FinTech for Insurance: How Technology is Disrupting the Insurance Industry
Tags: fintech
Published: 2023-06-12 14:18:32

Insurance industry, traditionally seen as resistant to change, is now awakening to FinTech revolution. Insurers are beginning to recognize importance of embracing innovative technologies.

In an industry built on trust and risk management, the infusion of FinTech solutions brings about a fundamental shift in how insurance products and services are designed, delivered, and experienced.

By leveraging technologies such as:

- artificial intelligence,
- machine learning,
- blockchain,

and creating mobile applications, insurers can reimagine their operations and offer personalized, efficient, and transparent services like never before.

According to PWC reports, only a fraction of insurance companies have fully incorporated FinTechs into their core business strategies. Partnerships with FinTech are still underutilized, with less than a third of insurers taking advantage of this collaboration. It is evident that there is immense untapped potential waiting to be harnessed.

From experience of delivering FinTech app development services, we want to share how FinTech advancements can simplify the insurance journey and enhance customer experiences through the top 10 FinTech insurance startups in 2023.

## **Why Traditional Insurance Companies Should Prepare to Embrace FinTech**

At the forefront of this revolution are many emerging technologies that are revolutionizing the way insurance products and services are conceptualized, designed, and delivered. Digital platforms, the Internet of Things (IoT), telematics, big data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and distributed ledger technologies like blockchain and smart contracts are just a few examples.

These technological advancements enable insurers to reimagine their business models and customer experiences. Traditional insurance processes, often marked by complexity and inefficiency, are being streamlined and automated, leading to faster and more accurate underwriting, claims processing, and policy management.

In FinTech for insurance digital platforms play a big role. Insurers invest in advanced digital platforms enabling seamless communication between customers, and agents. These platforms provide an integrated and user-friendly interface, allowing customers to conveniently obtain quotes, purchase policies, manage their insurance portfolios from their devices, assess risks, process claims, and monitor policy performance.

The Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as connected sensors and wearable devices, collect real-time data on various aspects, including property conditions, vehicle usage, and health parameters. Insurers can assess risks accurately, personalize insurance offerings, and incentivize customers to adopt safer behaviors. For example, usage-based insurance programs use IoT data from telematics devices installed in vehicles to determine premiums based on individual driving habits, rewarding safe drivers with lower rates.

Data analytics and machine learning are also driving innovation in the insurance sector. Insurers can gain insights into customer behavior, identify trends, and predict risks. By analyzing vast amounts of data, machine learning algorithms can improve underwriting accuracy, detect fraud, and enable proactive risk management. This data-driven approach enhances the efficiency of insurance processes and enables insurers to offer more personalized and targeted insurance products.

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants transform customer interactions, providing instant support and guidance. These AI-driven solutions can answer customer queries, guide them through the claims process, and offer personalized recommendations. By automating routine customer interactions, insurers can free up human resources to focus on more complex tasks and deliver enhanced customer service.

Distributed ledger technologies, such as blockchain, provide secure, transparent, and tamper-proof record-keeping. Blockchain can streamline the claims settlement process by enabling secure and efficient verification of transactions, reducing paperwork, and minimizing the risk of fraud. Smart contracts, self-executing contracts stored on a blockchain, can automate claims payouts based on predefined conditions, ensuring faster and more transparent settlements.

Peer-to-peer insurance, where individuals pool their risks and share coverage, and on-demand insurance, where customers can purchase insurance for specific events or time periods, are examples of new business models that are gaining popularity.
Key Challenges in the Insurance Industry

In the vast landscape of the insurance industry, traditional pain points and challenges have persisted for years. These challenges arise from outdated processes, complex regulations, and the need to adapt to customer expectations.

## **Outdated fintech and insurance systems**

Picture this: an insurance company nestled in a bustling city, diligently working to serve its customers. As the employees go about their tasks, they can't help but notice the outdated systems they rely on. These legacy systems make their work time-consuming. Each department operates in isolation, unable to communicate effortlessly with one another. The need for modernization becomes apparent, urging the company to seek innovative ways to streamline processes, improve data management, and enhance the overall efficiency of its operations.

