Property & Casualty 360 Perspectives podcast: Recent Episodes
Property Casualty 360
Perspectives taps into PropertyCasualty360.com's partners to provide leading insights on pressing topics shaping the industry. This podcast will feature new analysis on the technology, regulations and best practices that help P&C professionals guide their customers through all facets of the insurance, claims and risk management process.
Blue Kangaroo Packoutz breaks down what strong communication looks like during a contents restoration claim, and where it's most likely to break down.
Communication breakdowns during a contents restoration claim can quickly erode trust with policyholders, making clear ownership and consistent updates important to a smooth claims process. Yvonne Vanbibber, general manager of Blue Kangaroo Packoutz for Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, and David Gavilanes, franchise business coach for Blue Kangaroo Packoutz and 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, explain how contents restoration vendors can keep everyone in alignment throughout the entire process.
In this podcast, you'll learn:
■ Why defining scope and staffing early and maintaining a 'triangle' of communication between contractor, insureds, and adjuster help keep claims on track.
■ How unrealistic or unspoken expectations can put the policyholder's trust at risk.
■ How AI-driven tools for automating updates and centralizing notes may impact the future of claims communication.
It starts with proactive communication and disciplined cost management. Listen to this podcast to hear how.
When a project runs over budget or falls behind schedule, the ripple effect on a claim can be significant. Policyholders may risk exceeding their coverage before the work is complete, and trust in the carrier can erode.
Brodey Snell, general manager of the 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchise in greater Indianapolis, and David Gavilanes, regional business coach at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, explain how restoration vendors can identify risks earlier and manage policyholder expectations from first contact through project completion.
In this podcast, you'll learn:
■ Which restoration costs are most likely to get off track from the original estimate.
■ Why consistent communication between the vendor and adjuster is important to help prevent scope changes from turning into expensive delays.
■ How educating policyholders can help avoid unnecessary frustration and keep restorations on schedule.
Listen to this podcast to hear how content restoration vendors are an important resource to guide insureds through total-loss claims.
When a claim becomes a total loss, documentation becomes critically important, and how well it's completed directly impacts how quickly a claim can close. David Gavilanes, training manager and regional business coach at Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, explains what good vendor execution looks like on these claims, where processes tend to break down, and what vendors can do to prevent unnecessary delays.
In this podcast, you'll learn:
n Why an accurate itemization and a clear chain of custody are critically important on a total loss claim.
n How ambiguity around disposal authorization and the insured's sign-off on the inventory can stall claims.
n How AI-assisted inventory tools and 3D property scanning are reducing documentation time and improving accuracy on total loss claims.
Listen to this podcast on how the agent-vendor relationship is changing, and how to keep pace and maximize benefits to carriers and policyholders.
Rising policyholder expectations, influenced by brands like Uber, Amazon, and Google, are pushing restoration contractors to meet a new standard. John Otero, regional business coach at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, explains how consumer behavior influences what property owners expect during a loss and how restoration teams can keep agents, adjusters, and policyholders aligned throughout the process.
In this podcast, you'll learn:
■ How real-time tracking, 3D scanning, and thermal imaging are raising the bar around documentation and claims transparency
■ Why misalignment between agents and restoration vendors can lead to delayed mitigation and higher overall claims costs
■ What structured education programs can do to reduce friction and protect carriers' loss ratios
Property restoration is gaining in complexity. Advancements in technology have led to an evolution in process but also customer expectations. Meanwhile, new building materials, a dynamic regulatory environment and the growing severity of CAT events, have made it difficult for property restorations teams to keep up.
In this video perspective interview, you'll hear from PropertyCasualty360's editor-in-chief Elana Ashanti Jefferson first lay out how the restoration business has changed, and then learn from 1-800 WATER DAMAGE's franchise owner Jason Phillips and regional business coach John Otero on what they're doing to ensure they are employing the latest in technology and customer service.
You'll learn: ● What the four key challenges are for property restoration; ● Why training and resources are key to adapting to the new, evolving normal; and ● Which innovations are allowing 1-800 WATER DAMAGE and their franchisees to finish a restoration swiftly and keep their lead in customer satisfaction.
For more insights from the 1-800 Water Damage team of experts, click here.
Fraud risk is changing rapidly as advances in AI are allowing fraudsters to step up their attacks, and transforming how insurers adapt to the new threats.
Fraud has evolved as AI becomes more widespread, as fraudsters adopt new AI-generated tactics. It's created schemes that are both easier to implement and harder to detect.
That's according to Kevin Lederer, senior vice president of the special investigations unit at Davies North America, who explains how carriers are responding to these advanced threats in this episode of the expert perspective podcast series.
In this podcast, you'll learn:
● What AI tricks fraudsters are using to add sophistication to their attempts
● How insurers use automation, red-flag rules, and fraud scoring across the claims life cycle to detect suspicious activity sooner
● Why human expertise and clear, explainable decision-making remain important alongside advanced fraud technology
Andy Klaus and Brad Davis discuss how parametric insurance differs from traditional coverage and how advances in data and technology are impacting the ability to manage weather-related risks.
Unusual snow events can disrupt operations across many sectors, such as retail, hospitality, and agriculture, particularly in regions unaccustomed to winter weather. Eric Anderson, director of national sales at Vortex Weather Insurance, explains how parametric insurance provides faster relief by basing payouts on objective weather data rather than traditional claims processes.
In this podcast, you'll learn:
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How parametric insurance differs from traditional coverage through automatic, data-based payouts.
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Which industries are most exposed to financial losses from unexpected snowfall or a lack of snow.
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How parametric policies offer a proactive strategy for weather risk management in snow-sensitive sectors.
Unpredictable fall and winter precipitation can cause major revenue loss for seasonal outdoor events like festivals and holiday markets. Andy Klaus, Vice President of business development at Vortex Weather Insurance, shares how parametric insurance helps agents and brokers protect clients against these risks, delivering fast payouts and filling gaps left by traditional coverage.
In this podcast, you’ll learn:
- What new vulnerabilities for fall and winter events are introduced by shifting precipitation patterns
- How parametric policies can provide quick payouts triggered by predefined weather thresholds, without requiring proof of loss
- Why offering parametric insurance coverage allows agents and brokers to differentiate themselves and grow their businesses
Tonya Courtney of Nationwide explains why brokers and carriers are rethinking their approach to risk and growth in today’s market.
The E&S property market is in a period of transition. While rates are easing and capacity is returning, volatility remains. Tonya Courtney, head of E&S Brokerage Property at Nationwide, explains why this tension makes the market riskier and why old strategies like broad appetite and aggressive pricing no longer work.
In this podcast, you’ll learn:
- What increased CAT volatility and reinsurance pressures are doing to underwriting strategies
- Why today’s market demands a more intentional, transparent, and data-driven approach
- How brokers can thrive by leaning into precision, understanding carrier appetites, and building stronger partnerships
John Otero and Robert Montgomery from 1-800 WATER DAMAGE share tips to help insureds put up their best defense against a fire.
As fire season approaches, insureds must start thinking about the best way to protect their home and family against a possible devastating fire event. A lot of preparation and strong partnerships with insurers and restoration professionals are key to ensuring the best outcome should a fire occur.
In this podcast, John Otero, Regional Business Coach at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, and Robert Montgomery, Franchise Owner of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE of Western Montana, provide their best advice for preparing for fire season. You’ll learn:
- When fire preparedness should ideally begin, and why it’s an ongoing process;
- Why it’s important for insureds to have a preparedness plan in place and the proactive measures that should be taken, such as creating a “go bag” with essentials and ensuring adequate insurance coverage;
- Why insureds should take pictures of the inside and outside of their home to help document what possessions they have to make it easier if they put in a claim;
- Some elements of fire preparedness that are commonly overlooked by insurers and restoration professionals, and;
- The timeline and process insureds should follow that could help insurers and restoration professionals expedite restoration.
Flood damage differs quite a bit from water damage, and the measures to get ready differ as well.
Peak flood season can leave both insurers and homeowners underwater — literally and figuratively. But insurers can make the entire claims process much smoother for their customers when they understand the complexities flood claims present.
