The insurance industry has undergone a profound transformation over the past decade, shifting from a traditional, seemingly stagnant model to a dynamic, digitally driven sector, says Mishaya Chettiar, Executive Head at Everything.Insure.

“Initially considered too complex for digitisation, the industry now recognises digitalisation as a pivotal driver of value, innovation and overall development.

“Today, insurers are embracing emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning and automation to meet evolving consumer demands and enhance customer experiences. This rapid digitalisation has not only made the insurance industry more sustainable but also aligned it with a purpose-driven and future-forward trajectory.

“Considering the escalating global risks such as climate change and economic uncertainties, the industry must further enhance its capacity to adapt to a changing and customer-centric world,” explains Chettiar.

Looking ahead, Chettiar says she anticipates the following significant technological trends to shape the insurance landscape:

Enhanced data-driven decision making

Data has become a crucial commodity in the insurance industry, facilitating risk-assessment and the incorporation of expected losses into coverage costs. The industry is expected to leverage visual and behavioural data extensively to calculate risk and predict its impact on client policies.

For instance, the integration of geospatial data, including real-time imaging and maps, will enable insurers to assess the resilience of properties to specific risks, such as flooding. Telematics technology will enable behaviour-based pricing, allowing insurers to assess risk in real time and incentivise better client behaviour.

Increased efficiencies with generative AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already revolutionising the insurance sector, providing insights from data, understanding customers, analysing risks and improving operational efficiency. The latest application, generative AI, has the potential to automate processes, enhance customer experiences and streamline claims management.

This technology, exemplified by ChatGPT from Open AI, can make underwriting, actuarial work, claims adjustment and engineering more efficient. It also aids in automating compliance and fraud detection, generating training content and streamlining processes for a more personalised and authentic consumer engagement.

Innovative offsets to climate risk

Climate change poses a significant threat to the insurance industry, introducing uncertainty and driving up prices. To address this challenge, insurers will adopt digital technologies to detect, monitor and forecast extreme weather events. Communication technologies will be employed to alert consumers ahead of time, minimising the risk of loss or damages.

Non-traditional insurance forms, such as parametric insurance, will offer consumers greater flexibility, value-added benefits and customisation beyond traditional offerings. Parametric insurance, for example, pays out based on the magnitude of a specific event, providing a targeted and personalised approach to coverage.

Customer-centric personalisation

Technologies like AI, machine learning and data analysis empower the insurance industry to create intelligent underwriting for competitively priced and tailored insurance products. Consumers can make changes to their plans, submit claims anytime and start or stop their coverage with a simple click, thanks to adaptable and tailored solutions.

These technologies enhance efficiency in claims processes, risk evaluations and policy processing. AI-driven insurance systems automatically adjust or suggest new offers based on changes to individual risk profiles or shifts in the industry.

“The insurance industry’s journey into 2024 is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and adaptation to emerging technological trends. The intersection of data-driven decision-making, generative AI, climate risk mitigation and customer-centric personalisation will undoubtedly shape a more dynamic and responsive insurance landscape,” concludes Chettiar.