Kathy Kelleher, Author at Bridgenext https://www.bridgenext.com Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:59:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.bridgenext.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-android-chrome-512x512-1-32x32.png Kathy Kelleher, Author at Bridgenext https://www.bridgenext.com 32 32 Insurance Reinvented with AI-Powered Automation in Claims and Underwriting https://www.bridgenext.com/blog/insurance-reinvented-with-ai-powered-automation/ Thu, 27 Mar 2025 11:41:09 +0000 https://www.bridgenext.com/?post_type=blog&p=7864 Insurance Reinvented with AI-Powered Automation in Claims and UnderwritingLegacy processes cost insurers billions. AI-driven underwriting and claims automation are unlocking massive savings for insurers. Read the blog.]]>

The insurance industry faces a perfect storm of challenges. Claims cycle times are dragging, repair costs are soaring, and fraudulent claims are rising—eroding profitability at an alarming rate. On top of that, customers are becoming increasingly frustrated with slow, impersonal services, leading to declining retention rates. Traditional approaches simply aren’t cutting it anymore.

The numbers paint a stark reality:

  • A 112% personal auto combined ratio means insurers are paying out $1.12 in claims and expenses for every $1 in premium earned, resulting in significant losses.
  • Homeowners’ insurance losses from natural disasters have exceeded $100 billion for two consecutive years.

AI-powered automation is no longer experimental—it’s becoming the backbone of modern insurance operations. However, with IT budgets growing by only 3.7% in 2025, insurers must strategically prioritize AI and automation initiatives to maximize efficiency and ROI.

This blog explores how AI and automation offer insurers a roadmap to drive profitability and reduce inefficiencies. But where should insurers start? One of the biggest opportunities lies in claims processing, a historically slow, manual, and resource-intensive function. By leveraging AI and automation, insurers can turn claims into a competitive advantage. Let’s see how:

AI-Powered Claims Processing Reducing Costs and Delays

Claims processing has long been a pain point for P&C insurers—bogged down by manual data handling, prolonged decision cycles, and errors that drive up costs and frustrate customers. Traditional models are proving unsustainable, with claims-related inefficiencies costing insurers billions annually. AI is now turning this challenge into an opportunity. According to Gartner, 49% of insurers have already deployed AI for claims processing. AI-powered automation, intelligent document processing (IDP), and predictive analytics are making claims handling faster, more accurate, and cost-efficient.

With zero-touch claims processing, AI can now handle everything from First Notice of Loss (FNOL) to settlement with minimal human intervention. Early adopters report that AI-powered claims automation has reduced processing times by up to 40%. The future of claims processing is no longer about incremental improvements. Insurers that embrace AI are seeing faster settlements, lower costs, and higher customer retention, proving that AI-powered automation is the new necessity.

Faster, more accurate claims processing is just one side of the equation. To truly optimize profitability and risk management, insurers must also rethink how they assess and price risk. That’s where AI-driven predictive analytics transforms underwriting, making it more precise, dynamic, and efficient.

AI-Driven Underwriting That Moves at Market Speed

Underwriting is the bedrock of P&C insurance, but legacy methods—reliant on static models, manual processes, and outdated risk assessment techniques—are struggling to keep pace with today’s market demands. Rising claim severity, regulatory pressures, and evolving customer expectations require a shift from intuition-based underwriting to AI-driven precision.

According to Gartner, 50% of insurance enterprises have already deployed AI for underwriting. AI-driven models not only accelerate policy issuance but also improve pricing strategies and customer satisfaction.

Here’s how AI is reshaping underwriting:

How AI is Reshaping Underwriting

With 70% of digital underwriting cases now receiving instant decisions and automated underwriting adoption growing rapidly, AI is proving to be a game-changer. Stronger underwriting means better risk selection, but the job isn’t done once a policy is issued. Fraudsters are getting smarter, and unchecked risks can erode profitability. To stay ahead, insurers need AI not only for underwriting, but also for detecting fraud, preventing losses, and managing risk with precision.

AI, Defeating Insurance Fraud Before It Strikes

Insurance fraud isn’t just a growing problem—it’s an industry-wide crisis, costing insurers billions annually and driving up premiums for policyholders. Traditional fraud detection methods relying on manual review and rule-based systems are proving inadequate as fraudsters adopt more sophisticated tactics. The increasing frequency of fraudulent claims is forcing insurers to move beyond reactive detection and adopt AI-powered, proactive prevention strategies.

