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Featured General Insurance Security

It’s crucial for insurers and their partners to stay vigilant against constantly evolving cyber threats and collaborate to reduce cybersecurity risks in the ecosystem.

The insurance industry relies heavily on digital ecosystems involving multiple stakeholders. A survey found that 84% of insurance executives view these ecosystems as a vital part of their business strategy. By 2025, it is predicted that these ecosystems will generate around 30% of the world’s insurance revenue, according to McKinsey.

Ecosystems present Insurers with growth opportunities, but these opportunities also come with complex and challenging cybersecurity risks.

According to Gartner, the insurance industry’s digital ecosystems are at a greater risk of cyberattacks as the global number of active IoT devices reaches 123 billion. Enterprise web applications are expected to experience a surge in data breaches caused by API attacks, making it the most common form of attack vector by the end of 2022.

In a digital environment, there are several common cybersecurity issues that can occur, including:

  • A lack of control and visibility makes it challenging to manage and monitor assets and application components in the cloud.
  • The use of microservices in digital ecosystems has the potential to improve access for users both within and outside the organization.
  • In microservices architectures, the data is frequently moved, modified, and accessed. This means data breaches can happen even if the communication channel is not exposed, and hackers can exploit weaknesses.

How insurers can protect their digital systems:

Collaborative approach required: Ecosystem partners need to revamp security measures and foster teamwork

Insurance companies must collaborate with their partners, third-party vendors, and even their competitors to combat cybercriminals, who often work together for success. To enhance their resilience, businesses need to review their security strategy to protect themselves, their network, and their partners.

To ensure open-source security, software developers and security teams must voluntarily collaborate. They should keep track of any cybersecurity incidents and dangers they come across and share that information transparently with each other. This includes the knowledge they gain, allowing them to identify and tackle threats effectively.

Insurers and vendors can improve their security by sharing their tools through open-source software. This allows them to receive feedback and offer their own protection to others while working together to establish a unified defense for their networks.

Embrace early detection: A wise investment

In an open-source digital ecosystem, it’s important to detect cybersecurity breaches early on. These attacks can cause a considerable amount of damage if they go unnoticed for weeks. It’s crucial to respond quickly and efficiently to identify the source of the breach, the affected systems, and the extent of the damage. Doing so will help neutralize the threat before it can cause any severe harm.

SIEM software helps companies proactively detect and mitigate security threats on their network to prevent disruptions to business operations.

By collecting and analyzing data as soon as it is captured from applications, cloud environments, and networks, security, and IT teams can automatically manage event logs and network flow data in a single location.

Implementing zero-trust security: Treating everyone as a potential threat

Zero-trust architecture is a security approach that assumes that every connection and endpoint could pose a threat to an organization’s assets, data, applications, and services. This means that both internal and external sources are considered potential threats, and all connections are secured, even those already established within the organization.

Currently, approximately 60% of organizations in North America are working on zero-trust projects. Meanwhile, around 50% of companies in the insurance and finance industries have identified zero-trust security models as a high-priority area for their businesses.

Furthermore, the security model evaluates whether the connection complies with the security policies and protocols of the organization. By enforcing access restrictions, users are limited to accessing only the necessary information and are unable to access any additional data.

Implementing and maintaining a zero-trust security approach may be difficult for insurance companies that still rely on outdated technology. This method demands continual real-time authentication and verification to regulate user access. However, antiquated software may lack the necessary authentication, validation, and monitoring capabilities, which can impede the rollout of this security strategy.

Enhance security with robust authentication protocols

It is recommended that insurance companies utilize technology such as Privileged Access Management (PAM) SaaS to establish a zero-trust security approach. This can help reduce the number of entry points for cyber attackers and minimize the extent of damage caused by both internal and external attacks.

To access the system, users with special permissions need to have their credentials checked and are limited in what they can do. The security tools of the system utilize automation and user-friendly options to establish programs for privileged entry and a security framework based on zero trust.

Data segmentation

To protect customer and company information and resources, it is crucial to segment data. This means limiting access to data and allowing users to access it only when necessary and appropriate.

Studying how people use network servers can make it easier to see what’s happening and improve security in a digital environment.

One way to protect resources is by using distributed resource protection mechanisms (DRPM). This verifies client or partner profiles and only grants capability tokens to those who meet the criteria.

To control a user’s access to resources, it is crucial to implement time limits and issue tokens that expire quickly. As the user becomes more reliable, the validity of their token can be expanded over time by the provider of the resources.

Regularly conduct stress tests

A stress test is a method used to evaluate the ability of your application, system, or software to withstand extreme conditions. The objective is to detect any weaknesses, enabling you to reinforce security measures before cyber attackers make attempts to exploit them and break into your organization’s or partner’s network.

IBM’s study found that organizations that have incident response teams and tested response plans experience data breaches that cost $2.46 million less than those without such measures in place.

Insurers have various methods to conduct stress tests.

To identify vulnerabilities in their computer systems and networks, some companies opt to hire external investigators. First American Bank, for example, spends about $10,000 annually on these investigations to infiltrate their network systems.

