The insurance industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and tools emerging to meet the needs of today’s consumers. These new technologies are transforming the way that insurers do business, from how they attract new customers and retain existing ones to how they manage risk and improve customer experience.
This article explores how the insurance sector has changed over time, what it means for insurers in the present, and where we think it’s all headed in the future. Here are just some of the ways innovative technology is changing the insurance industry landscape.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are changing the way insurers do business. AI and ML are being used to automate a range of processes, from underwriting, claim management, and fraud prevention to customer service. This technology is helping insurers cut costs, reduce errors, and provide higher-quality service more efficiently and effectively than ever before. In the near future, insurers will be able to use AI and ML to create new business models, better understand customer needs, drive profitable growth and deliver more personalized products.
Studies have shown that insurers that use AI and ML can generate up to a 30% improvement in operational efficiency, reduce fraud by up to 90%, cut claim processing time by up to 50% and increase customer satisfaction. Insurers that use AI and ML are able to achieve better results at a lower cost than those that do not. In fact, the benefits of adopting these technologies have been so significant that many insurers have started using them in their day-to-day operations. For example, Allstate has developed an AI system that analyzes data from its policyholders’ cars to predict when they will have accidents.
Telematics
Technology such as AI isn’t the only tech on the road helping insurance companies. Telematics technology is a system that uses an Internet-enabled device to monitor your driving behavior. The device can be installed on your car or smartphone and tracks data such as speed, distance traveled, and seat belt use. Insurance companies use this information to determine how safe you are behind the wheel and may even offer discounted rates if you have good driving habits.
Data derived from telematic devices are helping insurance providers determine which drivers are more likely to cause accidents, and these companies can adjust rates accordingly. This technology is beneficial for young drivers who often have no credit history or previous claims on their records. These drivers are often charged higher premiums because they’re considered high-risk clients. However, with telematics data showing that these drivers are safe behind the wheel, insurers can offer lower rates based on this information alone.
Smartwatches
However, telematics is just one of many technologies insurance companies use to determine risk. Smartwatches are becoming more popular among consumers, and some insurers have started offering discounts for customers who use them. Smartwatches offer insurance companies valuable insights into how you live your life, including how active you are and whether or not you’ve been drinking alcohol. For example, Fitbit has partnered with several health insurance companies to offer discounts for customers who own a Fitbit device.
The data obtained from smartwatches allows insurance companies to assess and understand a customer’s risk, and it can also help them offer customers more personalized rates. Smartwatches can also be used to help insurance companies reduce fraud. If a customer is at risk of committing fraud, such as by filing false claims or driving recklessly, the device will provide evidence that can be used to determine whether or not someone should get coverage.
Online platforms
Lastly, the insurance industry is also changing due to the growth of online platforms. Online platforms are changing how insurance companies interact with customers and market their products. For example, many websites offer comparison shopping for insurance coverage. Customers can enter their information into these sites and receive a list of different options based on their needs. The result is that customers have more choices when selecting an insurer and receiving coverage.
Many companies are also developing more convenient ways for their policyholders to interact with them. Insurance websites now often include an online payment system that allows customers to pay their premiums without sending in checks or money orders. Some companies even offer the ability for customers to file claims online rather than by phone or mail.
In Summary
Technology is helping make the insurance industry more efficient and effective. A common thread between the benefits these technologies provide is transparency and convenience. By using technology to offer tailor-made policies and more convenient ways to interact with customers, insurance companies can provide a better experience for everyone involved. While the insurance industry may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cutting-edge technology, it is definitely making strides to keep up with the times. The benefits of using technology are undeniable.
