In the first post in this series, we wrote about our notion that insurance is a business of universal requirements that are simple but subtle. As a test of that notion, we wanted to see if we could explain what a policy administration/core processing system should do as briefly but completely as possible. We did […]
Some years ago, at an insurance industry conference the name of which escapes us, we attended a session put on by one of the insurance trade publications that proliferated at the time. At the end of the session, the moderator asked this: “Given the choice between a feature article written by the publication, an advertorial, […]
Dear Insurer, This letter is to acknowledge your challenges, in particular, your technological challenges. Generally speaking, we suspect those challenges are operational efficiency, the experience of your agents and policyholders in working with you, and risk management. While we’re not saying all these things are true for you, there are several specific challenges that are […]
The October edition of Best’s Review contained an article with the headline, “Self-Driving Shift Comes With Early Costs, Changing Landscape for Insurers”. All things considered, that may be an understatement. Here are three reasons why, among others: Exhibit A Although AVs [autonomous vehicles] haven’t fully hit the road, insurers are already getting a glimpse of […]
People who make things for a given market have to take three things into account — cost (what does it cost to make it?), price (what should they sell it for?), and margin (how much profit do they need to continue making the product?). Similarly, people who buy things have to take two things into […]
In the last century, there was a popular saying in technology circles that went like this or some variation of it: “No one ever got fired for buying IBM.” In hindsight, it’s apparent that saying cut two ways: In an earlier part of the century, it referred to IBM’s tried-and-true technology. Later in the century, […]
Most people don’t equate insurance with good news. But in 2026, there is some. And believe it or not, it’s attributable, at least in part to the post-COVID new normal. Here’s what we mean: At the onset of pandemic, lockdowns led to fewer people driving, resulting in a dramatic drop in accidents and claims. Many […]
commodity (noun): an economic resource the market treats as equivalent or nearly so with no regard for who produced it We’ve often heard it said auto insurance is a commodity. Forty-nine states require it. The only exception is New Hampshire. But drivers there have to prove they have the financial wherewithal to cover damages in […]
We hear people in marketing say, “Content is king.” Maybe. It depends on the context. That’s why we think context is king. That thought was reinforced when we wondered if modern, computerized cars could or should be compared to modern, computerized policy administration systems. The answer is, “It depends.” And it depends on context. Here’s […]
In a previous post, we wrote about the importance of putting people first in the journey toward success, technology notwithstanding. In this post, we acknowledge the constructive importance of technology — provided the people using it are adequately prepared for the changes it brings. And that brings us to change management. Change management connotes a […]