In this podcast, Rick Wahlstrom and Jordan Demmon, both from 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, discuss the finer points of flood claims, and how insurers can work together with restorers and independent adjusters to make claimants whole again after a flooding disaster. You’ll learn:
● How much a residential flood claim can cost, including tear out, demolition and full dryout;
● Why flood claims have their own special policy exclusions and conditions, and how this requires understanding complex policies and FEMA guidelines; and
● What restoration professionals can do to prepare for flood season.
Mike Case of Blue Kangaroo Packoutz explains the key factors restoration pros consider in this podcast episode.
Choosing the right restoration strategy involves many factors, including the type of loss, extent of damage, materials, and overall value of an item. Mike Case, director of operations at Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, explains how restoration teams decide whether they can restore an item and how sentimental value impacts the policyholder experience.
In this podcast, you’ll learn:
- How the type of loss and material composition impact restoration potential
- What surprising items for policyholders—like electronics and textiles—can often be restored successfully
- Why innovations such as ultrasonic cleaning, advanced moisture detection, and digital reproduction are improving restoration outcomes
Ken Davis and Tim Singnysane of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, part of BELFOR Franchise Group, discuss why training is more important than ever as insurers prepare for the upcoming CAT season.
Increasing claims volumes, rising customer expectations, and fast-changing technology are putting even more pressure on CAT response teams. Ken Davis, claims partnership manager at BELFOR Franchise Group, and Tim Singnysane, director of operations at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, explain how gaps in practical experience, especially among new adjusters, can lead to slower responses and communication challenges during major events.
In this podcast, you’ll learn:
- How customized training improves speed, accuracy, and communication during CAT events
- How gaps in knowledge can delay claims and frustrate policyholders
- How practical, hands-on training helps adjusters adapt to field conditions and new technologies
Advanced technologies are helping claims professionals document losses more efficiently and generate more accurate estimates. Rick Wahlstrom, who handles estimate review and compliance at BELFOR Property Restoration, explains how these tools are transforming outdated methods, reducing costs, and improving efficiency. Wahlstrom also represents BELFOR Franchise Group’s Claims Partnership Program, which is supported by BELFOR’s 1-800 WATER DAMAGE and Blue Kangaroo Packoutz brands.
He emphasizes the need for ongoing training to support claims professionals in fully using the tools available to them. In this podcast, you’ll learn:
● How 3D imaging and AI-driven estimating tools are improving claims accuracy
● Why ongoing education is critical for claims professionals adopting new technologies
● How advancements in estimate writing reduce costs and improve efficiency for insurers and restoration companies
David Gavilanes of Blue Kangaroo Packoutz shares key insights on choosing a contents restoration partner that supports efficiency and controls costs.
Selecting a restoration partner with the right experience and capacity is important for preventing project delays and cost inefficiencies. David Gavilanes, training development leader and regional business coach at Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, explains how vendor selection impacts the overall claims process, highlighting the importance of clear communication, proper scoping, and transparency.
In this podcast, you’ll learn:
● How experience and capacity impact cost efficiency and project timelines,
● Why a restoration provider’s ability to salvage more contents can support higher policyholder satisfaction and lower claims costs, and
● How clear communication and accurate scoping support fewer delays and minimize unexpected expenses.
Tim Fagan of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE discusses strategies to streamline the claims restoration process and addresses the differences between commercial and residential claims.
The claims restoration process involves many variables, each affecting the speed and cost of claim resolution. As the scope of residential and commercial claims can differ, Tim Fagan, brand president at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, offers suggestions for improving the restoration process to benefit both insurance carriers and policyholders.
In this podcast, you’ll learn:
● How policy differences impact the claims restoration process.
● The importance of urgent response and creative restoration plans for both types of claims.
● How technology is improving the speed and cost-effectiveness of claims closure.
Through a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision models applied to aerial imagery – and delivered through a comprehensive software solution – Nearmap changes the way insurers manage and price property risk. It earned them multiple PropertyCasualty360 Luminaries Awards, including as a company for its risk management innovation and technology innovation.
Individually, Dave Tobias, general manager of Insurance at Nearmap, was named as a risk management innovation Luminary for his leadership in creating the industry’s first comprehensive property intelligence tech stack. It began with his co-founding of Betterview in 2014 to help insurers better manage risk, and over time, this effort evolved into joining forces with Nearmap in 2023.
Market conditions that are a moving target, talent shortages, and quick advancements in technologies such as AI have created unique challenges for the specialty insurance market. According to Mike Kerner, a member of the board of management at Munich Re responsible for global specialty insurance, while there are challenges in specialty re-insurance, there’s also room for optimism.
In this podcast, you’ll hear:
- The value of expertise, stability and partnerships in the specialty market;
- What he sees on the horizon for the specialty lines; and
- Where exactly his optimism is coming from.
Fire and smoke events can be one of the more stressful moments for a policyholder. This podcast looks at some key ways to make them whole again.
Fire and smoke incidents create complex challenges and potential delays in the claims process for insurance companies. Bill Gordon, regional business coach at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, and Tim Singnysane, director of operations at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, share best practices for improving claims efficiency, identifying hidden damages earlier, and improving customer satisfaction and retention.
In this podcast, you’ll learn:
- How specialized expertise can prevent claims slowdowns and address hidden damages.
- Best practices for capturing accurate damage information and improving claims efficiency.
- The benefits of partnering with experienced restoration professionals to support customer satisfaction and retention.
Ken Davis and Bill Gordon of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, part of BELFOR Franchise Group, explain strategies to optimize water claims efficiency without increasing costs during high-volume events.
Hurricanes, floods, and other water-related events lead to spikes in claims volumes for insurance companies. As carriers work to efficiently manage the ebb and flow of water claims, Ken Davis, claims partnership manager at BELFOR Franchise Group, and Bill Gordon, regional business coach, at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE discuss best practices for improving claims process efficiency.
In this podcast, you’ll learn:
- Which key areas can be optimized while keeping insureds satisfied,
- How this helps with policyholder retention, and
- What can be done about the upcoming generational shift with adjusters.
In today’s environment, global financial mandates are evolving quickly to thwart money laundering activities, and because insurance companies are considered financial institutions, they are subject to comply with the changes.
In this episode with LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Bob McConn, the associate vice president for claims solutions, shares his take on the current situation, as well as strategies carriers can employ to work toward compliance.
You’ll also hear:
- How the U.S. regulatory landscape is shifting toward targeted sanctions against individuals and organizations.
- Details on the frequency of watchlist updates.
- Why carriers need to monitor their customers throughout the customer life cycle.
- What actions insurers can take to protect themselves and support improved compliance.
If carriers put themselves at risk, the damage can be both financial and reputational. Listen now to learn how your organization can keep current with the changes.
As insurance risk continues to evolve, understanding the use of CBIS has become increasingly important. In this podcast, Gary Sanginario, associate vice president of product management, and Prasanth Kambhatla, associate vice president of data science, both experts at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, take a look at CBIS, including its history and how it continues to benefit both insurers and consumers.
You’ll also hear:
- How CBIS helps predict a consumer’s risk and how insurers leverage it to predict future insurance losses.
- Details about comprehensive studies conducted to address concerns about unfair bias based on race and ethnicity.
- About the testing framework employed by LexisNexis Risk Solutions, how the framework leverages well-established methodologies, and key takeaways from quantitative testing.
Rising premium rates, stricter underwriting, and carriers pulling out of states are creating challenging marketing conditions for independent agents looking to maintain and grow their book of business.
In this podcast, Michael Streit, general manager at Applied Systems’ EZLynx company, discusses the challenges posed by hard insurance markets for independent insurance agencies and the strategies for navigating difficult conditions.
You’ll also hear about:
- The drivers of the current hard market conditions, such as inflationary factors, tighter underwriting, carrier withdrawals from states, and more.
- Which actions independent agents can take to turn hard market challenges into opportunities and capture more renewals and new business.
- How technologies such as retention management tools, customer relationship management systems, automated workflows, and others can help support agents in the current market conditions.
Climate change is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences across various sectors, including the insurance industry. In this podcast, James Handley, director of data science at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, and Heikki Vesanto, data science manager at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, shed light on climate change impacts on the insurance industry – and how policyholders and insureds can prepare.