To effectively test security measures and evaluate your team’s response to a major cyber threat, simulating a real-world scenario is the best approach.

Ecosystem partner evaluation: A comprehensive approach

Accenture’s report shows that while 97% of insurance companies believe they have the necessary qualities to be a desirable ecosystem partner, only 26% of those insurers feel that their ecosystem partners are equally committed to enhancing their security resilience.

Insurance companies need to perform a security assessment or audit before adding new partners to their systems.

Insurance companies are depending on third-party vendors such as cloud service providers and software-as-a-service to grow their digital operations. To safeguard their data, it is crucial for them to select vendors who possess strong data handling strategies and excellent cybersecurity credentials.

Find Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2) certification

The SOC 2 certification is a report that confirms that service providers adhere to specific standards for managing customer data. It involves an auditing process created by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and is widely used in the industry to evaluate internal controls.

To obtain SOC 2 certification, a vendor must undergo a rigorous audit that verifies their compliance with IT security standards. The audit assesses the efficiency of their data security policies and systems, processing accuracy, confidentiality, and protection of customer information.

LenderDock itself is SOC 2 certified and has put in place monitoring of the health of these systems by automating most areas and has a dedicated team that oversees the performance.

In other words, your data is secure, and your process is simplified using LenderDock’s services.

Take immediate action!

Although there is a risk involved in providing vendors with access to customer data, transaction information, and digital assets, the benefits of these systems guarantee their continued use.

It’s important for insurers and their partners to stay updated on the most recent cyber threats and work together to decrease the risks of cybersecurity in the system. Taking prompt action is crucial.

May 17, 2023
Business Featured General Insurance Press Release

LenderDock Inc., the leading provider of online Property and Casualty Insurance policy verification and automated lienholder process management services, announced a new partnership with Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance.

“LenderDock is thrilled to be partnered with Oklahoma Farm Bureau.  They are committed to optimizing and improving their internal business workflows through technology in order to serve their customers and members better.  Doubling down on process automation is going to assure their ability to meet the growing demands for operational efficiency,” said Frank Eubank, LenderDock’s CEO.

Oklahoma Farm will take full advantage of LenderDock’s Verifi™, Correxions™, and LenderDocs™ solutions.

Verifi™ is a real-time insurance policy verification system designed for verifiers and lenders. With Verifi™, phone calls for policy verification are a thing of the past, making the process faster and more efficient.

The second tool, Correxions™, automates the process of updating policy information by allowing lenders to submit corrections directly to the carrier. This enables carriers or providers to process the updates efficiently according to their own procedures.

Finally, LenderDocs™ provides electronic and real-time access to important policy-related documents such as EOIs, Certificates, and others to financial third parties. This helps streamline the process of obtaining and sharing these documents, making it easier for business partners to manage their policy information.

“As Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance continues to strive toward optimal operational efficiency, LenderDock provides an important component to streamline customer service in the area of policy additional interests,” said Erin Gillespie, Business Analyst at Oklahoma Farm Bureau.

He added, “Enhancing data accuracy will improve additional interest communication including timeliness of payments for accounts receivable. But the primary benefit is the time freed up for our staff that can be funneled into other initiatives for policy administration and an improved overall customer service experience.”

About Oklahoma Farm Bureau

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau was organized in 1942 by Oklahoma farm and ranch families. Soon after, many members of the Bureau realized auto insurance was a service many of the state’s farmers and ranchers needed most. In 1957, they became affiliated with what is today known as Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company to offer life insurance products to Oklahoma Farm Bureau members. Today, OKFB has offices in all 77 counties in the Sooner State.

About LenderDock Inc.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, LenderDock Inc. is the leading provider of online Property and Casualty Insurance policy verification and automated lien holder process management services. The policy verification-as-a-service (VaaS) platform offers banks, lenders, and financial third parties the ability to digitally verify and correct home and auto policy-related data in real-time.

May 11, 2023
Automation Business Featured General

Why are insurance companies and brokers being inundated with requests for evidence of homeowner’s insurance?

It is complicated to keep track of homeowners insurance coverage for mortgage loans. This is because mortgage servicers frequently change, which makes it hard for insurers to maintain accurate records. Homeowners may have more than one loan, insurance coverage of different types, and different insurance providers. Specialized risks like flood coverage may be impacted by legal requirements modifications. Sharing insurance data for monitoring purposes currently involves high expenses and long waiting periods. However, automating these information exchanges can improve the overall customer experience and save costs.

The information below explains the technology that is advancing the industry of insurance.

What is the significance of homeowners insurance in the mortgage process?

Having insurance coverage is important when getting a mortgage as the mortgage company wants to protect their financial interest in the property. To do this, they transfer the risk of loss for all the properties they have loans on to a lender-placed insurance provider. The provider needs to monitor homeowners’ insurance coverage to manage their financial exposure.

What is the process for verifying insurance?

To verify insurance, there are different methods available including Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), phone, website, U.S. mail, and email. However, if evidence of insurance is missing, the homeowner, agent, or insurance company of record must be contacted to obtain the information. This can result in a high volume of disruptive phone calls. For example, in 2021, Assurant made 1.9 million calls to agents and carriers to obtain evidence of insurance.

