Navigating the insurtech wave

Introduction

The insurance industry has been relatively slow to adopt new technologies. But that is changing rapidly as insurtech companies are emerging and disrupting the traditional insurance market. Insurtech is  a term used to describe the intersection of insurance and technology It is revolutionizing the way insurance is sold, underwritten and serviced. This article aims to explore the current state of the insurtech industry, its potential impact on the traditional insurance market, and the challenges and opportunities that come with it.

Current State of the Insurtech Industry

The insurtech industry is currently in a state of rapid growth, with the number of insurtech startups increasing dramatically in recent years. According to a report by KPMG, the number of insurtech companies has grown from around 100 in 2014 to over 500 in 2018. This growth is being driven by a number of factors – 

• Advancements in technology
• Changing consumer expectations
• A shift towards digital channels for purchasing insurance.

Technology in Insurance Sector

One of the key areas where insurtech is having the biggest impact is in the distribution of insurance products. Traditional insurance companies have historically relied on intermediaries such as agents and brokers to sell their products. However, insurtech companies are now using digital channels to directly connect with consumers, bypassing intermediaries. They are offering a more convenient and efficient buying experience. This is particularly true for personal lines of insurance, such as home and auto insurance, where online comparison websites and direct-to-consumer models are becoming increasingly popular.

Another area where insurtech is having an impact is in the underwriting of insurance policies. Advances in data analytics and machine learning are allowing insurtech companies to more accurately assess risk and offer more customized and personalized policies to consumers. This is particularly true for life and health insurance, where insurtech companies are using data from wearable devices and other sources to better understand policyholders’ health and lifestyle.

Potential Impact of Insuretech on the Traditional Insurance Market

The growth of the insurtech industry is having a significant impact on the traditional insurance market. The most notable impact is the increased competition for both customers and talent. Traditional insurance companies are finding it harder to attract and retain customers, as insurtech companies are offering more convenient and efficient buying experiences. They are also finding it harder to attract and retain talent, as insurtech companies are offering more attractive career opportunities.

In addition to increased competition, traditional insurance companies are also facing pressure to adapt to new technologies and changing consumer expectations. This means that they need to invest in digital channels, data analytics and other technologies to remain competitive. This can be costly and time-consuming, and many traditional insurance companies are struggling to keep up.

Challenges and Opportunities of Insuretech

The growth of the insurtech industry is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of regulation in the industry. The same regulations that apply to traditional insurance firms do not apply to insurtech companies, therefore they are not held to the same criteria for solvency, capital adequacy, and other obligations.. This can create a risk for policyholders, as well as for the industry as a whole.

Another challenge is the lack of trust and understanding of insurtech companies among consumers. Many consumers are still wary of buying insurance online or from a start-up company. They are more likely to stick with traditional insurance companies.

Despite these challenges, the growth of the insurtech industry presents many opportunities. One of the biggest opportunities is the potential to increase access to insurance for underserved populations. Insurtech companies are using digital channels and data analytics to reach customers in remote and underserved areas, as well as customers who have traditionally been denied coverage due to their health or lifestyle.

About Apoorva: 

Apoorva is a technology services company that assists software products with ideation, developing prototypes, programming, creating a digital marketing presence and accelerating sales through direct contact. Over 150 for-profit and non-profit organizations, such as Xcel Energy, PeopleCare Health Services, Frontier Airlines and Centers for Spiritual Living have trusted Apoorva to build software. 

Apoorva was founded in 2001, has more than 50 employees, and uses proprietary and proven methodologies to bring technology products to the market. Contact us / Visit apoorva.com for more information.