You’ll also hear:
- The factors increasing risk, such as record-breaking temperatures, warmer oceans, social inflation, and more.
- The areas hardest hit by climate change and potential future impacts.
- How proactive measures and innovative technologies can facilitate more informed decisions and help mitigate risks associated with climate change.
Clearspeed's CEO explains how their AI-enabled voice analytics technology is reimagining risk assessment in this exclusive podcast.
A finalist for PropertyCasualty360’s Luminary award, Clearspeed has leveraged its past as a Department of Defense contractor to pioneer innovation in risk assessment technology for the insurance industry.
In this exclusive Meet the Luminaries podcast, Alex Martin, CEO at Clearspeed, explains how its voice-based risk assessment technology provides a “missing puzzle piece” for those executing their leadership strategies.
You’ll also hear:
■ How the innovation is revolutionizing risk assessment;
■ Why it’s transforming the customer experience, and simultaneously driving down costs and mitigating risk for fraud; and
■ What lessons Clearspeed can share with other companies interested in innovation.
As organizations handle an increasing amount of data, using that data quickly and efficiently isn’t always easy. That’s why many are turning to AI to help with tasks such as triaging claims and providing adjustors with the right insights at the right moment to support more informed decisions.
Ann Latimer, senior vice president, head of claims operations, at Signal Mutual Indemnity Association, describes how she leveraged Gradient AI to transform their claims triage, and what it takes to get internal buy-in for an AI system.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
· Why claims triage was a natural introduction point for the AI solution;
· What challenges Signal Mutual Indemnity has undertaken in adoption; and
· How Lattimer’s team measures success on the platform.
Accurate reconstruction cost estimates (RCEs) are key to building strong property insurance policies. They support dependable insurance-to-value, which inform policy limits and reliable quoting, benefiting both insurers and policyholders.
In this episode of “Filling the Gap,” Trish Hopkinson, head of 360 Value for Verisk’s Underwriting Solutions, discusses how current and accurate information is critical in avoiding underinsurance gaps, which leave all parties vulnerable in the case of a total loss. You’ll learn:
- The impact a volatile marketplace, including inflation and labor strains, has had on reconstruction trends;
- Why current claims data is critical when recalculating reconstruction cost estimates;
- The main challenges that arise when estimating personal property and contents; and,
- Key elements important to reliable replacement costs.
For insurers, collecting as much information as possible is the name of the game, as it informs any number of insurance processes and ensures accurate risk assessment. With AI and machine learning, insurers now have powerful analytic tools to turn even more sources of underwriting insights into actionable intelligence. This not only enriches the underwriting process it also introduces efficiencies across the business.
In this episode of the “Filling the Gap” podcast series, Othman Loudghiri, director of Small Commercial and Casualty Underwriting at Verisk, talks about what AI and machine learning can help small commercial underwriters achieve. You’ll learn:
- The types of data AI and ML can capture and analyze, and why this is important in small commercial underwriting;
- The specific operational and efficiency benefits insurers can expect with AI and ML;
- How these new technologies complement the human touch, empowering underwriters to focus on more client-facing, strategic endeavors; and
- Why there’s an urgent shift from AI “exploration” to “adoption” among insurers and MGAs.
Each year, carriers spend countless hours applying changes to their rating content. It’s time-intensive work requiring precious resources to load only a fraction of these changes into their own rating engine. By digitizing this content, carriers can accelerate the adoption of rating changes and bring their products to market more quickly.
In this episode of “Filling the Gap,” Mark Sheehan, vice-president of Underwriting Solutions at Verisk Analytics, reviews the benefits of RaaS and the impacts it makes on rating. You’ll learn:
- The evolution of rating, how Rating-as-a-Service works;
- How digitization of rating content is benefiting carriers;
- How Rating-as-a-Service is increasing employee engagement and productivity, while also enriching the carrier’s insurance product;
- What early adopters are saying about Rating-as-a-Service.
The commercial insurance market is no stranger to advanced technology, using it to impact workflows to meet insureds’ demands for faster turnaround times and greater accuracy. Now, AI and ML are being applied to commercial insurance underwriting, helping insurers underwrite property risks more accurately and efficiently.
In this Insurtech Center podcast, Elizabeth Casas, Verisk’s head of commercial lines, underwriting, goes deeper into how AI and ML are impacting commercial lines underwriting. You’ll learn:
- The evolution of the use of AI and ML to collect data;
- How digital technologies are helping insurers to upgrade and enhance their underwriting capabilities by mining “actionable” data; and
- How digital technologies complement, rather than replace, human intervention to enable greater efficiency and accuracy.
The P&C market has gone through rapid transformation in recent years, which is opening up new opportunities that are drawing investor interest to the trillion-dollar market. But what’s underpinning that interest, and what does that mean for property and casualty insurance?
Cameron Parker, CEO of OneShield Software, takes a look at this in this podcast episode. He’ll also discuss:
- Investment trends in the startup sector
- Key success factors investors look for
- Impact of current economic conditions on funding
To learn more, hit play.
Thoughts and opinions conveyed in this podcast are for information purposes only and are not intended to be taken as direct investment advice.
The sheer volume of data insurers collect can make using it effectively an arduous task. But according to Dave Tobias, Betterview co-founder, and Rakesh Parikh, SVP of product development at OneShield Software, integrating the right data into the right process at the right moment is getting easier – improving speed, transparency, and the customer experience.
They explain how technology plays a role in core insurance processes, such as helping underwriters make faster decisions about new policies and renewals, and where the industry is headed in the future.
To learn more, hit play.
In Q2 of 2022, OneShield surveyed PropertyCasualty360 readers to discover insurers’ biggest struggles in achieving their business goals. The survey found that almost half of respondents struggle with the same roadblock: accessing the right technology to stay competitive. Respondents also share the most significant barriers that prevent them from adopting innovation initiatives, including IT resources, staff, and infrastructure.
Liza Smith, Chief Revenue Officer at OneShield Software, joins us to unravel the results and provide firsthand experience and tips for overcoming some of the market’s largest challenges.
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The rapid evolution of technology has quickly transformed what customers expect, how business is conducted, and the best way to secure a competitive advantage. But this has also prompted an important question: Is it “future-proof?” That is, will it become obsolete shortly after implementing, and what will the next trend be, such as the metaverse or Web 3.0, that will become a requirement for the next generation of insurer?
Vivek Gujral, CTO & Co-founder of OneShield Software, joins us to discuss which technology innovations will have the most significant impact over the next five years and what actions insurers can take to prepare.
To learn more, hit play.
Satyajit Nashikkar of OneShield breaks down the concept in this exclusive podcast episode from the “Top Tech Trends From Insurance Leaders” series.
Launching a new initiative often starts with creating a “minimum viable product,” but for insurers who are increasingly expected to deliver fast and easy technology experiences, the path to creating a product that customers love isn’t always straightforward. “That’s where the “minimum lovable product” comes in” says Satyajit Nashikkar, Chief Customer Success Officer at Oneshield Software.
Nashikkar shares the critical thinking, and process required to design a “minimum lovable product,” the necessary components of a successful rollout, and what’s behind “the art of the possible” in this episode of the “Top Tech Trends From Insurance Leaders” podcast series.
To hear more, press play.
Satyajit Nashikkar of OneShield breaks down the concept in this exclusive podcast episode from the “Top Tech Trends From Insurance Leaders” series.
Launching a new initiative often starts with creating a “minimum viable product,” but for insurers who are increasingly expected to deliver fast and easy technology experiences, the path to creating a product that customers love isn’t always straightforward. “That’s where the “minimum lovable product” comes in” says Satyajit Nashikkar, Chief Customer Success Officer at Oneshield Software.
Nashikkar shares the critical thinking, and process required to design a “minimum lovable product,” the necessary components of a successful rollout, and what’s behind “the art of the possible” in this episode of the “Top Tech Trends From Insurance Leaders” podcast series.
To hear more, press play.
While the digital transformation has opened up new possibilities for insurance companies, it’s also opened up companies to new and more sophisticated security threats designed to take advantage of vulnerabilities and exploit unknown weaknesses. And they’re everchanging.