Regarding EDI, what should be considered?

EDI is a popular standard in the industry that allows for batch exchange of information. However, it has not undergone significant changes in the 50 years it has existed. EDI only allows for one-way exchange of information and the process can be problematic due to incomplete coverage and policy number information, making it difficult to verify coverage. Up to 80% of the time, there is missing information that needs validation. Using technology can simplify tedious tasks and enhance the experiences of the agent, policyholder, and carrier by optimizing outdated processes.

Today, is there an improved alternative option available?

The technology based on Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) has effectively simplified the exchange of information. LenderDock has utilized this technology to create their Verifi™ platform, which acts as a connection between systems, removing the need for manual interfaces. This real-time solution offers functions such as easy search and review of policies and updates of mortgagee clauses. As a result, agents and carriers experience fewer complications.

What advantages can be gained?

LenderDock has observed that when a carrier adopts API technology, there is typically a 60-70% decrease in the need for manual data exchanges (like phone calls and paper) within the initial 30 days. The reduction of manual data exchanges can have positive downstream effects, including:

  • An enhanced experience for policyholders
  • Improved precision of data
  • Savings in carrier costs
  • Agents dedicating more time to customer service and less time to insurance verification requests
  • By using less paper, you can feel good about making a positive environmental impact and conserving resources such as trees, water, and electricity.

What are the results for carriers?

“LenderDock has been an absolute game-changer. We’re not only saving thousands of dollars in manual resources but have been able to refocus my entire team’s efforts around our service and client retention goals. It exceeded our highest expectations,” says Debbie England, Manager of Customer Service & Support at Indiana Farm Bureau.

“The amount of calls in our Customer Service Department has decreased by about 40%. The amount of paper changes we receive is almost down to zero after just 8 months with LenderDock,” said Stacey Manzo, AVP Customer Service & Corporate Secretary at The Philadelphia Contributionship.

Learn more about how LenderDock can help your business at lenderdock.com.

May 10, 2023
Automation Business Featured General Insurance

To keep up with rapidly advancing technologies and customer expectations, insurance companies must enhance the capabilities of their conversational AI systems.

While chatbots may be confusing and not always helpful, they are still popular among consumers because they are available 24/7. A study has shown that 81% of people prefer self-service options when doing business online.

Although ChatGPT is a promising solution, chatbots are generally not very intelligent. Meeting customer demands will require exploring other methods of enhancing artificial intelligence.

To improve chatbots, your organization should implement three strategies. These strategies can help to increase customer satisfaction, provide more opportunities for business growth, and enhance your reputation.

Assist them in discovering additional solutions

Typically, chatbots have difficulty remembering previous conversations and may not be able to keep up with the context. They rely on a decision tree system that recognizes certain keywords in the user’s input to generate a response, which may not be sufficient. While most customers expect customer service to have access to their previous interactions, only about 15% do.

A major challenge in quickly getting accurate information is connecting the internal record systems that contain valuable data to address customer inquiries and demands. To overcome this, companies can use intelligent process automation to integrate business systems, access important information such as previous orders, payment plans, or insurance claims, and efficiently supply the details through the chat app designed for customer interaction.

Insurance companies offer a chatbot feature that enables users to monitor the status of their insurance claims. Besides, this feature can also assist with more complex inquiries, such as “What are the remaining documents I need to provide?” As chatbots grow more sophisticated, there is an opportunity to combine intelligent automation with conversational AI.

Improve their cognitive skills

If we want to develop a digital assistant that can talk like a human, we need to do more than just connect data to customer chat bubbles. It’s essential to train chatbots to process unstructured data so that they can communicate like humans, rather than forcing humans to communicate like computers.

To enhance enterprise systems, you need expertise in document AI, which can harness capabilities such as intelligent document processing to analyze, interpret, and comprehend unstructured data. This enables you to make better decisions, provide more precise and complete responses to inquiries, and expedite request processing.

Our IDP technology incorporates machine learning to enhance the learning and development of your chatbots over time. By leveraging ML, your customers will avoid repeated frustrations arising from incorrect responses or options. The chatbot stores past conversations and learns from mistakes to make accurate choices in the future. Additionally, these interactions reveal vital information such as customer pain points, leading to improvements in the overall customer experience by evaluating the popularity of services.

Currently, it’s possible to improve your chatbots by adding “brains” through low-code/no-code IDP products. This process doesn’t need significant IT resources and is a simple “plug and play” way to upgrade your digital customer service representative.

Transform them into a detective

Confirming the identity of customers is a major challenge for chatbots. This involves verifying relevant documents like proof of address or identification due to the high rate of identity theft in the United States. However, this verification process should not cause too much inconvenience for users, who may not desire to switch between screens or use a camera to validate their passwords.