## **Regulations and compliance pose**

But the challenges don't end there. Regulations and compliance pose a formidable hurdle for the insurance industry. As the company navigates through a labyrinth of rules and regulations, ensuring compliance becomes daunting. Data privacy laws, industry-specific requirements, and regulatory frameworks demand meticulous attention. Balancing compliance with operational efficiency and customer experience becomes a delicate tightrope walk. It is clear that innovative solutions are essential to simplify compliance processes and alleviate the burden on insurers.

## **Complicated processes**

The team reflects on their efforts to prioritize customer-centricity. They ponder the age-old perception of the insurance industry as complex and unapproachable. Their hearts yearn to rewrite this narrative to create a customer experience that is simple, personalized, and transparent. Lengthy policy purchase procedures and complicated claims processes must become things of the past.

## **Threat of fraud**

Another challenge looms large: the ever-present threat of fraud. In the shadows, opportunistic individuals seek to take advantage of the system, filing false claims and perpetrating identity theft. The insurance company must stay vigilant, employing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics to detect fraudulent activities. By analyzing patterns and identifying potential red flags, they can protect themselves and their genuine policyholders from financial losses.

## **Untapped potential**

The team also contemplates the untapped potential hidden within their data treasure troves. They realize that buried within those mountains of data lie valuable insights waiting to be unearthed. However, limited access to quality data and fragmented data silos impede their progress. The power of data-driven decision-making, such as risk assessment, pricing optimization, and customer segmentation, remains out of reach. They recognize the need to invest in data infrastructure, analytics tools, and talent to unlock the true potential of their data and gain a competitive advantage.

## **Cybersecurity and data privacy**

Amidst these challenges, cybersecurity and data privacy cast a dark shadow. The insurance company holds a vast amount of sensitive customer information, making them an enticing target for cybercriminals. It becomes imperative to fortify their defenses, implementing robust cybersecurity measures and adhering to stringent data privacy regulations. Encryption protocols, intrusion detection systems, and employee training programs become the armor that shields customer data and maintains the trust of their policyholders.

## **Top 10 Insurance FinTech Companies**

## **Next Insurance**

Next Insurance aims to provide transparent and affordable coverage without the need for intermediaries and small businesses, from general contractors to personal trainers. The company leverages artificial intelligence and automation to process applications within minutes, providing quick and efficient customer coverage.

Next Insurance offers an efficient claims investigation process, providing quick decisions within 48 hours. The company's digital platform allows customers to access certificates of insurance and receive in-house claims support 24/7. Using artificial intelligence, Next Insurance processes applications in just 10 minutes, significantly reducing the time it takes for businesses to obtain coverage.

What differentiates Next Insurance from its competitors is its focus on serving small businesses and entrepreneurs, including liability insurance, workers' compensation, and equipment insurance, by tailoring its insurance policies to various industries such as retail, construction, beauty, cleaning, fitness, and more.

Through their user-friendly digital platform and efficient processes, they enable small business owners to secure the insurance they need to protect their assets and thrive in their respective industries.

## **BGL Group**

BGL Group offers a range of insurance solutions, particularly in the motor and home insurance sectors. Under its Junction brand, the company provides innovative insurance products to customers, ensuring convenience and value in their coverage options.

What differentiates BGL Group from traditional insurance providers is its strong focus on digital distribution. By leveraging technology, BGL Group streamlines the insurance purchasing process, making it more accessible and user-friendly. Customers can easily compare different insurance products and obtain quotes through their online platforms.

This digital-first approach eliminates the need for extensive paperwork and long waiting times, providing customers with a hassle-free experience.

## **Akulaku**

Akulaku is a leading banking and digital finance platform serving customers in Southeast Asia. The startup focuses on meeting the daily financial needs of underserved customers in emerging markets. Through its range of services, including FinTech in banking, the company provides accessible and convenient financial solutions to its users.

