Issues & Answers: Stronger Ops Equal Smarter AI

Reena Batra, vice president, data science, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, explains how falling rates, regional dynamics and direct digital channels are fueling a sharp rise in U.S. auto insurance shopping, with retention challenges pushing insurers to adopt more data-driven, customer-focused strategies.

Stefan Heck, founder and CEO, Nauto, explains how AI driver monitoring and predictive safety tools are helping fleets cut collisions, protect against multimillion-dollar verdicts and ease mounting insurance and labor pressures in the commercial trucking sector.

Brian Jorgensen, CEO of MetLife’s pet insurance business, details the growth of that business line and how its mobile app can help with pet care including, veterinary telehealth.

Sabine VanderLinden, managing partner & CEO of venture lab Alchemy Crew, says AI spending is wasted when companies don’t prepare staff for tech launches.

Lauren Magro, financial analyst, AM Best, said mutual insurers' premium growth is outpacing rising loss costs and driving improved loss ratios. Magro spoke with AM Best TV at the 130th annual NAMIC convention, San Diego.

Raj Bector, senior partner, and Piyush Sharma, partner, both of McKinsey & Company, explain how AI could cut costs by up to 40%, shift roles from “doers to reviewers,” and create a competitive divide between firms that embrace full-scale transformation and those that fall behind.

Bryan Hodgens, senior vice president and head of LIMRA research, explains why standalone long-term care coverage remains scarce, and how hybrid products are emerging as key solutions to help families and younger consumers manage rising caregiving and retirement risks.

Subramanian Sankaran, chief operating officer at Xceedance, said artificial intelligence is a multiplier, and if operations are fragile, AI multiplies fragility.”

Amar Reganti, managing director and fixed income and global insurance strategist at Wellington Management, said insurers enjoy the benefits of higher yields right now, but they should also make sure they are getting diversification across their entire spectrum of investments.

Aaron Hillebrandt, principal and consulting actuary for Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, spoke with Best’s Review about the importance of brokers and broker relationships.