Tech shakes up insurance

Technological innovations have taken multiple industries by storm over the last few decades. However, insurance has often been pegged as a slightly more traditional industry. Enter insurtech. A portmanteau of “insurance” and “technology” inspired by the term fintech, emerging technologies are increasingly underpinning insurtech solutions.

Traditionally, insurers created categories of risk profiles based on variables such as your age, where you live and previous incidentals. Your insurance premium would then be an industry average based on similar individuals in the same broad category. But the use of emerging technologies is improving risk profiling, pricing and general efficiency in the insurance industry.

Peter Scheffel, CTO at BBD, uses Friendsurance as a great example of a disruptor in the insurance industry. Initially a German insurtech company that has expanded into Australia, Friendsurance created a peer-to-peer insurance model which connects groups of customers to create their own risk pool to settle small claims. “If their connections remain claims-free during the year, they can retrieve as much as 40 per cent of their premiums,” Scheffel explains.

Through insurtech, South African insurers have a more accurate representation of their clients, ensuring ultra-customised policies according to observed behaviour. Scheffel adds that “BBD is enabling top South African insurance companies to leverage insurtech through developing innovative solutions.” Below are a few examples of innovative technology being introduced throughout the different sectors in the insurance industry:

1) Car insurance
Multiple vehicle insurers are incorporating apps which use GPS and smartphone sensor technology to track your driving. These apps can track when you are speeding, taking corners too hard or even just slamming on the brakes too aggressively. But responsible drivers will be rewarded. BBD executive, Matthew Barnard idolises his insurance app, but admits that his wife’s insurance premium is much lower than his, because evidently she is the better driver.

2) Property insurance
Smart home security systems allow insurers and homeowners to monitor their homes through – you guessed it – an app. Using your smartphone or tablet, properties can be armed or disarmed, and even be monitored for floods or fires through sensors. Insurers can therefore manage risks, resulting in fewer claims.

3) Medical insurance
Insurers are encouraging healthier lifestyles through the use of wearable biometric sensors, such as Fitbit or Garmin fitness trackers. If you see your colleague hurriedly walking up and down the stairs at work, the chances are they are trying to meet their daily step target. Using these trackers, insurers can monitor movement, heart rate and even sleep patterns.

Innovations and emerging technologies are truly transforming the insurance industry – the biggest challenge being separating the limited fads from the everlasting game changers.