4 Insurtech Digital Experience Trends to Expect in 2024

BY: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION TEAM
AUGUST 2, 2023

Can you believe we’re almost halfway through 2023? It’s been an exciting year for insurtech—that’s for sure!

Digital transformation is an unstoppable wave sweeping across industries, redefining traditional boundaries and reshaping how businesses operate.

No industry is immune, including insurance technology. This revolution is more than an upgrade—it’s a complete reimagining of how insurance companies interact with their customers and manage their operations.

The future of insurtech lies in understanding and harnessing key digital experience trends such as:

  • Big data and analytics
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • Blockchain technology
  • The Internet of Things (IoT)

Today, we’re going to explore these four trends and share how we expect them to develop further in 2024.

Understanding Digital Transformation in the Insurtech Context

Digital transformation within insurtech involves leveraging technology to enhance business performance. It’s about using data to make informed decisions, automating repetitive tasks to increase efficiency, and embracing innovative technologies to stay ahead of the competition. The value derived from this transformation can be seen in:

  • Improved customer satisfaction
  • Increased operational efficiency
  • A competitive edge in the market

If your organization is looking to stay ahead in the insurtech game, it’s important to recognize and capitalize on technological advances in order to do so.

Trend #1: Big Data and Analytics

Big data and analytics are pivotal in insurtech, providing insights that inform decision-making, predict trends, and enhance understanding of customer needs.

Example Use Case: Risk Assessment and Premium Pricing

One of the most crucial aspects of insurance operations is risk assessment and premium pricing. Traditionally, this process involved manual data collection and analysis, which was not only time-consuming but also subject to human error.

With big data and analytics, insurtech companies can automate and enhance this process. They can collect vast amounts of data from various sources, such as IoT devices, social media, and public records. This data can include information about a person’s health, driving habits, property details, etc.

Big data analytics tools can then analyze this data to identify patterns and accurately predict potential risks. For example, they can predict the likelihood of a customer filing a claim based on their behavior patterns and historical data.

This predictive analysis allows insurtech companies to accurately assess the risk associated with each customer and determine the appropriate insurance premium. It enables them to offer personalized policies based on individual risk profiles, leading to fairer pricing for customers and lower risk for insurers.

Trend #2: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI and machine learning are revolutionizing insurtech by enhancing efficiency and personalizing customer experiences. These technologies enable insurtech companies to automate tasks, analyze vast amounts of data, and provide personalized services.

Example Use Case: Claims Processing and Customer Service

Claims processing is a critical function in the insurance industry, often requiring significant time and resources. The process traditionally involves manual data entry, validation, and decision-making, which can lead to errors and delays.

AI and machine learning can revolutionize this process in insurtech. They can automate routine tasks, validate claims using predefined rules, and even make decisions on straightforward cases. For example, AI can analyze claim details, compare them with policy information, and determine whether the claim is valid. It can also predict the likely cost of a claim based on historical data, helping insurers manage their financial risk.

AI-powered chatbots can improve customer service in insurtech. These chatbots can handle common customer queries, guide customers through the claims process, and even initiate claims, providing 24/7 service without human intervention. This improves customer satisfaction and frees up human agents to focus on more complex tasks.

Trend #3: Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology fosters transparency and trust in insurtech by securely storing data and simplifying processes. It helps reduce fraud, improve customer satisfaction, and streamline transactions.

Example Use Case: Fraud Detection and Prevention

Fraud is a significant issue in the insurance industry, leading to billions of dollars in losses every year. The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (CAIF) estimates that total losses due to insurance fraud across the country are $308 billion (Source: PropertyCasualty360).

Traditional methods of fraud detection involve manual checks and rule-based systems, which can be time-consuming and not always effective.

Blockchain technology, with its decentralized and transparent nature, offers a promising solution to this problem in insurtech. Each transaction—or in the case of insurance, each claim—can be recorded as a block on the blockchain. This record is immutable, meaning it cannot be altered or deleted, which helps prevent fraudulent alterations.

The transparency of blockchain allows all parties involved, including insurers, policyholders, and regulatory bodies, to view the transaction history. This visibility can make it easier to spot unusual patterns or discrepancies that may indicate fraud.

For example, if a policyholder submits a claim for property damage, the insurer can check the blockchain record to verify the claim’s details. If the same claim has been made previously, or the details do not match the original policy information, the insurer can flag the claim for further investigation.

Smart contracts on blockchain can automate the claims process, reducing the opportunity for manual fraud. The smart contract can automatically validate claims against the policy terms stored on the blockchain and trigger payouts when the conditions are met.

Blockchain technology can significantly enhance fraud detection and prevention in insurtech, helping insurers save money and maintain customer trust.

Trend #4: IoT (Internet of Things)

IoT devices contribute significantly to data collection and risk assessment in insurtech. They have the potential to transform insurance models by providing real-time data and facilitating personalized policies.

Example Use Case: Usage-Based Insurance (UBI)

The Internet of Things (IoT), with its ability to connect devices and share data, has a significant impact on insurtech, particularly in the area of Usage-Based Insurance (UBI).

UBI is a type of auto insurance that uses telematics technology to collect data about a driver’s behavior, including speed, distance traveled, and time of day of driving. This information is transmitted via IoT devices installed in the vehicle, such as a plug-in device or a mobile app on the driver’s phone.

Insurers can analyze this data to assess a driver’s risk level more accurately. For example, a driver who frequently speeds or drives late at night may be considered a higher risk than a driver who mostly drives during daylight hours at moderate speeds.

This personalized assessment allows insurers to offer premiums that reflect an individual’s driving behavior rather than relying on demographic averages. Safe drivers can be rewarded with lower premiums, encouraging safer driving habits and reducing the risk of accidents.

The real-time data from IoT devices can also be used for claim management. In the event of an accident, the IoT device can provide accurate data about the incident, such as the speed at the time of the crash, helping to expedite the claims process.

Companies like Metromile and Progressive are already using IoT for their pay-per-mile and pay-how-you-drive insurance products, respectively (Source: Harvard Technology and Operations Management).

IoT technology plays a crucial role in insurtech by enabling Usage-Based Insurance, improving risk assessment accuracy, promoting safer driving, and streamlining the claims process.

Why Choose RD Global as Your Digital Solutions Partner?

RD Global is a leading provider of digital experience solutions for insurers. We have the expertise and experience to help you leverage the latest technologies and trends in insurtech in 2024 and beyond.

Our experts can assist with digital strategy planning, implementation of new technologies, and optimization of existing systems. Our goal is to make your transition to cutting-edge insurtech smoother and faster, so you can focus on improving your customer experience and operational efficiency.

We understand the unique needs of the insurance industry, from regulatory compliance to customer satisfaction. Our team is dedicated to helping you build a strong digital presence that will help you meet those needs while staying ahead of the competition.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stay competitive in the world of insurtech. Let us show you how our digital solutions will benefit your business.

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AUGUST 2, 2023
RD Global Empowers Insurance Companies to optimize total digital experience, unify data, and harmonize processes by developing high impact technology solutions infused with a 5-star customer experience.