With its virtual credit card and e-commerce platform, as well as Asetku, an online wealth management platform, and Neobank, a mobile digital bank supported by Bank Neo Commerce, Akulaku strives to serve 50 million users across Southeast Asia by 2025.

What differentiates Akulaku in the insurance space by integrating digital banking, financing, investment, and insurance brokerage, Akulaku provides a one-stop solution for users to manage their finances seamlessly. The virtual credit card and ecommerce platform enable convenient online transactions, while the wealth management platform offers opportunities for investment and growth.

Additionally, the Neobank mobile app brings the benefits of a digital bank to users' fingertips, enhancing accessibility and convenience.

## **Digit Insurance**

Digit is a general insurance company founded by Kamesh Goyal and backed by the Fairfax Group. The company offers a range of insurance services, including car insurance, travel insurance, home insurance, commercial vehicle insurance, and shop insurance.

As many others FinTech insurance startups, Digit has implemented a fully digital platform that allows customers to purchase and manage their insurance policies online, eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork and lengthy administrative processes. Digit also utilizes advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to offer personalized insurance solutions and streamline claims processing, ensuring policyholders a faster and more efficient experience.

What differentiates Digit is its commitment to simplifying insurance and making it more accessible to customers. By digitizing insurance processes and embracing technology, the company reduces traditional insurance's complexity and time-consuming nature.

## **ManyPets**

ManyPets, formerly known as Bought By Many, is a pet health and insurance provider that aims to make the world a better place for pets and their parents. Founded in 2012, ManyPets introduced pet insurance and wellness policies, revolutionizing the industry with unique offerings such as coverage for pre-existing conditions. As a pioneer in the field, ManyPets was the first pet insurance provider in the UK to offer online claims.

What differentiates ManyPets is its tapping into the power of consumer feedback, particularly from social media platforms. This unique approach enables them to gather valuable data and comments, shaping their policies to meet the specific requirements of pet owners. Using FinTech technology and placing it at the core of their policy structure, ManyPets offers form-free online claims, making the claims process faster and more convenient for pet owners.

## **Ethos**

Ethos is an insurance company that aims to make life insurance affordable, accessible, and instant to protect individuals and their families. By collecting and analyzing customer lifestyle information, Ethos utilizes predictive models and data-driven insights to assess health risks accurately. This life insurance FinTech approach enables customers to access personalized insurance options and complete the application and activation processes within minutes.

What differentiates Ethos is understanding the individuality of each customer and uses technology to develop truly personalized insurance coverage. By combining advanced data analytics with a human touch, ethos life aims to provide policies that resonate with customers on a deeper level.

## **Unqork**

Unqork platform streamlines the product sales process, resulting in an enhanced customer experience. Unqork caters to various industries, including insurance, financial services, and state and local government sectors.

What Unqork sets itself apart from its competitors through its no-code approach. Unlike traditional insurance providers relying heavily on custom coding, Unqork's platform democratizes software development by enabling users with minimal coding experience to create sophisticated applications. This unique approach empowers insurance companies to adapt to changing market demands quickly, launch new products, and streamline their operations efficiently.

The offering from Unqork directly addresses the challenges faced by the insurance industry in terms of application development and customer experience. By eliminating the need for coding, Unqork enables insurance companies to build and deploy applications much faster, leading to quicker time-to-market for new products and services.

## **Guideline**

Guideline is a pioneering FinTech insurance startup that has revolutionized the retirement savings industry. Their unique selling proposition lies in providing affordable and easy-to-use 401(k) plans for small businesses and their employees. With a focus on simplicity, transparency, and automation, Guideline aims to make retirement planning accessible to all.

What differentiates Guideline is its seamless digital platform that simplifies the often complex and intimidating process of setting up and managing retirement plans. Employers can effortlessly create and administer 401(k) plans for their employees through their user-friendly interface. Guideline's platform streamlines processes reduces paperwork, and automates tasks, saving both time and effort for employers and employees.