AI technology can be used to instantly verify people’s identities by scanning their faces in live videos and photos and comparing them to their official ID photos. This enhances security and improves customer service. Additionally, machine learning technology can quickly identify security issues in documents such as utility bills, tax forms, or earnings statements, making it easy to spot any tampered documents. Gartner predicts that 85% of organizations will use document-centered identity-proofing technology for onboarding procedures by next year. This technology is integrated into your chatbot platform, working like a human brain and quickly adapting to new input, resembling a mini forensics lab.

Get ready to be more personal

According to Forrester analysts, 90% of customer service leaders believe that personalization is essential for the future of automation. Nonetheless, their efforts to transform are being held back by the limitations of current chatbot technology. These leaders acknowledge that improving interactions with digital assistants is crucial as more and more conversations take place online. They also realize that their chatbot must be available constantly across all channels since people now prefer to engage through mobile devices.

OpenAI has released a new chatbot known as ChatGPT, which showcases the capabilities of artificial intelligence in creating personalized experiences. Though there are risks involved, such as potential biases, the technology provides significant benefits to customer interactions. As we previously mentioned, ChatGPT is a highly advanced chatbot that offers sophisticated responses, utilizing AI for optimization. Microsoft is going to add ChatGPT function to its Microsoft 365 suite, connecting it to intelligent document processing. This will improve the chatbot’s capability to comprehend data and offer personalized responses. Right now, ChatGPT requires human oversight for responsible use. However, with additional training and integration with other forms of intelligent automation, it’s expected to change the way chatbots are used in customer service.

To offer an exceptional digital customer experience, utilizing AI-powered technology is essential.

May 3, 2023
Business Featured General Insurance Press Release

SALT LAKE CITY – LenderDock Inc., the leading provider of online Property and Casualty Insurance policy verification and automated lienholder process management services, announced a new partnership with North Carolina Farm Bureau.

“We are proud to be working with North Carolina Farm Bureau. They are a carrier that continues to focus on improving how they serve its customers and partners. Their commitment to efficiencies and operational effectiveness is to be admired,” said Frank Eubank, LenderDock’s CEO.

NC Farm Bureau has partnered with LenderDock to provide additional tools for their clients. The first tool, Correxions™, automates the process of updating policy information by allowing lenders to submit corrections directly to the carrier. This enables carriers or providers to process the updates efficiently according to their own procedures.

The second tool, Verifi™, is a real-time insurance policy verification system designed for trackers and servicers. With Verifi™, phone calls for policy verification are a thing of the past, making the process faster and more efficient.

Finally, LenderDocs™ provides electronic and real-time access to critical policy-related documents such as Evidence of Insurability (EOI), Certificates, and others to financial third parties. This helps streamline the process of obtaining and sharing these documents, making it easier for business partners to manage policy information.

About North Carolina Farm Bureau

The North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation was formed in 1936 as a non-profit general farm organization to serve farmers and provide a unified voice for the interests and needs of the farming community. Today, North Carolina Farm Bureau serves as an advocate for our members at the local, state, national, and international levels – providing educational, economic, public affairs, marketing, and various other services to our members.

Over the years, the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation has grown into the largest general farm organization in the state with more than 500,000 member families.

About LenderDock Inc.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, LenderDock Inc. is the leading provider of online Property and Casualty Insurance policy verification and automated lien holder process management services. The policy verification-as-a-service (VaaS) platform offers banks, lenders, and financial third parties the ability to digitally verify and correct home and auto policy-related data in real-time.

May 2, 2023
Automation Business Featured General Insurance

There is currently a significant rise in inflation across the world due to various factors, including disrupted supply chains, increased consumer demand, lack of available labor, the effects of the global pandemic, a few natural disasters, and war. This has been identified as the most severe inflation witnessed in over two decades, according to experts.

Our discussion will focus on how the insurance industry is impacted by high inflation rates and how industry leaders can use technology to lessen these effects. While all industries are affected by inflation, we will concentrate specifically on the insurance industry.

The influence of inflation on the insurance sector

Although often thought of as immune to economic downturns, the insurance industry is not impervious to market shifts such as inflation. Inflation can lead to an increase in claim costs, a phenomenon known as social inflation. This means that during times of high inflation, insurance companies may find it challenging to fulfill their main responsibility of settling claims.

The insurance industry adopts a method called “hardening the market” to prevent bankruptcy in response to inflation. Presently, the insurance industry is facing prolonged hard market circumstances due to factors such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in climate and weather-related catastrophes.

What does the term ‘hard market’ mean in the insurance industry?

In the insurance industry, a situation called a hard market occurs when the demand for insurance rises, but there are fewer insurance products available. This causes customers to face higher premiums, tougher underwriting standards, and limited risk coverage opportunities. Consequently, during a hard market, customers may have to pay more for insurance renewals and might be left with fewer choices for covering risks.

What is the impact of a hard market on important insurance industry participants?

The insurance industry is being affected by a hard market, which is impacting everyone involved in the distribution process. This includes clients, agents, carriers, and underwriters who all need to adjust their approach to the insurance business. Hard market conditions have significant real-world consequences.

The begins with underwriters who implement rigorous standards and policies to minimize losses. This results in market hardening, leading to an increase in insurance rates and potentially making it unfeasible for carriers to offer certain types of coverage.

