cloud.

Agent and Brokers Commentary: December 2023 

GenAI represents game-changing possibilities but, like any new technology, comes with potential pitfalls that organizations must address. 

A look at the life cycle for small commercial insurance policies, then vs. now.

Technology can transform traditional practices, elevating efficiency and enhancing overall policyholder experiences.

Only teams who play together and adhere to their positions can win in polo.

Unlock innovation with the insurance transformation solution you need.

The answer is a strategy that blends technology, talent development and alignment with the values of the younger generation.

While life insurers' initiatives have been underway for years, projects are rife with misalignment, unmet expectations and dissatisfaction.

In this Future of Risk Forecast, Bob Marshall explains how a device – free to homeowners – detects electrical problems before they cause fires. 

Combining external data streams with internal analytics creates a comprehensive view of properties that legacy methods can't match.

Clients' questions on group benefits, which have typically been about rates or coverage, are increasingly about technology issues.

The power of machine learning is amplified by the growing market of third-party data available to train and refresh models.

Here is a sort of use-case wish list for AI in insurance, focused on the most repetitive and demanding claim functions.

ADR offers a new route for injured workers to receive care from reputable doctors and caregivers in an efficient, cost-effective way.

Insurance agents, overwhelmed by heavy workloads and a talent shortage, need automation to ease their burden and prioritize vital tasks.

Uncover the top-of-mind issues insurers are facing as they look to keep pace with today’s market shifts and customer demands.

In 2024, insurance agencies focus on tools, renewals, learning, and AI for better operations and increased revenue.

Leveraging diverse data and technology in insurance enhances risk assessment, pricing accuracy, and operational efficiency.

insurers will provide more accurate underwriting, efficient claims processing and a personalized customer experience.

In this webinar, ITL's Future of Risk series looks at the excitement around generative AI and sorts out where the real opportunities are--and where they aren't... at least not yet. 

A better understanding of what “embedding” means can lead to smarter solutions for agencies, carriers and companies,

Imagine if your agency was the top result on Google to questions about how much coverage costs or what policy a business needs.

Understanding the complex landscape requires both foresight into identifying the right risk variables and a modern technology stack.

A strong medical stop-loss program must be at the core, and there must be strong communication among the many stakeholders. 

Implementing strict procedures can prevent unnecessary customer complaints, eradication costs and business interruption.

The three bears will eat Goldilocks, believers in a soft landing will be disappointed and a shallow, relatively short recession is likely.

Both have pros and cons, but you can get most of the best of both worlds through custom insurance software development.  

Manual processes make representations and warranties (RWI) policies uneconomic for M&A involving small and medium-sized firms. 

In advance of next week's Town Hall (register here), ITL sat down with Triple-I CEO Sean Kevelighan to talk about how the insurance industry can tackle climate risks.

Case managers can identify and address underlying behavioral health symptoms to keep workers' comp claims on track.

Evolving market conditions are changing the way agencies forecast and succeed. Here are five tips for the coming year.

While companies assume more risk, they get significantly more control over coverage, claims management and associated costs.

Employers can keep teams on the cutting edge while retaining talent as employees build fulfilling careers in an ever-evolving landscape.

Employers may decide – or be forced – to abandon sponsoring health insurance, leading to a profound reimagining of benefits.

New technology can detect crashes at all speeds--even below 25mph--without false positives. Massive changes will result.

Inflation's impact on insurance costs urges automation in premium payments to ease workload, enhance customer experience, and cut expenses.

In this Future of Risk Forecast, Rob Galbraith says the insurance industry is innovating -- but not nearly fast enough. 

After a Q2 rebound, insurtech carriers reversed sharply over Q3, hit by rising loss ratios and the resulting deceleration in growth.

Helping clients manage chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) risks has to begin with good information. 

It will. The new era of natural language processing will contain costs, improve customer experience and fight off new competition.

Proposed reforms could lead to brighter days for both insurers and consumers, but firms must adjust their strategies.

As the talent ages, millennials are maturing, ready to develop into the next leaders of the industry.

With automated financial underwriting, the provider can instantly quote and issue bonds that previously took hours or even days. 

AI can streamline quoting and rating, optimize resources, automate mundane tasks and make underwriting more accurate.

Modern hybrid integration platforms (HIPs) are simpler, faster and more powerful than traditional, legacy-bound data solutions.

Triple-I Chief Economist Dr. Michel Leonard offers insights on P&C industry growth and economic challenges in his latest quarterly interview with ITL.

Satellites and drones, AI-based analytics and photo analysis, and blockchain can reduce insurance fraud greatly. 

Don't overlook current successes and challenges or financial feasibility, exclude employees from planning or be overly detailed. 

AI and ML tools enhance insurance agents' careers, boosting retention and performance while making insurance careers more attractive to millennials and Gen Z.

In this Future of Risk conversation, Nauto CEO Stefan Heck explains how his AI- and camera-based system routinely reduces vehicle fleets' losses from accidents by 60% -- and says he has his eye on the broader consumer market.

2023 has seen a worrying resurgence in ransomware and extortion claims as the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve.

Generative AI enables the creation of sophisticated, personalized customer experiences through intelligent communication.

The proliferation of people and property in the wildland urban interface increases the risk of catastrophes.

Here are nine steps to take that maximize your chances of success in developing and deploying generative AI applications.

In an interview with Insurance Thought Leadership, Gaurav Garg from Oliver Wyman discusses the digital transformation in the insurance industry.

Part 1 - The opportunity for insurers

10 profitable opportunities for insurers.

Changes in buyers' behavior mean an insurer using MSRP to set an insurance value is underpricing the vehicle from the start.

Can generative AI replace the advantages that insurers and brokers sought to achieve by offshoring? It's possible.

Forward-thinking businesses can leverage captive insurance for innovation and growth, rather than simply a risk management tool.

Small businesses remain optimistic but see growing challenges and are painfully aware of their exposures. 

Local agents keep being dissed--and keep winning. They'll continue to win, too, in the AI era. Rock on like Twisted Sister!

Balancing inflation and claims payouts shows the importance of updating policy coverage.

60% of small businesses, including insurance agencies, that use AI or automation say their marketing is working more efficiently.