In the first episode of the “Top Tech Trends From Insurance Leaders” podcast series sponsored by OneShield Software, we’ll join Chad Galgay, CISO at OneShield, on the potential risks and the best ways to protect against them. He’ll discuss what insurers should consider as they move along the digital transformation path, and share insights about what’s next in the future and steps to get prepared.
To learn more, hit play.
As cyberthreats get more sophisticated, a new tool is emerging for carriers to fight the risk: behavioral biometrics. Find out more in this podcast with LexisNexis Risk Solutions.
As cyberthreats get more sophisticated, a new tool is emerging for carriers to fight the risk: behavioral biometrics. Find out more in this podcast with LexisNexis Risk Solutions.
Digital transformation was already taking hold in the insurance industry, and it’s had some in the industry asking “What’s next?” According to Reid Holzworth, IVANS CEO, the correct answer may be “What’s now?”
We recently spoke with Holzworth to understand how the key to digital success may lie outside the tech, how consumers are being enabled by these advancements, and how an insurer can future-proof themselves as technology marches forward.
To learn more, hit play.
In recent years, customer expectations have evolved, with people expecting faster and more convenient experiences. This trend accelerated during the pandemic, partly driven by customers wanting to minimize unnecessary in-person interactions. As a result, customers became more comfortable with — and even prefer — online transactions. Carriers responded to this demand in many ways, but generally by using additional data and reducing unnecessary process steps.
We recently spoke with Kelly Rush, Director, Home Solutions, at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, to discuss the role of data solutions in improving the customer experience. He also explains why data is critical to better understanding changes in exposure and risk.
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The market is undergoing rapid changes — experiencing everything from rising inflation to increased costs of goods and supply chain issues. Many insureds reduced maintenance and repairs during the pandemic, and now getting these tasks completed is a challenge. Carriers need the ability to rate and underwrite based on accurate and up-to-date information, but evaluating risk continues to be difficult due to market changes, which are moving targets.
We recently spoke with Kelly Rush, Director, Home Solutions, at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, to discuss how carriers can access the information they need to understand evolving customer risk better. He further explains the role of data solutions in improving overall coverage accuracy with new business and annual changes during renewal.
To learn more, hit play.
The war on talent is disrupting the insurance market as staff are stretched thinner than ever, and many employees are on the brink of retirement. The result is longer customer hold times and shorter adjuster hours because there aren’t always enough resources to manage workloads. However, automation and smart data hold the promise of reducing adjuster workloads to address growing demands. We recently spoke with Frank Cesario, Director of Claims LexisNexis, and Megan Hunsucker, Senior Vertical Market Manager, Claims, to learn how emerging technologies support adjusters, freeing up time and resources to focus on more critical and higher-level tasks.
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The pressure to deliver on rising customer expectations has never been higher. Up to 32% of customers report they are prepared to walk away from a poor experience, and this comes at a time when digital adoption is rapidly increasing. MGAs that leverage intelligent document processing enable faster times to market and unlock touchless processing capabilities, both important elements to improving customer satisfaction.
We recently spoke with Mladen Subasic, Head of Product and Innovation at OIP Robotics, and Nemanja Jokic, Director of Business Technology at OIP Robotics, to explore how the use of clean, reusable and enriched data can improve underwriting decisions. Additionally, they discuss the role of AI and how to transform from transactional underwriting to portfolio management.
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MGAs are navigating a highly competitive market and require tools and strategies to keep pace with rapid changes. With underwriters spending at least half their time on tedious tasks such as rekeying data, recovering that lost time with an intelligent document process and data automation is important.
In this podcast episode, Mladen Subasic, Head of Product and Innovation at OIP Robotics, and Chris Sylvester, Chief Information Officer at XS Brokers Insurance Agency, join Nicki Howell to discuss how an innovative approach to data helps build a 360-degree view of the MGA portfolio, risks and markets. They discuss how XS Brokers took the journey with insurtech, which moved them from being product focused to being data enabled.
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Insurance carriers are focused on creating better claims experiences for customers, but when disruptors like a global pandemic or the Great Resignation add pressure to operations, it presents a challenge. As insurers navigate these forces, they are still required to deliver the easy and seamless interactions their customers seek, and data and automation can make this happen. In this podcast episode, the first in the “How Data Is Rewriting The Future Of Insurance” series by LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Frank Cesario, director of claims, and Megan Hunsucker, senior vertical market manager of claims, discuss how harnessing the power of data directly impacts customers and improves the claims experience when they need it most. To learn more, hit play. For more information on how to navigate carrier challenges with data, visit the LexisNexis Risk Solutions blog.
With vast amounts of data available, many insurers face a difficult challenge finding the right data and using it effectively. Those that succeed, though, can see a significant payoff. According to a survey by Willis Towers Watson, over two-thirds of insurance companies reported that predictive analytics helped reduce underwriting expenses, and 60% credited the additional insights for increased sales and profitability.
We recently spoke with Maroun Mourad, President of Global Underwriting at Verisk, to discuss how data, analytics and digital technologies are transforming the industry and delivering benefits for risk professionals. He explains how innovation is helping companies reimagine insurance and improve the customer experience.
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Auto and commercial fleets have always posed a risk management challenge, but evolving market conditions, such as the ongoing driver shortage and social inflation, are exacerbating those risks and further underscoring the need to mitigate these challenges. Telematics is a tool that helps insurers more accurately understand underwriting risk profiles to address potential issues and reduce exposure.
We recently spoke with Greg Jacobs, Director of Product Management, IoT and Telematics at Verisk, to understand how telematics-based technology solves many of the challenges facing insurers and the most significant benefits of this technology.
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Capturing insurance renewals is increasingly important as customers’ expectations rise and people demand greater personalization and attention. Auto insurance carriers in the U.S., for example, could capture an additional $2 billion if they could retain only 10 percent of the $19 billion in direct premium switches from one carrier to another each year. Data sophistication is a powerful tool that can help improve the customer experience and profits.
However, many insurance companies struggle to implement a complete retention strategy, which can cause loss ratios to take hits and ultimately impact the customer experience and retention. We recently spoke with Patience Peterson, director of product management at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, to discover a winning strategy that provides auto insurers with deeper insights needed to win at auto-renewal.
To learn more, hit play.
Underwriting commercial auto insurance comes with a variety of expenses, including the ordering of a motor vehicle report, which costs $10.32 on average. At the same time, many customers are expecting faster and more accurate quotes. To address these challenges, some insurers are implementing data-first strategies that enable them to enhance the customer experience and reduce expenses, such as the cost of the MVR report, by as much as 30%.
We recently spoke with Diane Injic, Director of Commercial Auto Underwriting at Verisk, to explain how data-first strategies can improve expense ratios and customer interactions. She also describes how new technologies enable underwriters to use their expertise on more complicated and higher-risk exposures.
Many small commercial insurers are leveraging data to make underwriting decisions with greater speed and precision. But some data that’s available is not useful for small commercial insurers and creates extra “noise” for already busy underwriters.
We recently spoke with Tracey Waller, director of small commercial underwriting at Verisk, to learn how to cut through the data noise in small commercial underwriting. During the discussion, we explored how focusing on the right data can help underwriters make more effective decisions and help agents capture and retain customers.
The expectations of insurance customers are changing rapidly, as demand grows for more seamless experiences and less friction during the application process. To meet this demand, many insurers are turning to automated underwriting and looking to reduce the number of questions on an application to zero.
We recently spoke with Tracey Waller, Product Director for Small Commercial Underwriting at Verisk, to learn how automated underwriting can help carriers get ahead in the market, and what parts of underwriting should – and shouldn’t be – automated.
To learn more, hit play.
Commercial lines underwriting has undergone rapid transformation in recent years, as insurers implement data-first strategies to try to make faster and more refined decisions. But as the amount of information on businesses continues to grow, finding the data you need and generating relevant insights can be a major challenge.
We recently spoke with Ron Biederman, Vice President of Commercial Lines Coverage Products at Verisk, to discuss data-first underwriting in commercial lines. Ron explores strategies and tips for success and why the role of the human underwriter is becoming even more critical in a data-first environment.
To learn more, hit play.
The pandemic brought many challenges to insurance agents, including issues of customer acquisition and retention, increased digital competition, staffing issues, and more. However, technology proved a valuable tool for navigating difficult times and a resource for capturing a competitive edge and securing more of the market.