## **Newfront**

Newfront is a tech-based insurance brokerage with a focus on commercial insurance and employee benefits, Newfront leverages proprietary technology alongside human agents to streamline the process of buying and servicing business insurance.

What sets Newfront apart from traditional insurance providers is its advanced software platform. FinTech in insurance allows application forms from multiple insurance carriers to be automatically filled in with one set of answers, eliminating the need for redundant data entry. By leveraging automation and data integration, Newfront improves the efficiency and accuracy of the insurance purchasing and servicing process.

This FinTech and insurance feature significantly reduces administrative burden and enables businesses to focus on their core operations.

## **Clearcover**

Clearcover is a digital car insurance provider that offers customers better coverage at affordable rates. With a focus on an API-first approach, Clearcover aims to simplify the insurance process and provide a seamless experience for car owners. The company's centralized mobile app allows customers to conveniently file claims, track billing information, and access their insurance ID details.

One of the standout features of Clearcover is its API platform, which integrates with various partners involved in insurance shopping, car sales, refinancing, and personal finance management. Using artificial intelligence, Clearcover generates quotes based on customer inputs, empowering policyholders to choose the coverage that best suits their needs.

Additionally, Clearcover emphasizes a digital-first approach, with a significant percentage of their policies being sold online without human interaction. The company prides itself on handling 60% of claims fully digitally. In the event of an accident, customers can simply take pictures and complete a short form, simplifying the claims process and expediting resolution.

Through their mobile app and digital interfaces, Clearcover allows customers easily manage their policies, file claims, and access essential information, streamline processes, and automated claims handling, reducing the time and effort required from policyholders.

Employ FinTech in Insurance Startup with TechMagic
These insurance FinTech companies are leveraging advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence and behavioral intelligence, to reshape traditional insurance processes and deliver personalized, efficient, and transparent services to businesses and consumers.

Both established carriers and aspiring startups must embrace the power of technology and innovation. Adopting AI and data-driven approaches throughout the customer lifecycle is essential for staying ahead in the competitive landscape.

As you build your FinTech insurance startup, several crucial considerations may be causing you concern. Revenue, investment, talent acquisition, regulation, and future expansion are all valid areas of worry. However, insurance itself should not be one of them. At TechMagic, we understand your challenges and are here to help protect you from pitfalls and risks that could hinder your success.

Our expertise lies in building robust and scalable technology solutions for startups looking to integrate FinTech into their insurance business. With our technical prowess and deep understanding of the insurance domain, we can help you navigate the complexities of digital transformation and build cutting-edge software solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Whether you aim to streamline customer experiences, automate underwriting processes, or harness the power of data analytics, we have the expertise to guide you on your journey. By partnering with a company like TechMagic that provides insurance development services, you gain access to a dedicated team of experienced professionals who will work closely with you to develop and implement innovative technology solutions.


## **FAQ**

## What is FinTech insurance?

FinTech insurance, also known as insurtech, refers to integrating technology and innovative solutions in the insurance industry. It encompasses using digital platforms, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and other technological advancements to enhance various aspects of insurance, including policy underwriting, claims processing, customer experience, and risk assessment.

## How could insurance be disrupted by FinTech?

FinTech companies can offer streamlined and automated processes, reducing administrative costs and improving operational efficiency. They can also provide personalized and on-demand insurance solutions, catering to customers' evolving needs. Additionally, fintech's data analytics capabilities enable more accurate risk assessment and fraud detection, leading to enhanced underwriting practices.

## How is FinTech changing insurance?

FinTech is introducing disruptive business models, such as peer-to-peer insurance platforms and digital marketplaces, which offer alternative approaches to traditional insurance structures. Fintech also enables insurers to leverage big data and advanced analytics to gain valuable insights into customer behavior, enhance risk assessment, and develop personalized products. Furthermore, digital platforms and mobile apps enhance the customer experience, making purchasing policies, managing claims, and accessing insurance services more convenient. Fintech's impact extends to improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and fostering innovation and competition within the insurance sector.