Topic Technology
Westland buys two digital brokerages
July 8, 2021 by David GambrillWestland Insurance has acquired two digital brokerages in a move intended to expand its tech offerings to brokers, renters, and homeowners. In the first of two deals announced Thursday, Agile Underwriting Solutions, owned by Westland, has acquired managing general agency…
Insurers come out of COVID looking at AI-based claims tech
July 7, 2021 by Adam MalikNow that the global pandemic has expedited the use of artificial intelligence in auto insurance claims processing, carriers are left with a simple choice, according to one industry AI expert — invest or be left behind. The promise of processing…
Insurer ups distracted driving from minor to major conviction
July 6, 2021 by Greg MeckbachNova Scotia motorists could be out of luck when they try to renew their auto insurance if they got caught more than once using a hand-held gizmo when they should be paying attention to the road. In a ruling posted…
Here’s what you need to do before deploying artificial intelligence
June 30, 2021 by Greg MeckbachBrokers wanting to take advantage of artificial intelligence and machine learning need large amounts of data and to hire the correct experts. If a company wants to effectively build and deploy artificial intelligent and machine learning systems, it needs a…
These highway features may encourage distracted driving
June 25, 2021 by Greg MeckbachMedians and wide shoulders on highways could encourage distracted driving by giving drivers a false sense of security, transportation researchers suggest in a recent paper. “The combination and presence of a shoulder, median, higher speed limit, and extra lanes could…
How to sell insurance to a solo entrepreneur in under a week
June 14, 2021 by Greg MeckbachA major pain point for gig-economy entrepreneurs is the traditional process of getting commercial coverage, a Vancouver insurtech CEO suggests. “It is tough being a solo entrepreneur, especially now,” said Jeff McCann, CEO Apollo Insurance Solutions Ltd. “These people are…
MGA simplifies purchase and validation of tenant’s insurance online
June 9, 2021 by Greg MeckbachLandlords often require their tenants to have insurance coverage as a condition of the leases, but it could be quite a paper chase to keep track of thousands of tenants and their insurance status. Vancouver-based insurtech and managing general agent…
Opinion: Brokers need the right tools for the digital age
June 7, 2021 by Nick Frank and Wei Ke, Simon-Kucher & PartnersCaution and single-steps forward are not what brokers need from their insurance carrier partners as the industry accelerates into the digital age. The importance of digital distribution following the COVID-19 pandemic is undeniable. As a result, insurers need to keep…
Why this quote comparison site launched its own brokerage
June 7, 2021 by Greg MeckbachComparison website vendor Ratehub Inc. is now operating its own property and casualty insurance brokerage. “When it’s our own sales staff, we have the full insight into close ratios and contact ratios,” said Alyssa Furtado, co-CEO of Ratehub Inc. and…
In a virtual world, don’t lose your humanity: insurer exec
June 1, 2021 by Adam MalikAs the world gets more and more virtual, don’t forget how to be human, an insurer executive urged during a recent webinar. Technology should be used to enhance the industry’s relationship with clients, rather than act as a replacement, explained…
How video conferencing misbehaviour creates commercial liability risk
June 1, 2021 by Greg MeckbachInappropriate behaviour during video conferences can lead to employment practices liability claims, an expert with The Travelers Companies Inc. warns. New York City-based Travelers is observing “Zoom etiquette claims,” said the insurer’s employment practices liability product manager, Chris Williams, during…
The real advantage of straight-through processing in the Lloyd’s market
May 31, 2021 by Greg MeckbachManaging general agents who can place small business coverage digitally through the Lloyd’s market are at a competitive advantage over MGAs using traditional paper-based processes, an insurtech CEO suggests. “We are one of the very few MGAs that has straight…