We recently spoke with Herb Chirico, Chief of Marketing at Imperial PFS, to discuss the most significant challenges agents face in the current market conditions and why premium-financing solutions are critical to securing a competitive edge and reducing capital burden. He explains the key elements of evaluating a premium financing solution and why this type of solution is vital to agents' success.
To learn more, hit play.
Excess & Surplus lines have had a turbulent recent history, between the pandemic, the rise in social inflation, and growing number of CAT events. It’s led some carriers to raise rates or drop coverage altogether. But for some, there also lies an opportunity, notes Jill Beggs, President of Excess & Surplus Insurance lines at Munich Re Specialty Insurance Group.
In the latest episode of the Munich Re Specialty Insurance Group podcast series, we joined Beggs to discuss what the current environment means for E&S lines, the challenges brokers are facing in the space, and how to grow and prosper in this risk landscape. To listen, hit play.
Recent cyberattacks have kept cybersecurity in the spotlight. The threat is very real, and criminals are going after large organizations and small and midsized ones alike. What can brokers and carriers do to mitigate this new reality?
In the latest episode of the Munich Re Specialty Insurance podcast series, join Steve Pacheco, Head of US Cyber and Technology E&O for Munich Re Specialty Group, as he describes what the landscape looks like and what tips can help reduce exposure. To listen, hit play.
The specialty market is fast changing and fueled by such trends as consolidation, globalization, and innovation. There are new risks emerging, and these risks not only create difficulty but also present opportunities to differentiate and expand business. A simplified, broker-centric approach and creating more integrated connections between brokers and underwriters are important elements to improving the customer experience.
We recently spoke with Mike Kerner, CEO at Munich Re Specialty Insurance. He explains how emerging trends are impacting brokers and agents, discusses best practices around differentiating during difficult times, and outlines how to create a more holistic broker experience. To learn more, hit play.
As insurance carriers are looking for ways to modernize their operations, one area that’s ripe for opportunity is claims. Claims organizations are moving away from manual processes, which can lead to inefficiencies, leakage and poor customer experiences. They are looking to capitalize on ways data and automation can improve the experience. The introduction of data sophistication, or the strategic integration of data into workflows, is positioned to improve the experience for carriers and their customers, and the industry is ready at this critical, post-2020 juncture.
We recently spoke with Frank Cesario, Director, with the Auto Claims vertical at LexisNexis Risk Solutions to understand how insurance companies are introducing data sophistication into their processes. Join us as he explains the vision for claims triage and how a triage operation leveraging data sophistication increases efficiencies, stops leakage and improves the claims experience
Highlights from the June 2 webcast “Seven Insights to Help P&C Insurers Attract and Retain Millennial Policyholders.” This event was sponsored by Invoice Cloud, and featured Angela Abbott, Director of Partnerships - Financial Services at Invoice Cloud.
The webcast can be found in its entirety on demand at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2021/04/02/seven-insights-to-help-pc-insurers-attract-and-retain-millennial-policyholders/
Highlights from the May 12 webcast “How to Achieve your Digital Insurance Vision with Transformative Technology,” sponsored by OneSpan. This event featured Oliwia Berdak, VP Research Director, Forrester Research; and Mary Ellen Power, VP Marketing, OneSpan.
The webcast can be found in its entirety on demand at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2021/04/02/how-to-achieve-your-digital-insurance-vision-with-transformative-technology/
As cyber thieves become more sophisticated in their attacks, leveraging tools like machine learning, artificial intelligence and more, the fallout has shown that the risk of cybersecurity attacks has never been greater. As a recent report from the Identity Theft Resource Center notes, cyber thieves often just need login and passwords from consumers to launch attacks as individuals oftentimes reuse passwords at work and home on more than one account. More than 15 billion credentials are available for sale at any given time in underground identity markets. Cyber criminals use automated tools that can attempt to access 500 accounts per second using stolen logins and passwords. The time to think about the impact of cyberattacks in our personal lives is now.
We recently spoke with Kareen Boyadjian, Vice President of Underwriting and Product Leader for Medefense, e-MD and NetGuard SELECT at Tokio Marine HCC - Cyber & Professional Lines Group, about the current trends fueling the need for a stand-alone cyber personal lines insurance policy, what to consider when shopping for a policy, and how brokers can assist clients in this area. To learn more, hit play.
Highlights from the March 23 webcast “Manage the Uptick in Mega Claims Efficiently.” This event featured Pramod Akkarachittor, Vice President of Products at CLARA Analytics; and Seth Rachlin, Ph.D., Executive Vice President-Global Insurance Industry Leader at Capgemini.
The webcast can be found in its entirety on demand at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2021/03/04/manage-the-uptick-in-mega-claims-successfully-efficiently/
Highlights from the April 28 webcast “The Rise of the Digital Insurance Agency: 3 Award-Winning Agents Share How They Drive Growth with Digital.” This event was moderated by Geoffery Metzand featured Jeff Roy, CEO, Excalibur Insurance; Majda Baltic, Founder & CEO, Majdas Touch Insurance; and James Castell, Director of Sales and Marketing, Castell Insurance.
The webcast can be found in its entirety on demand at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2021/03/10/the-rise-of-the-digital-insurance-agency-3-award-winning-agents-share-how-they-drive-growth-with-digital/
Customers are demanding more personalized and meaningful experiences from their insurance carriers, and they’re willing to go as far as switching providers to get that experience. A recent survey found that three-quarters of insurance customers reported wanting more personalized offers, messages and recommendations from their insurance carrier. Delivering this type of experience requires carriers to better understand customer behaviors and leverage that knowledge to create deeper connections and better anticipate needs.
We recently spoke with Justin Silver, Senior Director, Solution Consulting at Duck Creek Technologies, about data-driven personalization and the impact it has on the insurance market. He explains what carriers have to gain from harnessing the right data and what’s on the horizon for data-driven personalization in the insurance space. To learn more, hit play.
Highlights from the March 16 webcast “AI: Putting Insurers on the Path to Better Decision Making.” This discussion featured three experts from Shift Technology: first Marcel Gordon, VP Product; John Cully, Head of Brand Communications; and Alicia Holmes, Pre-Sales Consultant.
The full on-demand presentation can be found at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2021/02/08/ai-putting-insurers-on-the-path-to-better-decision-making/
Competition in the insurance industry is fierce, and the professional liability segment is no exception. Sixty-eight percent of insurers
surveyed agreed that predictive analytics had a positive impact on increased sales and cross-selling, and 41% reported that predictive
analytics helped reduce underwriting expenses and claims costs.
However, predictive analytics also enables brokers and agents to provide their insureds with faster and improved service.
We recently spoke with Daniel Mogelnicki, SVP for Underwriting - Professional Lines at Tokio Marine HCC - Cyber & Professional Lines
Group, about the use of predictive analytics in professional liability. He explains the impact that it has on pricing and risk assessment and why
this technology will become more widely used in the future. To learn more, hit play.
Highlights from the March 2 editorial webcast “Implementation Strategies for Claims Automation.” This panel discussion was helmed by PC360’s Patricia Harmon and featured Tori Santos, Director, Claims Modernization at USAA; Jacqueline Tirpak, VP Corporate Claims Officer at Erie Insurance; Darin McCarthy, Vice President of Claims at Hippo Insurance; and Tim Christ, Vice President of Growth for Claimatic.
The full on-demand presentation can be found at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2021/02/01/implementation-strategies-for-claims-automation/
Cybersecurity breaches highlighted in the news often involve large, high-profile companies, but the reality is that hackers are shifting their focus. Cyber criminals aren’t only targeting large healthcare systems, financial institutions, and big university systems – they are going after small to midsized businesses as well. And the potential cost is high, with the average expense of an attack reaching $3.85 million.
We recently spoke with DJ Carlisle, Underwriting Manager for Cyber & Tech at Tokio Marine HCC – Cyber & Professional Lines Group, about the fast-changing environment of cyberthreats. He explains which cyberthreats are most common right now, what to look for, and what has recently changed. To learn more, hit play.