Insurance customers are relying more on their agents to help them find coverage that fits their needs and budget as coverage options become more limited. Additionally, carriers that offer certain coverages can raise their rates without fear of losing customers to competitors because of the lack of options.

Utilizing technology solutions for adapting to a challenging market environment

During a challenging market, policyholders rely heavily on their agents to find the best coverage for their unique risks. Therefore, it’s crucial for agents to connect clients with appropriate insurance carriers. To stay valuable to both clients and carriers, agents should leverage technological advancements to automate processes, reduce risks, and improve data collection.

Streamline operations with automation

Insurance agencies and carriers are looking for ways to manage costs and protect their profits due to inflation. They can do this by using tech solutions that employ automation to simplify operations and make producer workflows more efficient.

Digital solutions can help agencies and carriers cut down on operational costs by getting rid of manual tasks such as form filling and license renewal tracking. This can result in a more efficient bottom line while also allowing agents and support staff to concentrate on helping clients and building stronger relationships. Ultimately, this helps insurance customers during a challenging market.

Assistance in mitigating risks

In an insurance hard market, companies are less willing to assume risk, so they focus on risk prevention. To help their clients prevent risks, insurance companies can use predictive technologies and advanced tools for product and service visualization to evaluate possible risks in the present and future.

Insurance professionals can use technology solutions to accurately predict risks for different types of coverage. This is particularly important in a difficult insurance market to ensure the survival of an insurance carrier. For example, advanced weather forecasting software can help agents understand their clients’ flood insurance needs and digital twins can replicate important equipment to give insurers a complete picture of potential issues and maintenance requirements before they become a problem.

Earning a client’s trust as a producer involves helping them reduce risk during a tough market where insurance options are limited. Additionally, agents who understand their client’s risk well can establish better relationships with underwriters, giving them an advantage because underwriters are less likely to insure higher-risk proposals.

Enhance the process of gathering information

In challenging market conditions, it’s important for agents to build a good relationship with their carrier partners. While looking for higher commission carriers may be helpful during a market downturn, it’s no longer a useful strategy when the market is on the rise.

When the client needs specific coverage that only a limited number of carriers provide, it’s important for agents to have several dependable carriers to work with. To strengthen the relationship between producers and carriers, agencies can utilize data collection tools that ease the workload for carriers.

Agencies are advised to find a technological solution that can improve the accuracy of their data and simplify their data collection process. By using technology, agents can provide carriers with higher-quality data in a shorter amount of time. This will ultimately lead to increased satisfaction for both carriers and agents, allowing them to focus more on delivering excellent service to their clients.

Advancing ahead

The insurance market experiences cycles, indicating changes in market conditions over a period. A hard market, which is currently challenging due to unstable inflation rates and carriers’ reluctance to take risks, will eventually become easier once inflation stabilizes and carriers become more willing to take risks. During this time, agencies and producers can improve their relationships with clients and carriers to benefit from the existing hard market.

Investing in technology during a hard market can lead insurance professionals to experience better workflow efficiency and greater value to clients, even as the market becomes softer. Additionally, agencies, carriers, or MGAs that perform strongly in a hard market are likely to continue seeing positive outcomes in a soft market.

April 28, 2023
Automation Business Featured General Insurance

The industries of health insurance and employee benefits are experiencing a shift in attitude that is like other industries. Consumers now expect more when it comes to researching, selecting, and acquiring products because of advanced digital experiences offered by companies like Amazon and Netflix.

Due to the pandemic, employers must now provide competitive benefit programs to attract and retain top employees. This has led everyone involved in the industry – including brokers, agents, insurers, benefits providers, and technology platforms – to work remotely and discover better ways to remain relevant. The insurance industry must adapt due to demographic, social, and technological shifts, which present both opportunities and risks.

Although the healthcare industry is a lucrative market worth billions of dollars, it tends to be sluggish in integrating new technologies. Health insurance brokers face challenges in managing data and processes across multiple parties, including carriers, brokers, employers, and clients. For instance, when initiating a new plan, data must be gathered from diverse sources and entered into the system manually. This task is time-consuming and may result in inaccuracies. Processing claims, checking eligibility, and communicating with carrier partners and customers usually involves exchanging several emails, which can lead to inefficiency.

The process of enrolling a group of employees with a carrier can take a while. It involves various steps like requesting a proposal, comparing quotes, providing plan consulting, and receiving routine service. However, exchanging a large amount of data in PDF files via email can make this process more difficult. This may result in mistakes, delays, and problems with ensuring quality control.

A better approach

The healthcare industry is struggling with old and costly systems that are hard to update or replace. Additionally, regulatory requirements must be followed. Implementing new solutions improperly could lead to serious financial and reputational harm. Compared to other industries, the healthcare industry is less flexible, which means that it does not innovate or advance as quickly to meet the demands of consumers.

