5 ways AI in policy servicing is supercharging insurance

The insurance industry, traditionally known for its complex processes and legacy systems, is undergoing a significant transformation with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in policy servicing. For insurance leaders—particularly those managing Property and Casualty (P&C) portfolios—AI presents a tremendous opportunity to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and reduce time-consuming manual tasks.

According to a KPMG survey of executives from the insurance sector in the US, a majority of the respondents said they will be experimenting more with AI for various applications within the insurance sphere in the immediate future. A staggering 76% said they will experiment with the use of AI for fraud detection, 68% with risk management, and 66% said they would rely on chatbots and virtual assistants to get the rote tasks done.

AI’s Role in Modernizing Policy Servicing

Policy servicing involves a wide array of activities—from claims management and policyholder engagement to risk management and customer retention. The manual handling of these processes can lead to delays, errors, and customer dissatisfaction, which can be costly for insurers. Enter AI, a technology that automates and streamlines these operations with remarkable precision and speed.

1. Accelerated Claims Management One of the most high-impact areas where AI can shine is in claims management. AI-powered tools like virtual assistants and chatbots can handle tasks such as claims reporting, status updates, and post-claims communication in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. For instance, tasks that once took several hours can now be completed within minutes, boosting efficiency and freeing up human resources for more strategic initiatives.

According to industry data, the time taken for claims reporting without AI ranges from 2 to 4 hours. With AI, this time is reduced to just 30 minutes to 1 hour, offering a significant boost in customer satisfaction. Similarly, claims status updates, which could take 1–2 hours, can now be completed in as little as 10–20 minutes.

2. Enhanced Customer Engagement AI isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about personalizing the customer experience. By analyzing vast amounts of customer data, AI can create tailored communication strategies, ensuring that policyholders feel valued and well-informed. This results in stronger customer retention and higher satisfaction rates. Processes like regular communication and personalized interactions, which would previously take hours or days, can now be completed within minutes using AI-driven systems.

*Responses on AI adoption in the next 12 months to a KPMG survey of insurance executives in the US in November 2023

3. Improved Customer Service Another area where AI is making waves is in customer service. Traditionally, insurers have had to rely on human agents to handle a multitude of inquiries, complaints, and communications, often leading to bottlenecks and delays. AI can automate many of these tasks, allowing for faster response times and more accurate resolutions. Inquiry handling, complaint management, and communication management, which might take days to resolve, can now be completed within hours, reducing frustration for both customers and service teams.

4. Optimized Risk Management Risk management is a core function of insurance, and AI provides a data-driven approach to assessing and mitigating risk. By analyzing historical data and market trends, AI can identify patterns and anomalies that may go unnoticed by human analysts. This leads to more accurate risk assessments and quicker implementation of mitigation strategies. AI reduces the time taken for risk assessment from 2–3 weeks to just 1–2 weeks, giving insurance companies a competitive edge.

5. Streamlined Policyholder Retention Retaining policyholders is critical for the long-term success of any insurance company. AI can assist in automating loyalty programs, customer feedback analysis, and upselling/cross-selling strategies, creating a more seamless experience for policyholders. Moreover, AI can predict customer churn and suggest personalized interventions, increasing the likelihood of retention.

The Business Impact of AI in Policy Servicing

For insurance executives, the benefits of AI in policy servicing are clear. By automating routine processes, AI not only reduces operational costs but also empowers teams to focus on higher-value tasks. This translates into greater productivity, increased customer satisfaction, and more opportunities for revenue growth through personalized customer interactions and targeted product offerings.

Moreover, AI’s ability to deliver real-time insights enables better decision-making, particularly in areas like underwriting, risk assessment, and customer service.

Conclusion

AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it is here and transforming the way insurance companies operate, particularly in policy servicing. As more insurers adopt AI-driven solutions, those who leverage these technologies will stand out in a highly competitive market, delivering faster, more personalized services to their customers while optimizing costs and operational efficiency.

We will be showcasing our AI solutions in policy servicing at Guidewire Connections 2024 from November 17-20 and have some exclusive demos lined up. We are also returning as a sponsor for the event this year. Sign up to meet with us and discuss how you can take measures to include AI in policy servicing & watch the demos.

Akshya Jayram

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