The numbers paint a stark reality:

  • Fraud accounts for 10-20% of incurred losses in the insurance industry, making it one of the biggest costs drivers.
  • AI-driven fraud detection is one of the fastest-growing AI applications in insurance, representing more than 18% of all AI use cases.
  • – Gartner

How AI Is Transforming Fraud Prevention

  • Anomaly Detection & Machine Learning: AI models analyze large datasets to identify unusual claim patterns, flagging high-risk cases before payouts occur.
  • IoT & Telematics for Real-Time Validation: Devices like vehicle telematics and home sensors provide real-time data, and cross-verifying claim details to prevent fraudulent submissions​.
  • Visual Intelligence & Automated Damage Assessment: AI-powered image recognition tools assess damage claims with forensic precision, minimizing fraudulent overstatements.
  • Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) & Natural Language Processing (NLP): AI scans policyholder documents and automatically detects inconsistencies and fraudulent alterations.

AI isn’t just a shield against fraud—it’s also a powerful tool for building stronger customer relationships. While it protects insurers from losses, it also unlocks new ways to personalize interactions, anticipate customer needs, and deliver seamless experiences. Let’s dive into how AI is transforming marketing and customer engagement in insurance.

AI-Driven Customer Engagement Shifting Insurance to People-Centric

Insurance is no longer just about policies and premiums—it’s about relationships. Customers today expect insurers to understand their unique needs, communicate proactively, and offer seamless, hyper-personalized experiences across channels. Yet, many insurers struggle with fragmented customer data, generic messaging, and sluggish response times.

AI is changing that. According to Gartner, 93% of insurance CIOs prioritize customer experience as a critical outcome of their digital investments. Here’s how they are doing it:

AI-Driven Customer Engagement Shifting Insurance to People-Centric

Insurers that leverage AI for customer personalization are seeing significant improvements in retention, engagement, and revenue growth. According to Gartner, insurers that invest in AI-driven personalization see a 25% improvement in customer retention and cross-sell opportunities.

AI-powered personalization is changing how insurers connect with customers—but what if AI could do more than just predict needs? Generative AI is taking insurance to the next level, not just automating processes but reimagining them. Let’s dive into how Generative AI is reshaping P&C insurance.

Smarter Insurance Starts Here – GAI in Action

Generative AI (GAI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a transformational force reshaping the insurance landscape. GAI unlocks new possibilities, from automating claims to creating innovative insurance products tailored to emerging risks.

The 2024 Gartner CIO study revealed that GAI adoption in the industry stands at 6%, with an additional 33% expected to implement it by year-end.

With 89% of insurance CIOs increasing investments in GAI for 2025, it has become the fastest-growing technology in the industry.

Real-World Applications of Generative AI in P&C Insurance

Generative AI isn’t just another tech upgrade; here’s how it’s making a real impact in P&C insurance.

  1. Claims Processing Automation

    GAI automates document generation, such as subrogation packages, demand letters, and loss assessments, significantly reducing adjuster workloads and processing times. A leading European insurer reported a 14x increase in productivity across claims management using GAI, accelerating settlements and reducing costs.

  2. AI-Powered Customer Service

    Unlike conventional AI chatbots, GAI-powered virtual assistants can handle complex policy inquiries, claims disputes, and multilingual interactions with near-human efficiency. This leads to higher customer satisfaction, faster resolutions, and lower operational costs.

  3. Next-Gen Underwriting & Risk Assessment

    GAI enables insurers to analyze emerging risks in real time using behavioral analytics, telematics, and external data sources. This results in more precise underwriting, dynamic pricing adjustments, and faster policy issuance, reducing underwriting timelines by up to 70%.

  4. Product Innovation & Market Differentiation

    With the power to process vast datasets and identify trends, GAI supports the creation of innovative insurance products—such as parametric insurance for climate-related risks or customized policies for gig workers.

As GAI adoption accelerates, its role in P&C insurance will expand, reshaping how insurers operate, interact with customers, and drive profitability. To turn AI potential into real business impact, insurers need a game plan. Here’s how to build a smart, strategic approach to AI implementation.

Navigating AI Implementation for Maximum ROI

Successfully embedding AI in P&C insurance requires careful planning and prioritization. Here’s how to get started:

Navigating AI Implementation for Maximum ROI

Having a strategy is great, but the real impact comes from putting AI to work. Insurers already using AI in claims, underwriting, and fraud detection are seeing faster processes, lower costs, and happier customers. Meanwhile, those still in the planning phase risk falling behind. The industry isn’t waiting—why should you?

The AI Wave in Insurance is Here, and It’s Only Getting Bigger

AI and automation are no longer futuristic—they’re the present and future of P&C insurance. The industry is moving beyond traditional models, leveraging AI to accelerate claims, refine risk assessment, enhance fraud detection, and transform customer engagement. With generative AI adoption growing by 38% in just one year and 91% of insurers planning to implement AI-driven solutions by 2026, the question isn’t whether AI will reshape insurance—it’s how quickly you can capitalize on it.

Insurers that act now will gain operational agility, cost efficiency, and customer loyalty, while those who hesitate risk falling behind.