APIs can help health insurance brokers to integrate different systems and simplify their procedures, leading to savings in time and money, increased precision, and enhanced communication. APIs provide a set of protocols that enable various software applications to communicate effectively. As a result, the customer experience is improved. APIs facilitate easy data exchange between different systems, eliminating manual data entry and reducing the chances of errors. By using APIs, health insurance brokers can link their systems with those of their carrier partners, leading to seamless transfer of data and automating a range of procedures.

APIs can be beneficial for health insurance brokers in many ways. One advantage is that they can eliminate the need for manual data entry and emails, thereby saving brokers a considerable amount of time. This time savings could equate to thousands of hours annually, allowing brokers to focus on valuable tasks such as building customer relationships, improving service, and expanding their business. Additionally, APIs can speed up setting up new plans and checking eligibility, enabling brokers to provide efficient and fast service to meet customer needs.

Using APIs can prevent errors that may happen during manual data entry, like missing data, typos, or incorrect information. Such errors can cause legal problems, delays, and extra expenses. By contrast, APIs enable immediate data transfer and automatic data validation, guaranteeing that the information remains accurate and current. This greatly improves customer service quality and reduces the possibility of errors.

APIs can improve communication efficiency, particularly for health insurance brokers who can communicate in real time with their carrier partners and customers. This enables a prompt response time, as APIs can quickly transmit information such as claims details to the partner’s system. This facilitates faster and more efficient claim handling, leading to reduced waiting times for customers to receive reimbursement.

APIs in the P&C Insurance Sector

APIs have become increasingly popular in the P&C (Property and Casualty) Insurance industry due to their ability to enable communication and data sharing between different systems and applications. Here are some ways APIs are being used in the P&C insurance industry:

1. Streamlining Claims Processing: Claims processing involves multiple parties such as insurers, adjusters, and third-party vendors. APIs can be used to automate and streamline the claims process, reducing the time and costs associated with manual processes.

2. Enhancing Customer Experience: APIs can be used to integrate insurance applications with customer-facing channels such as mobile apps, chatbots, and websites. This enables customers to access their policy information, file claims, and receive updates in real-time, enhancing their overall experience.

3. Risk Assessment: APIs can be used to collect and analyze data from various sources such as social media, weather, and IoT devices to assess risk accurately. This can help insurers identify potential claims and prevent fraudulent claims.

4. Product Development: APIs can help insurers collaborate with insurtech startups and other third-party vendors to develop innovative insurance products. This enables insurers to leverage emerging technologies and stay ahead of the competition.

5. Legacy System Modernization: APIs can be used to integrate legacy systems with new applications, making it easier for insurers to modernize their IT infrastructure and improve efficiency.

Overall, APIs have the potential to transform the P&C insurance industry by improving efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and driving innovation.

Facilitating the connection between people and technology

Although the healthcare industry has been improving with tools such as virtual reality for patients and health data apps, the pandemic has highlighted a necessity for standardization in data and customer interfaces throughout the industry. To genuinely enhance healthcare, we require a comprehensive strategy that involves data, APIs for connecting information from various organizations, and professionals who can effectively utilize the outcomes.

Using APIs is crucial for insurance brokers who want to succeed in today’s market. APIs offer modern and efficient solutions that help brokers improve their data management and streamline operations. By integrating APIs with their carrier partners, brokers can enhance service quality, improve communication accuracy, and focus on essential tasks. This ultimately creates a better customer experience and keeps the brokers competitive in a market where customers demand immediate results.

April 26, 2023
Business Featured General Insurance

The P&C industry invested heavily in digital tools with the intention of cutting costs, settling claims quickly, and maximizing customer satisfaction. However, due to inflationary pressures as well as supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, policyholders have become skeptical of these digital solutions and are increasingly favoring direct one-on-one interactions with their insurers.

An eye-opening survey from J.D. Power discovered a vast surge in policyholders consulting their insurer for guidance, while digital claims reporting usage has unexpectedly dropped for the first time in history.

Despite the $700 billion property and casualty industry investing a whopping $8 billion in digital transformation over just 18 months, research has found that only 40% of claimants had positive experiences.

According to the recently released J.D. Power 2023 U.S Property Claims Satisfaction StudySM, 2022 was an incredibly challenging year financially for homeowners’ insurance providers because of increasing severity in events, expenses, and longer processing times— all of which have severely impaired customer satisfaction and tested the capabilities of digital tools meant to facilitate quicker resolutions and more efficient outcomes.

Digital technology cannot provide personalized support

Navigating the claims process can be daunting without a human representative to provide assurance and guidance. People often feel overwhelmed when they are struggling with delays, yet need reassurance that their issue will eventually be resolved. Digital alone simply cannot offer this level of support and understanding.

The 2023 study yielded some significant discoveries, including:

Repairs are taking longer to finish than before: Claim resolution time has been extended by four days since the previous year, and a full week longer than what was reported in the 2021 survey. On average, it now takes 22 days from claim reporting to completion of repairs.

The performance of insurance companies is inconsistent: The industry has improved by 3 points on the 1,000-point scale. However, out of the 17 ranked insurers, 8 declined in customer satisfaction while 9 showed progress year over year. Those that experienced significant improvements have been able to restrict their customers from having to contact them for information– which is an essential distinction between brands with higher or lower scores.