Highlights from the January 21 webcast “Prepare for the Top 3 Emerging Trends in the P&C Industry.” This event featured, from Slalom Strategy, Matt Edwards, Practice Area Director; from United Educators Insurance (UE), Ramesh Bulusu, CIO and Nitesh Patel, Associate Vice President, Information Technology; and Jon M. Deutsch, Global Vice President of Financial Services Solution at ibi.
Highlights from the December 3 webcast “How Consumer Driven Telematics Data Helps Price with Precision.” This event featured Jenny Sankovsky, Product Strategy & Innovation Director for American Family Insurance; and John Chalfant, Sr. Manager, Product Management, U.S. Connected Car for LexisNexis Risk Solutions.
The full on-demand presentation can be found at
https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2020/11/03/how-on-demand-access-to-consumer-driven-telematics-data-eliminates-roadblocks/
Highlights from the October 21 webcast “How to Elevate and Enhance Policyholder Experiences in Property Claims.” This event featured Lisa St. Onge, Senior Assistant Vice President, Claims Executive Department at Amica Mutual Insurance Company; Matt Palczer, Vice President, Property and Subrogation Claims Operations with Erie Insurance; Lance Malcolm, U.S. President, Contractor Connection; and was led by Larry C. Thomas, Global President, Crawford Specialty Solutions.
The insurance market is fiercely competitive, and insurance carriers need the ability to test and deploy new technologies with greater speed. The resources required to build technologies from scratch are labor-intensive, and when carriers have a way to shorten the time to market, they achieve a competitive edge.
We recently spoke with Andrew Yohn, product lead at Duck Creek Technologies, about the benefits of leveraging an insurtech ecosystem in core systems and how plug-and-play technologies capture a competitive advantage. He explains how the company is constantly exploring the “art of what’s possible” to develop prebuilt integrations that enable carriers to stay on the cutting edge of technology and achieve greater success. To learn more, hit play.
The technology landscape is fast-changing, and as customer demands shift, companies require strategies that help them stay agile. The pandemic has brought to light an urgent need to re-architect the workforce as more people work remotely. Cloud has proved an important tool for successfully making this pivot, as it improves efficiency, reduces cost and supports innovation during turbulent times.
For this episode of the InsurTech Podcast Series, we poke with Kiran Achen, Chief Information Officer, WNC Insurance Services; Anthony Iadisernia, Managed Services Manager, Sapiens; and Ralph Severini, Global Leader, Insurance, Amazon Web Services, about why cloud technologies support innovation during uncertain times. Additionally, they discuss how to best leverage this technology to your company’s benefit. To learn more, hit play.
Highlights from the September 22 webcast “Reimagine Your Claims Process with Future-Proof Technologies.” This event featured Sean Baird, Director of Product Marketing, Nuxeo.
The full on-demand presentation can be found at
https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2020/08/07/reimagine-your-claims-process/
Highlights from the September 15 webcast “Preparing for the New Normal in Insurance Onboarding.” This event featured Francois Leblanc, Director of Technical Sales, OneSpan and Mary Ellen Power, VP Marketing, also from OneSpan.
The full on-demand presentation can be found at
https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2020/08/14/preparing-for-the-new-normal-in-insurance-onboarding/
With more businesses increasing their remote work-force following pandemic precautions there is a heightened focus on cybersecurity and cyber insurance. Gathering data quickly and turning in into a meaningful model to assess risk will be imperative as insurers move forward into the new normal.
Rosalie Donlon, editor-in-chief of ALM's insurance and tax publications, joins Kelly Bellitti, Head of Pricing for Global Professional and Cyber at AXA XL, as they examine the importance of data in helping organization improve their outcomes in this episode of “Transforming the Future of Risk: A Data-Centric Approach,” sponsored by RMS. Click play to the full e
Since Katrina, models for natural disasters have proliferated. This robustness has led to a new breed of models: ensemble models, which collects the average of these post-Katrina projections and fuses them into new metrics. There’s research showing they can be more predictive than individual models, but how far does that accuracy extend?.
Rosalie Donlon, editor-in-chief of ALM's insurance and tax publications, joins Pete Dailey, PhD., Vice President of Model Development for RMS, as they examine the ensemble modelings’’ successes, shortcomings and its future in this episode of “Transforming the Future of Risk: A Data-Centric Approach,” sponsored by RMS. Click play to the full episode.
The risk of climate change stretches beyond just wildfire and hurricane risks. But what’s the way to quell the unpredictability of a reduced harvest or heat wave? Look at the data, says Ben Harper, Head of Corporate Sustainability for Zurich North America.
Rosalie Donlon, editor-in-chief of ALM's insurance and tax publications, joins Harper as they examine data’s growing utility in our changing world in this episode of “Transforming the Future of Risk: A Data-Centric Approach,” sponsored by RMS. Click play to the full episode.
As businesses begin the slow process of re-opening, companies are still right to be full of concerns. From the virus to other concerns such as Legionnaire’s, understanding the risks associated with re-openings will be important as we go forward.
Fifteen years after it made landfall, Hurricane Katrina remains among the costliest Hurricanes in history. The major event also cast a renewed scrutiny on some old practices and ushered in a new generation of analysis for these catastrophic events.
In this episode of “Transforming the Future of Risk: A Data-Centric Approach,” sponsored by RMS, Rosalie Donlon, editor-in-chief of ALM's insurance and tax publications, joins Robert Muir-Wood, Chief Research Officer at RMS, as they examine this evolving picture. Click play to hear the full episode.
The coronavirus pandemic was a massive insurance event, leaving hundreds of thousands dead, disrupting business globally and changing the way we engage in our daily lives. With the world slowly shaking off the initial outbreak, insurers are piecing together the overall impact, and what’s next.
Rosalie Donlon, editor-in-chief of ALM's insurance and tax publications, and Joel Cavaness, president at Risk Placement Services, Inc., take a look at the emerging insurance picture, its aftermath and the role of data in future pandemics and other catastrophic events in this episode of the podcast series “Transforming the Future of Risk: A Data-Centric Approach,” sponsored by RMS. Click play to the full episode.
Highlights from the June 23 webcast “Using Predictive Models to Assess and Act Upon Changing Driver Behavior”. This event featured Chris Delaplaine, Senior Risk Engineering Consultant at The Zurich Services Corporation; Ayodele Odubela, Data Scientist at SambaSafety; Marian Aavang, Vice President, Product Management, at SambaSafety; and was moderated by Rick Fendell, Vice President, Insurance and Channels at SambaSafety.
The full on-demand presentation can be found at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2020/04/29/using-predictive-models-to-assess-and-act-upon-changing-driver-behavior/
The smart home insurance market has transformed in recent years, and it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach no longer works. To better understand these changes, we spoke with Brett Jurgens, co-founder and CEO of Notion. Jurgens explains that customer acquisition and retention are large benefits of smart home programs. These programs empower insurance companies to provide key points of differentiation and retain more of their customers during critical points in time, such as during a claim or at the time of renewal.
Insurance companies can engage with customers in ways that weren’t possible in the past. Notion, for example, has nine to 11 touchpoints with customers daily, which builds ongoing trust and loyalty. Jurgens further explains how focusing on that “first 15 minutes of ownership” is allowing insurance companies to deliver value right from the start. To hear more about smart home programs and how they transform customer interactions and improve ROI, hit play.
Highlights from the June 23 webcast “Automating Underwriting: Turn Art into Science.” This event featured Gail McGiffin, Partner/Principal at EY Advisory Services, and Christopher Longano, Product Solutions Consultant at Carpe Data.
The full, on-demand presentation can be found at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2020/05/26/automating-underwriting-turn-art-into-science/
About Gail McGiffin| Partner/Principal| EY Advisory Services
Gail McGiffin is a Partner/Principal in EY’s Insurance Advisory practice and leads the Global Underwriting practice which includes solutions across underwriting, product development, policy administration and billing. She has over 30 years in the business across both industry and consulting. Most recently, Gail was the Chief Information Officer at ProSight Specialty Insurance where she led the creation of an innovative, fully outsourced platform for this new specialty insurance company. This included solutions for bordereau and non-bordereau program business as well as a Lloyd’s syndicate. Prior to her role at ProSight, Gail was a senior executive/managing partner in Accenture’s Insurance practice, leading its Global Underwriting Transformation Offerings for 10 years.