Take your first step toward the future. Explore how our expert solutions can help you harness the power of AI for sustainable growth — contact us today.

References:

www.forrester.com/report/the-future-of-insurance/RES131950?ref_search=0_1742455762343

www.forrester.com/report/predictions-2025-insurance/RES181572?ref_search=0_1742455762343

www.gartner.com/en/documents/5409263

www.gartner.com/en/documents/5641791

www.gartner.com/en/documents/5770715

]]>
Insurers, Pay Attention: These 5 CX Trends are your Survival Guide for 2025 https://www.bridgenext.com/blog/5-cx-trends-should-be-in-your-survival-kit/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:19:27 +0000 https://www.bridgenext.com/?post_type=blog&p=7646 Insurers, Pay Attention: These 5 CX Trends are your Survival Guide for 2025Customer loyalty or churn? Read our blog to discover the top insurance CX emerging trends in 2025 and beyond, redefining the customer experience.]]>

Is your CX strategy building loyalty or pushing customers to competitors? In today’s hyper-competitive insurance market, customer experience (CX) is no longer just a differentiator—it’s a make-or-break factor. Policyholders have more options than ever, and seamless, personalized experiences shape their expectations in other industries. If an insurer fails to meet these expectations, customers won’t hesitate to switch.

As economic pressures mount and digital transformation accelerates, insurers must rethink their approach to CX. The key lies in leveraging emerging technologies, hyper-personalization, and AI-driven solutions to deliver effortless, engaging, and value-driven interactions. According to recent reports by Gartner and Forrester, insurers investing in CX are seeing stronger customer retention, higher satisfaction scores, and increased profitability.

This blog explores the top CX trends shaping the insurance industry in 2025 and beyond—and how insurers can stay ahead of the curve.

How Insurance CX Measures Up Today and What’s Next

Insurers and brokers are no longer just risk managers—they’re expected to be problem solvers, advisors, and seamless service providers. Imagine a business owner dealing with property damage, only to face a maze of paperwork and long wait times. Or a broker struggling to juggle multiple platforms just to secure a competitive quote. These everyday frustrations are reshaping expectations, forcing insurers to rethink how they engage, advise, and deliver value. The real challenge isn’t just adapting—it’s about redefining what insurance means in a world where customers demand effortless protection, not just policies.

Customer Desires Customer Dislikes
Seamless Digital Experience Complex Onboarding Processes
  • User-friendly online platforms for policy management and claims.
  • Lengthy and cumbersome sign-up procedures lead to drop-offs.
Personalized Service and Communication Generic Communications
  • Tailored policy recommendations and interactions based on individual needs.
  • One-size-fits-all messages that don’t address specific customer concerns.
Efficient Claims Processing Slow Claims Handling
  • Quick and transparent claims procedures with timely updates.
  • Delayed responses and lack of clarity during the claims process.
Transparent Pricing Hidden Fees and Price Increases
  • Clear information on policy costs without unexpected charges.
  • Sudden premium hikes and undisclosed fees causing distrust.
Multi-Channel Accessibility Limited Contact Options
  • Ability to reach insurers via phone, email, chat, or in person as preferred.
  • Restricted communication channels hinder customer convenience.

93% of insurance CIOs say they prioritize CX, but what will define it in 2025 and beyond? Let’s explore the key trends shaping its future.

The Trends Insurers Must Act on in 2025

As we navigate the rapidly evolving insurance landscape in 2025, customer experience (CX) has emerged as the new frontier for differentiation and growth. 76% of insurance CIOs rank CX as their top priority, signaling a shift toward AI-powered hyper-personalization, digital self-service, and frictionless claims processing.

The Trends Insurers Must Act on in 2025

Source: https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/5424863

Here are the five key CX trends reshaping the industry and how insurers can stay ahead of the curve:

1. Hyper-Personalization is the New Normal

AI and GenAI will redefine insurance CX in 2025, with 89% of insurance CIOs ramping up AI investments. Customers now demand tailored experiences, making hyper-personalization a must-have. Advanced analytics and AI-driven insights will enable insurers to offer real-time, dynamic policy recommendations, proactive engagement, and personalized pricing models. Usage-based auto insurance will adjust premiums based on driving behavior, while health insurers will leverage wearable data to offer wellness incentives. As AI transforms every touch point, insurers that embrace hyper-personalization will lead to customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.

2. Digital Self-Service to Empower Customers

While digital transformation remains a key priority, insurers are realizing that a hybrid approach—blending digital self-service with human interaction—is essential. According to Forrester, digital-only experiences lag behind hybrid models in effectiveness and emotional connection. In 2025, customers want quick, easy, and autonomous ways to manage their insurance needs. Digital self-service platforms are becoming essential, allowing policyholders to update details, file claims, and access information without agent intervention. Key features of effective self-service platforms include:

  • Interactive FAQs
  • AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants
  • Secure document upload capabilities

By embracing self-service, insurers can improve customer satisfaction, reduce operational costs, and free agents to handle more complex tasks.