Proactively managing client expectations is paramount: While repair cycles of three weeks or longer can make customers feel dissatisfied, insurers can ameliorate customer satisfaction during lengthier and more intricate repairs by taking a couple of simple steps, including:

• Providing different ways for customers to stay informed about their repair status

• Establishing accurate estimates for claim duration

• Curbing customer requests for information

• Ensuring swift customer service is accessible

Pushing digital options on customers that prefer a call puts an undue burden on customer satisfaction: Customers who prefer to communicate with their insurer via more traditional channels, such as phone or in-person meetings, often report lower levels of satisfaction if they’re forced to use digital platforms for key parts of the claim process.

According to the research conducted, Erie Insurance ranked first regarding property insurance claims experience with a remarkable score of 912. Following suit was Amica in second place, scoring 903, and Nationwide trailing behind at 884.

April 20, 2023
Automation Business Featured General Insurance

Insurance could play a vital role in ensuring the metaverse is secure enough for widespread business and consumer acceptance, hastening its growth into an immense industry worth trillions of dollars.

The metaverse is poised to revolutionize immersive entertainment, socialization, and collaboration. According to Citi’s recent report, the total value of this extraordinary space could reach up to an astonishing $13 trillion by 2030 while its userbase will likely expand exponentially with as many as 5 billion people partaking in it.

As the metaverse continues to grow and evolve, users could find themselves vulnerable to fraud, theft, and destruction. With digital relationships being so complex and abstract it can be hard to determine who is at fault when an issue arises; similarly, with virtual possessions, it may be challenging to work out what exactly was taken or damaged – as well as how much value there really was in them in the first place.

Brands and other forms of intellectual property are especially likely to be compromised, as well as an increased risk of identity theft for participants. The rapid evolution of the metaverse also renders it difficult for individuals to anticipate potential security risks and vulnerabilities in the future.

Even though insurance may significantly reduce these risks, insurers have yet to roll out special policies at a large scale to safeguard digital assets or possessions in virtual reality. There could be many underlying causes for this, but two issues are particularly critical: the lack of clarity concerning (1) regulations and (2) insurance protocols in the space. Put simply, it will prove hard for insurers to evaluate risk and offer new products until regulatory guidelines become more concrete, while they would also need to learn how to correctly underwrite products and assess claims within virtual environments.

Regulation ambiguity

To begin, it is essential for regulators to inform participants that the same financial regulations applied here will also be applicable and upheld within a metaverse. That includes adhering to KYC (know your customer) protocols, AML (anti-money laundering) protocols, as well as laws prohibiting unfair trade practices.

Even though regulation is typically lagging innovation, this could be a benefit in disguise since the too-early implementation of rules may cause more harm than good. Even so, it’s difficult to recognize the true advantages of inventive innovations until appropriate regulations are introduced and the lack thereof can leave room for deceitful activities.

Existing regulations may not be enough; some of them will need to be amended for the metaverse, while others must still be established by regulators. As we know, it can take quite a long time before all ambiguities are clarified in court proceedings. In addition, the American regulatory landscape is extremely intricate as insurance rules vary across states, and enforcing laws becomes much more difficult when digital realms span around the globe.

Methodological uncertainty

The ever-changing regulatory landscape often complicates risk modeling, but insurers may now face a unique conundrum – how to accurately assess the risks of the metaverse. With this emerging technology being so new, data and experience for designing profitable products that satisfy consumer demands are also lacking.

Creating insurance policies for the metaverse can be complex considering that insurers are still in the process of forming successful pricing models. Additionally, adjudicating claims may also prove to be difficult given the inconceivable task of establishing accurate evaluations and documentation concerning damage inflicted upon digital possessions and property. To make matters trickier, service providers will likely establish their own avatars to interact with consumers and investigate damages; although this presents an entirely new set of issues since there aren’t any regulations or protocols governing how these avatars should operate yet.

How insurtech is synergistically linked to product-metaverse

As the metaverse gains momentum, so does governmental oversight and judicial interpretation. This presents several obstacles for insurance providers seeking to offer solutions for risks presented in this space; however, insurers and insurtechs alike are keeping an eye on developments with anticipation. They understand that clarifying regulations will pave the way forward and have already started compiling data pools as well as experimenting with potential products to be ready when the opportunity strikes. This should be a cause for celebration within the industry, as their success can drive rapid advancements in the upcoming digital revolution.



April 14, 2023
Automation Business Featured General Insurance

For a long time now, tech-savvy professionals have been referring to the buzzword “fintech” – short for Financial Technology. This term encompasses Digital Transformation and its capacity to revolutionize how financial services are provided.

In short, the implications of this are far-reaching. We can expect to witness new business models and market players emerging, leading to simplified processes, and disintermediation of traditional services and products – all presenting a host of exciting opportunities for those who seize them.

The conversations remain similar when the topic of discussion is insurtech, which encompasses all digital technological advancements with respect to the insurance sector.