About Christopher Longano, CPCU| Product Solutions Consultant | Carpe Data
Christopher Longano joined Carpe Data in early 2020 as a Product Solutions Consultant. He brings over 10 years of experience working with P&C insurance carriers, supporting and consulting primarily on underwriting and product management data and software. In 2015, he earned his CPCU, and holds a Masters degree from Columbia University.
Highlights from the June 18 webcast “Beyond Glass: Using AI to Transform the Automotive Claims Experience,” sponsored by Capgemini and Shift Technology. The event featured Satish Weber, Vice President of Insurance Go-to-market at Capgemini, and Eric Sibony, Co-founder and Chief Scientist with Shift Technology.
In this episode of the Expert Perspectives podcast, sponsored by SambaSafety and hosted on Propertycasualty360.com, we’ll hear highlights from the May 13th presentation titled, The Benefits of a “Data First” Business Approach in Uncertain Times.
While it’s too early to predict the long-term impact of the current economic downturn, trends are starting to emerge that would indicate paradigm shifts in insurance shopping, distribution channels and additional competitive risks. Companies that fare best during a recession are those who take steps to prepare, consider long-term implications and focus on maintaining growth and profitability through a recession. Matt Wiley, Channel Development & Alliance Management Lead at Equifax Insurance Solutions, and Michele Cook, Principal Product Manager at SambaSafety, address how organizations should respond to the current economic and social climate and leverage data to maintain and increase profitability.
The full on-demand webcast can be found here: https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2020/03/19/the-benefits-of-a-data-first-business-approach-in-uncertain-times/
Matt Wiley | Channel Development & Alliance Management Lead| Equifax Insurance Solutions
Matt Wiley enjoys helping clients make more informed decisions through the use of unique and differentiated data. He has spent the majority of his career in the insurance industry, gaining expertise in the areas of underwriting, data analysis, and software implementation. While insurance and data is his primary job function by day, Matt also enjoys playing golf, mountain biking, and coaching lacrosse.
Michele Cook | Principal Product Manager | SambaSafety
Michele Cook has nearly 20 years of experience working with the largest personal lines and commercial insurance carriers in North America. Michele’s expertise as a Sr. Product Manager is focused on proactively delivering accurate data to the underwriting community to gain better insights into driving behavior while uncovering hidden risks. Michele has built and managed some of the most well-known products utilized today that have become industry standards.
Highlights from the February 25 webcast, “Transforming Commercial Lines Underwriting: Achieving Underwriting Excellence through Digital Intelligence.” This event was sponsored by EXL, and featured, from the Everest Group, Skand Bhargava, Practice Director; and Somya Bhadola, Senior Analyst; and from EXL, Roopak D Chadha, Vice President of P&C Solutions and Implementation Lead; Kathleen Welday, Vice President of P&C Solutions, Implementation Lead and Industry SME; and Sumeet Johar, Partner, Insurance Domain Leader.
As we start a new decade, the commercial insurance industry faces shifts in demand and must make operational and risk assessment changes to achieve sustainable profitability through underwriting excellence. It’s critical for insurers to adopt a more digital-driven approach to help increase top-line growth and control losses and expenses.
The full on-demand presentation and panel bios can be found at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2020/01/17/transforming-commercial-lines-underwriting-why-a-digital-approach-is-essential/
Highlights from the February 19 webcast, “Best Practices for Wildfire Risk Management and Mitigation.” This event was sponsored by Verisk, and featured Dr. Arindam Samanta, Product Management and Innovation at the company.
Wildfires are an ongoing driver of increasing loss exposure as development continues to encroach on high-hazard areas. Long-term data and analysis show strong correlations between wildfire-damaged property locations and moderate to extreme exposure to multiple types of severe loss.
The full on-demand presentation can be found at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2020/01/06/best-practices-for-wildfire-risk-management-and-mitigation/
About Dr. Arindam Samanta
Dr. Arindam Samanta is Director of Product Management and Innovation at Verisk. Arindam leads property underwriting product management efforts in the areas of weather and natural hazards, including FireLine, Verisk’s wildfire risk management tool for the insurance industry, and a range of other property risk assessment tools related to hail, wind, and lightning. Before Verisk, he worked as a research fellow at Boston University.
Highlights from the January 28 webcast “The Power of Accurate, Verified Commercial Property Data.” This event was sponsored by Verisk, and featured Kyle Pelecky, director of commercial property for ISO Commercial Lines Underwriting.
Verified property data remains a necessity in today’s fast paced underwriting environment. Non-verified or missing data can slow down your underwriting process and increase your risk for leaving money on the table. But how do you know if you have the data you need to accurately assess your property portfolio?
The full webcast can be downloaded at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2019/12/06/the-power-of-accurate-verified-commercial-property-data/
About Kyle Pelecky
Kyle Pelecky joined Verisk in 2017. Before joining ISO Commercial Lines Underwriting as director of commercial property, he was technical director for commercial property and inland marine at Nationwide Insurance. In that position, he led and set direction for enterprise underwriting and directed implementation of strategic objectives to align with Nationwide’s commercial plan. Before Nationwide, Kyle was underwriting director for Traveler’s Insurance. He worked with their small business unit where he managed a team of 12 associates with a total combined premium of $82,000,000. Kyle has a strong underwriting background along with experience in graphic design, marketing, media relations, and sports management.
This episode highlights from the recent webcast from sponsor Verisk, “Looking Ahead to 2020: The Impact of 2019 Commercial Auto Trends.” The event featured ISO’s Diane Injic, Director of Commercial Auto Underwriting, and Rick Stoll, Vice President of Commercial Underwriting Products.
The full, on-demand and free presentation can be viewed at
https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2019/10/28/looking-ahead-to-2020-the-impact-of-2019-commercial-auto-trends/
In this episode, we’re bringing you highlights from the recent webcast “Detect claims fraud with increased accuracy and efficiency,” which took place in November and featured Shift Technology’s Kamala Wedding and Assurant SIU’s Anthony Gaytan.
The full on-demand presentation can be found at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2019/10/08/detect-claims-fraud-with-increased-accuracy-and-efficiency/
Speakers:
Kamala Wedding, Fraud Subject Matter Expert, Shift Technology.
Kamala Wedding is the Customer Success Manager for the US where she works closely with customers to provide ongoing support and guidance around business strategy and transformation topics to ensure overall customer satisfaction, and successful product adoption. She has spent her career fighting fraud, managing operations and developing anti-fraud strategy for all lines of business and spend twenty years at Farmers Insurance most recently as the Director of SIU, before joining Shift.
Anthony Gaytan, Lead Operations Analyst, Assurant SIU .
Anthony Gaytan is the Lead Operations Analyst for Assurant SIU. He has been part of Assurant’s SIU for 11 years, over 6 years of that time as an investigator before transitioning to being a fraud analyst. During his time with Assurant, he has been deeply involved in what he sees as the future of insurance fraud fighting: predictive analytics and machine learning. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science as well as two Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Public Administration. He also is a Certified Insurance Fraud Analyst and a Certified Fraud Examiner
Our latest podcast features highlights from the October webcast “How to Efficiently Incorporate Case Law Decisions Into Your Business Strategy,” featuring William Mauro, a senior director of CourtSide. The event and this episode are sponsored by Verisk.
To listen to the full presentation in its entirety, go to https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2019/09/12/how-to-efficiently-incorporate-case-law-decisions-into-your-business-strategy/
This episode features highlights from the recent webcast “How to Identify Hidden Driver Risk and Protect Against Premium Deficits,” sponsored SambaSafety.
To view the full webcast, including extensive Q&A, go to https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2019/08/26/how-to-identify-hidden-driver-risk-and-protect-against-premium-deficits/
This episode features highlights from the recent webcast “Finding Opportunities in the Personal Flood Insurance Market,” sponsored by Verisk.
To view the full webcast, including extensive Q&A, go to https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2019/08/12/finding-opportunities-in-the-personal-flood-insurance-market/
In this episode of the Expert Perspectives podcast, hosted on PropertyCasualty360 and sponsored by Vertafore, we’ll look at highlights from the recent webcast titled “More Than a Buzzword: How to Improve Customer Experience & Loyalty.” This panel discussion was led by Property Casualty 360’s (Executive Editor) Elana Ashanti Jefferson, and featured Doug Mohr of Vertafore, Claudia McClain of McClain Insurance Services, Craig Most from Most Insurance, Karolina Congdon from SPLICE Software, Erron Al-Amin of CSAA Insurance Group and Kevin Rall from Novarica.