3. Seamless Multi-Channel Engagement

While “omnichannel” has been a buzzword for years, 2025 sees a shift toward truly seamless multi-channel experiences. Customers expect to move effortlessly between channels – from web to mobile to phone – while maintaining context throughout their journey. This seamless experience requires breaking down data silos and ensuring consistent information across all touchpoints. The result is a frictionless customer journey that enhances satisfaction and loyalty.

4. AI-Powered Customer Support

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a futuristic concept – it’s a present necessity for optimizing operations and improving CX. By 2025, AI will be deeply embedded in customer service functions, with generative AI playing a crucial role. AI-powered support offers 24/7 availability, real-time responses, and even predictive issue resolution. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between automation and human interaction, especially for sensitive or complex matters. Insurers like Lemonade and Progressive’s Flo chatbot have successfully reduced wait times by providing instant responses. Additionally, advanced AI chatbots use sentiment analysis to detect frustration and seamlessly escalate complex queries to human agents, ensuring a smooth, empathetic customer experience.

5. Digital Risk Placement

The shift toward digital risk placement solutions transforms how brokers obtain quotes and coverage for their clients. These solutions streamline the entire process, from quote creation to policy signing, allowing brokers to focus more on building customer relationships and providing strategic advice.

The Human Touch in a Digital World

While technology drives many of these trends, the human element remains crucial in insurance CX. Empathy, trust, and personalized advice are still highly valued, especially when dealing with sensitive issues or complex claims.

Successful insurers in 2025 will find the right balance between digital efficiency and human connection, using technology to enhance rather than replace the personal touch.

Staying Ahead of the Curve: Key Strategies for Insurers

To stay ahead of the CX trends reshaping the insurance landscape in 2025, insurers should focus on these key strategies:

  1. Innovate with Intention

    Align your digital strategy with emerging CX trends and customer expectations. This involves ensuring your approach is both innovative and aligned with customer needs.

  2. Enhance Customer Experience

    Implement self-service portals, AI-powered chatbots, and intuitive customer portals to empower users and reduce operational burdens. These solutions enhance CX by providing quick access to information and services.

  3. Leverage Advanced Analytics and AI

    Use data analytics and AI to drive hyper-personalization, predictive customer service, and seamless multichannel experiences. This includes breaking down data silos to create cohesive customer journeys across all touchpoints.

  4. Streamline Operations

    Develop efficient digital risk placement platforms for brokers and automate the claims process using data analytics and AI. This improves efficiency and reduces operational costs while enhancing customer satisfaction.

  5. Focus on Personalization and Prevention

    Use customer data analysis for personalization at scale and implement risk prevention initiatives using AI-driven insights. This helps offer tailored experiences and proactive risk management.

Gartner’s Vision for Insurance CX Beyond 2025

As insurers integrate AI and digital technologies into their CX strategies, the industry is set for a major transformation. Here’s what lies ahead:

5-CX-Trends-Are-Your-Survival-Guide-for-2025-Opportunities

5-CX-Trends-Are-Your-Survival-Guide-for-2025-Challenges

To succeed, insurers must proactively balance AI innovation with cost management, governance, and CX excellence.

Conclusion: The Future of CX in Insurance

The convergence of AI and business strategy is no longer a distant vision but an immediate reality reshaping the insurance industry. As technology-driven transformation accelerates, CIOs are tasked with leading digital innovation while balancing governance, financial management, and customer-centric outcomes. The rise of machine “employees” unlocks new levels of efficiency and reinvention, pushing insurers to pivot from mere optimization to bold innovation.

However, this shift brings critical challenges—aligning AI investments with business value, redefining cloud strategies for legacy workloads, and ensuring robust governance frameworks to navigate ethical and operational complexities. To remain competitive, insurers must foster deeper collaborations between IT and business leaders, build AI governance frameworks, and invest in the right skills and financial management capabilities.

At Bridgenext, we empower insurers to navigate this evolving landscape with AI-driven solutions, cloud strategy optimization, and governance expertise. Whether you’re looking to refine your IT strategy or accelerate AI adoption, we can help you turn disruption into opportunity. Let’s build a future-ready insurance enterprise together — connect with us today.

References –

www.gartner.com/en/documents/5424863

www.gartner.com/en/documents/5563695

www.forrester.com/report/the-us-health-insurers-customer-experience-index-rankings-2024/RES181035

www.gartner.com/en/documents/6134259#:~:text=By%20adopting%20a%20futuristic%20mindset%20and%20challenging%20traditional,critical%20strategies%20that%20separate%20CIOs%20from%20the%20pack

]]>