Fintech and insurtech are two powerful forces that work symbiotically to drive progress. By mutually reinforcing each other, they are paving the way for a brighter future together.

To comprehend the size of the fintech market, it’s important to understand that global investment amounted to $107.8 billion in only the first half of 2022 and exceeded $111.2 billion during the previous six months (the second half of 2021). This illustrates just how rapidly this sector is growing.

Transforming to the more particular arena of insurtech, we notice that at the end of 2021, a respectable market value was held at $3.85 billion, with estimations predicting an astounding 51.7% compound annual growth rate by 2030.

Historically, the insurance industry had been hindered by its lengthy and tedious processes. This is no longer true as now we have seen a complete shift in this sector’s digitization process.

This transition has established a discernible trajectory, leading from digital identification and authentication systems to the harvesting of data – arguably the most treasured asset in any organization nowadays – to forging an innovative bond with customers.

In this article, we will be examining three essential regions: digital identity and electronic signature; legally approved digital preservation; and lastly, CRM systems to CCM that are digitized yet personalized.

Unlock the power of digital identity and electronic signing

AGID (Agency for Digital Italy) describes Electronic Identification as a method of using personal authentication data electronically to distinguish one individual or business from another. This process offers users the ability to identify themselves online confidently and securely.

In summary, digital identity is the only way to ensure that an individual online user can be identified within a computer system. Furthermore, it’s also important since it gives proof of which person is conducting specific activities on the Internet at any given time.

Let’s cut to the chase: digital identity systems make it possible for insurance companies to onboard customers directly online without tedious paperwork, all while complying with relevant laws and regulations and providing maximum security.

The electronic signature tool is no exception to this pattern. Remotely signing documents and contracts from any type of device through digital signature solutions has become commonplace, making it essential for you to integrate these tools into your processes to improve efficiency as well as provide a more seamless customer experience.

Ensure digital longevity with secure compliance

Prior to delving into the discussion of digital preservation, it is essential to recognize the distinction between dematerialization and digitization. Dematerialization processes refer to swapping paper documents for their electronic equivalents; conversely, digitizing procedures carry an even greater level of depth.

By digitizing paper documents and analog processes, we can reduce the expenses associated with manual techniques such as postage, storage space, etc., while granting digital counterparts full legal standing. Fintech and insurtech companies are reaping numerous advantages from this shift to digital technology; not only does it save a great deal of money but also allows them to cut down on time-consuming paperwork that is often integral in the insurance industry. Digitization enables us to streamline our business operations for greater efficiency.

Imagine the time and energy it can take to find a single piece of paper amongst mountains of paperwork. Even worse, what if you only need to search for certain pieces within one document? That’s why efficiency is paramount in this situation – searching through all these documents would be so much more difficult without it.

Thanks to digitization, these challenges are no more! You can quickly and precisely locate what you’re looking for in mere moments. Best of all, consistent digital storage allows you to avoid any risks regarding damage, deterioration, or compilation errors.

Imagine the ease of accessibility to entire documents or segments when working in a digital world; this is accomplished without delay or hassle, and with minimal risks. In contrast, accomplishing such tasks through an analog form may prove slow-paced and riddled with difficulties.

Moreover, let us not forget the transparency aspect or fundamentally, the countless possibilities that can be taken advantage of by analyzing your document repository on an entirely new level. Imagine all that you could gain through intelligent data analyses of large datasets or even deeper levels of “smart data” embedded in enterprise documents.

However, digitization offers more than just fulfillment; it also provides novel opportunities for electronic filing and CRM/CCM processes that can reap great rewards.

Transitioning from Customer Relationship Management to Content-Centric Marketing

This post has delved into the realms of fintech and insurtech, particularly accentuating the delicate process of onboarding. From digital identification methods to regulatory storage within digital archiving – we have discussed numerous key components that lead us to our conclusion: this last step is perhaps the most determinative one.

Digital archiving yields one of the most useful results: a powerful CRM system that is incredibly efficient, intuitive, and can be used for exhaustive analysis. In other words, it unlocks an invaluable trove of information about your customers.

What does this signify? An unparalleled understanding of your target market.

With a greater understanding of the insured, communication between insurance companies and individuals is revolutionized. This breakthrough in Customer Relation Management (CRM) systems also has an immense influence on future CCMs (Customer Communication Management). What’s the central keyword for upcoming CCMs? Personalization.

By beginning with data-driven analysis, companies can craft personalized digital conversations with their customers. The dialogue should consider individual risk profiles and the specific characteristics, needs, and desires of those individuals. It’s essential that this data is taken seriously – within the insurance industry which has grown to become the third largest manufacturing sector yet also holds one of the highest “planned churn” rates: climbing from 19.5% in 2018 to 22.5%.

To put it simply, customer retention is the priority for businesses in this industry. Companies must strive to build a lasting relationship with their customers and develop strategies that will help them achieve this goal. With the right tools such as certification and authentication systems, electronic signature capabilities, digital preservation technology, personalized marketing tactics, and communication options at hand – companies are sure to reach their goals of keeping customers engaged.

April 12, 2023
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