Engaging the NAIC on Emerging Insurance Technologies

“If the regulators aren’t with you, expect insurance innovation to take longer and cost more.” This comment surfaces repeatedly in Celent’s research. We believe this is true and have seen this occur in the past (credit scoring, predictive analytics, telematics). In order to address this issue, we at Celent have begun to proactively engage regulators around emerging technology topics.

Last week, I presented at the fall annual meeting of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Addressing the Property & Casualty Committee, the topic was “Emerging Technologies and Their Potential to Impact the Insurance Industry”.

I observed that regulators are eager to receive information about this topic. This is understandable, as budget constraints make it very difficult to divert resources from the day-to-day crush of filing and approvals to concentrate on the future. However, mentioned in the session, it does the industry absolutely no good if the first time a regulator learns about a new technology is in a new filing!

Celent is tracking several technologies with the promise to change insurance proposition in important, fundamental ways. For example, digital capabilities allow customer engagement to shift from periodic (only at time of renewal or a claim) to continuous (daily lifestyle suggestions). Another trend we see is a movement from “pay as you rate” to “pay how you use”. The introduction of telematics in the Auto line is the best example of this.

Several case studies from around the world were used to illustrate how, in other regulatory environments, technology is being applied to insurance. The digital customer experience platform built by Tokio Marine was shown as an example of continuous customer engagement. AXA’s use of public and private data sources to change the FNOL reporting process was offered as a case of a transition from reactive to proactive claims management.

Celent will continue to be involved in briefing regulators on these issues. We encourage insurance technology providers to do the same. We are all on this journey together and will get their faster and more effectively if we communicate actively.

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What if someone Kickstarted an insurance company

As analysts in the insurance industry, Celent spends considerable time and effort considering new and improved ways to do business. Much of this emphasis is on technology and where our customers, and the industry, are in their efforts to improve and what still needs to be done.

Our industry is evolving and implementing new innovations, particularly focusing on the customer experience, including the web and mobile. Many, if not most, companies are hampered by aging technology in their back-end systems. This is certainly true in the P&C and Health industries and particularly true in the Life industry. Life insurance is inherently a contract that extends over a significant period of time. Therefore, many insurers are using systems that are 20, 30 or even 40 years old. Let’s assume that a system installed in the 1960s does not play well in an Internet connected world.

So the question for this post is about disruption. While Kickstarter or other crowdfunding methods are unlikely, it is interesting to think about how an insurance company would be formed and implemented if it was a new company formed today.

What would we need to start this mythical company?

1) Would you need any employees?

This is the first fundamental question. Many insurers are large employers with a significant investment in people and facilities. If you were starting from scratch, would you hire industry veterans, trying new employees and open up a big office?

Possibly not. Once you have capital, virtually every other function could be outsourced. There are solid Sales and Marketing companies with licensed agents to service both web applications and call centers. Reputable Third Party Administrators exist that can handle every operations functions. Good actuarial firms can be contracted to design the product. Reinsurers can not only take risk, but in many cases provide Underwriting guidelines (and technology). Financial management requires a solid accounting firm. The list goes on, but it is an intriguing question.

Building a virtual company has never been easier.

2) Would you need any agents?

Again, possibly not. Starting from scratch, the company could be entirely on-line, backed up by a call center. As mentioned above, there are many companies that can provide this service. Of course, they’re still agents, just not the traditional independent or captive that sells locally.

3) What about capital?

This might be the biggest barrier for entry. Money isn’t as available as it once was and, notwithstanding the title of the post, crowd funding isn’t designed to raise the amount of money required for an insurer.

The purpose of this post is not to suggest that the reader run out and start a company, although let us know if you do. It is more for the existing insurers that are not able to be as nimble and change with the marketplace as quickly as they might need. Even the largest brick and mortar insurer can innovate.

There are companies, large and small, in our industry that are truly innovating. If this post intrigued you, or even if it didn’t, but you do not have any formal innovation process, then perhaps you should. Your competitors are staffing dedicated innovation labs to stretch themselves, and the industry. They’re trying new things and failing fast.

What new idea will be born in your company today?

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