The full on-demand presentation can be found at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2019/05/28/how-carriers-can-differentiate-for-the-agent-distribution-channel/.
About Doug Mohr:
Doug is the Vice President of Industry Relations & Partnerships at Vertafore. He joined Vertafore 9 years ago and leads our team that looks towards industry trends and manages strategic partnerships, including the Orange Partner Program members and industry organizations such as IIABA, InVEST, ID Federation, and ACORD. He brings 35+ years of software and technology experience having worked at companies that provide solutions to a variety of industries including Insurance, Healthcare, Apparel, Professional Services, High Tech, and Manufacturing.
About Claudia McClain:
Claudia is founder and president of McClain Insurance Services in Everett, Washington. She loves working with a team of experienced insurance professionals who care so deeply about protecting clients’ belongings and savings. McClain Insurance Services has grown dramatically since its beginning in 1977, thanks in so small part to its award-winning customer service and innovation strategies. A mother and grandmother, Claudia also serves on the board of the Everett Public Schools Foundation. .
About Craig Most:
Craig Most is principal of Florida’s Most Insurance and president of the American Insurance Marketing and Sales Society (AIMS). He has been in the industry for 16 years. Most Insurance specializes in preferred personal and commercial insurance lines.
About Karolina Congdon:
Karolina is the Manager of Partnerships & Alliances at SPLICE Software, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, with a Minor in International Business from Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. Karolina specializes in international growth and relations, as well as business plan development—and leverages these skills in her position at SPLICE. She spearheads the growth and development of SPLICE’s partner program within the insurance industry. This has led her to be recognized as one of IASA’s Young Professionals Under 30 in 2018 and a recipient of a Bronze Stevie Award for Women in Business in 2017.
About Erron Al-Amin:
Erron joined the CSAA Insurance Group in 2013 to lead a team of Customer Experience professionals to incorporate the Voice of the Customer (VOC) into every aspect of company operations. VOC provides a 360 degree view of the customer, including traditional market research, segmentation/targeting, customer analytics, customer feedback/closed loop programs and journey mapping. She established a customer vision and strategy and led a cross-functional program that helped the company gain ground in all five J.D. Power insurance studies and win the Harris Poll Insurance Brand of the Year twice. Erron has more than 20 years of experience in strategic marketing and customer experience, primarily within Financial Service and Subscription consumer services. She holds a B.A. in psychology with honors from Stanford University and earned an MBA and MA in International Studies from U.C. Berkeley.
About Kevin Rall:
Kevin Rall is a Vice President of Research and Consulting at Novarica. With more than 25 years of insurance technology experience, he is an expert in IT strategy and assessments, digital transformations, cloud strategy, core systems modernization, cybersecurity governance, agency portals and connectivity, customer experience, CRM, and marketing automation. Kevin’s insurance industry experience includes executive roles in IT, underwriting, sales, and marketing. Prior to joining Novarica, he held senior leadership roles at Deloitte Digital; Accenture; and Ohio Mutual Insurance Group, where he served as the Vice President of Underwriting and Sales. Kevin is a graduate of NC State College. He can be reached at krall@novarica.com. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevindrall/
This episode contains highlights from the recent webcast “Mobility Changes Are Here, Is Your Insurance Business Model Prepared?” The event happened in August and featured Katie DeGraaf of Arity and Robert Harbage, formerly of Willis Towers Watson.
The full, on-demand presentation can be accessed here: https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2019/07/12/mobility-changes-are-here-is-your-insurance-business-model-prepared/
About Katie DeGraaf
Katie DeGraaf oversees Product Management for the Mobility Intelligence team at Arity, including the development and recommendations of new techniques and processes to build innovative solutions for Arity’s Insurance customers. Before joining Arity, DeGraaf spent more than a decade at Willis Towers Watson where she played a key role in launching its telematics rating solution, DriveAbility. Katie has a deep passion for telematics and has spoken on the subject across the globe. She also serves on the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies Personal Lines Conference Planning Committee and is a mentor for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation.
About Robin Harbage
Robin Harbage is an insurance industry expert with more than 30 years experience as a chief actuary, insurance product manager, and general manager overseeing pricing, marketing, and product development across multiple states for top tier insurance carriers. As a director at Willis Towers Watson, he developed and launched successful insurance programs for more than 60 carriers. Retired in 2017, he now provides independent consultation and advice. Opinions expressed in this article are his own.
This episode is an excerpt from the webcast “How to More Effectively Use Social Media to Detect Fraud,” which happened in August and featured Rob Douglas from Skopenow and Dennis Toomey of BAE Systems.
The full on-demand presentation can be found at https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2019/06/07/how-to-more-effectively-use-social-media-to-detect-fraud/
About Rob DouglasRob Douglas is the CEO and Co-Founder of Skopenow, an analytical search engine that uses AI to detect claims fraud within social media. Rob is a product and data enthusiast.
About Dennis ToomeyDennis Toomey, Global Director, Counter Fraud Analytics and Operations at BAE Systems, brings nearly 30 years’ experience as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor on insurance fraud to BAE Systems. This includes industry hands-on experience of investigating and leading large Special Investigation Units (SIUs) coupled with data, analytics, and consulting experience around the world. Toomey offers a diverse skill set of management, planning, and marketing across fraud detection and investigation solutions for the global property, casualty, life, and disability insurance markets.
This episode of Expert Perspectives, sponsored by Verisk and hosted on Property Casualty 360 explores highlights from the July webcast “Solving for Insurance-to-Value: How to Improve Commercial Underwriting,”which drew on the expertise of Alex J. Vasili and Andrew Hardiman, both of Verisk.
The full on demand presentation can be found here https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2019/06/20/solving-for-insurance-to-value-how-to-improve-commercial-underwriting/
About Alexander Vasile
Alex Vasile is a product sales executive with Verisk. He is responsible for leading sales for several products, including Verisk’s 360Value® and property prefill and imagery solutions. Alex has spent more than 27 years working with the insurance industry. Before joining Verisk, Alex worked for Marshall & Swift/Boeckh (MSB) and American Appraisal Associates.
About Andrew Hardman
Andrew Hardman is a product manager for Verisk’s 360Value, a tool to calculate rebuilding cost estimates. He provides support to insurance customers for their ITV needs for both Commercial and Personal lines. In addition, Andrew works closely with construction experts, insurance carriers, and software developers to deliver valuable enhancements to 360Value®.
Insurance claims are a key “moment of truth” for policyholders where carriers have an opportunity to either make a positive impression and increase satisfaction and renewals or deliver a frustrating experience that alienates customers and makes them consider the alternatives. In this “Age of the Customer,” policyholders demand personalized communications with a seamless end-to-end experience rather than a fragmented and confusing journey. This podcast is selected highlights from the recent webcast “Streamline Your Claims Correspondence,” which took place on May 23rd and featured Quadient’s Avi Greenfield.
One change has revolutionized data handling for several industries: machine learning. But while allowing software solutions to process data for similarities or search time has been a massive time saver in sectors like, say, the legal profession, others have been far slower to adopt the latest techniques in artificial intelligence. The insurance industry is one of those universes where uptake has been sluggish. In particular, the time saving approaches can help with one of the largest time-consumers: forms.
In this episode of the Expert Perspectives podcast, sponsored by Vertafore and hosted on PropertyCasualty360, we look into the insurance agency’s future with “Three Major Industry Trends & How to Master Them.” That’s the topic for Vertafore’s Rich Park and Sean Harris, as they single out best practices to increase organic growth, recruit and retain talent, and examine the role of Insurtech for the evolving practice.
Rick Stoll, Verisk's Vice President for Commercial Underwriting Products, explains that automation will continue to take on a larger role in day to day operations. However, not all automated systems are created equal. Some seem promising on the surface, but then fail to live up to expectations as you continue to work with them. You need advice from experts to help you discern what makes a good system and determine how it can help you and your organization improve the underwriting process.