The Connected Podcast

Co-curated by Alan Demers and Stephen Applebaum, The Connected Podcast is a daily scan of all the happenings in the world of Insurance & InsurTech News.

The Connected Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 89. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Connected Podcast, a business show with 0 episodes published.

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  Episode #615

  July CPI: Good News For The Fed, Mixed News For P&C Insurers

  Aug 18, 202610 minS1

  The Connected Podcast: News and Events in the Insurance Ecosystem The Connected Podcast: News and Events in the Insurance Ecosystem In this episode of The Connected Podcast , we explore key developments in the insurance industry influenced by recent economic trends and market shifts. The discussion begins with the U.S. Consumer Price Index report, which highlights a 3.4% easing in headline CPI as of July. However, the insurance sector faces unique challenges, such as a 4.5% decrease in motor vehicle insurance prices versus a 6.6% rise in maintenance and repair costs, indicating a disparity affecting pricing and claims. In home insurance, slower shelter inflation doesn't ease claims pressures, impacted more by construction costs and catastrophic risks. Companies like Progressive and Allstate are better equipped to handle these challenges than weaker competitors. The focus then shifts to auto insurance, where despite last year's 6% premium drop in 2025, rates are rising again, with 27 states seeing increases in early 2026. The average cost for full-coverage insurance is expected to reach $2,242 by year-end, reversing previous downward trends. Additionally, Best's Review's August issue offers comprehensive rankings on various insurance sectors, providing competitive insights into areas like pet and cyber insurance. The podcast also examines auto insurance shopping dynamics, as data from LexisNexis reveals a slowdown in shopping and policy growth in Q2 2026, albeit still near record levels. Notable is the rise of the exclusive agent channel and the consistent shopping growth among consumers aged 66+, marking 14 quarters of increase. This group's behavior may indicate broader market trends, particularly for those with MLS home listings, serving as a predictive signal for potential mobility or market shifts. In a recent segment of The Connected Podcast , the discussion centered on significant developments within the insurance ecosystem. A notable event was the 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Ica, Peru, in May 2026, which highlighted the effectiveness of the ShakeNet Parametric insurance policy. This innovative coverage, coordinated by Liberty Mutual Reinsurance with Safehub’s Shake Network, allowed a commercial client to receive a claims payout just 21 days post-disaster. In contrast to traditional indemnity insurance, this parametric approach guarantees swift cash flow after seismic incidents, offering a vital liquidity solution in earthquake-prone Latin American regions. The podcast also covered a shift in the trucking industry as companies combat the challenge of "nuclear verdicts" — jury awards exceeding $10 million. In response, fleets are integrating cameras and sensors to capture crucial data during incidents, enhancing transparency and reducing dependence on personal testimonies in legal scenarios. In the realm of artificial intelligence, insurers are adapting to emerging risks by implementing AI-specific exclusions in commercial liability policies. This proactive stance aims to manage the uncertainties AI introduces across various sectors. Finally, the AM Best 2027 Student Challenge was highlighted as an exciting opportunity for aspiring insurance professionals. This initiative encourages students to innovate in areas like data center insurance and risk transfer solutions, providing valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities that can significantly impact their future careers. In this segment of The Connected Podcast , the focus is on three significant developments within the insurance sector. First, insights from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' 2026 Summer meeting underscore the critical role of innovation in the industry, particularly in life and property-casualty insurance. Key discussions involved scrutiny on complex investments, risk management, and climate change, with efforts like the Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Risk Modeling Working Group developing proactive disaster mitigation strategies. The second topic addresses generational challenges, spotlighting Gen Z drivers. Notably, a TransUnion report reveals that almost one-third of Gen Z drivers have recently driven uninsured vehicles, presenting insurers with the challenge of maintaining coverage among young drivers who may view non-renewal as a strategic choice due to affordability concerns. Finally, the segment explores the emerging risks associated with modern technology, particularly the rise in shadow AI usage, which IBM links to 43 percent of security incidents last year. This unapproved usage of AI tools by staff emphasizes a critical gap in corporate governance. In light of the EU AI Act's Article 50, companies must enhance transparency and oversight to mitigate these risks. Together, these developments highlight the dynamic interplay of innovation, generational trends, and technology in reshaping the insurance landscape, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the industry. Links: July CPI: Good News For The Fed, Mixed News For P&C Insurers The Great Insurance Sale Is Over, and 32 States Are About to Pay the Tab August Issue of Best’s Review Ranks Top U.S. Insurers Across Multiple Lines of Business LexisNexis U.S. Insurance Demand Meter: Auto Insurance Shopping Volumes Maintain Historic Levels as Q2 2026 Shopping Growth Remains Elevated in 'Warm' Territory Liberty Mutual Re and Safehub complete first sensor-triggered earthquake parametric payout Cameras and Telematics, a Drivers’ Best Defense Insurer Interest in AI Coverage Exclusions Growing as Risk Becomes Omnipresent AM Best Is Looking for the Next Generation of Insurance Professionals Demotech, Inc. Reflects on Recent NAIC 2026 Summer Meeting in Columbus, OH Nearly One-Third of Gen Z Drivers Reported Owning or Driving An Uninsured Vehicle in the Past Six Months Shadow AI Risk Now Drives Insurance And Disclosure Audio Version - 'Connected: The Podcast' --- Sponsored by Pulse Podcasts

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  Episode #614

  US severe convective storm (SCS) industry losses exceed $35bn - rain and flooding persists

  Aug 17, 202610 minS1

  In a recent episode of The Connected Podcast , the discussion centers on the dynamic shifts and emerging challenges within the insurance sector. Notably, a substantial increase in losses from severe convective storms in the US has been reported by Gallagher Re, a major reinsurance broker, with estimated losses soaring to over $35 billion. This surge is attributed to a series of severe storms that struck regions across the Plains, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic in early August, featuring a high-impact derecho event in Chicago. Gallagher Re suggests the true economic toll is even higher, accounting for unreported and underinsured losses. Simultaneously, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is alerting consumers about the rise in flood-damaged vehicles being resold post-disaster. These vehicles, while appearing untouched, can harbor significant damage and safety risks. NICB estimates about 530,000 such vehicles could be on US roads, urging buyers to verify vehicle histories meticulously. In the homeowners insurance domain, new data from S&P Global Market Intelligence illustrates a market nearing rate adequacy, with average rate changes decreasing significantly. This trend indicates a strategic realignment by insurers who are now tailoring rates according to specific local needs after a comprehensive national rate update. On the legislative front, the California Assembly is considering three significant bills designed to enhance protections for homeowners, particularly post-catastrophe. SB 1301, SB 878, and SB 877 aim to improve transparency, ensure prompt claims processing, and facilitate consumer challenges against underpaid claims. Together, these developments highlight the insurance industry's ongoing efforts to adapt to environmental changes and legislative demands, reinforcing consumer protections amidst increasing natural disaster risks. In the latest episode of The Connected Podcast , the focus is on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the reinsurance sector. Based on a recent AM Best report, AI is increasingly viewed as a transformative force with the potential to revolutionize underwriting, claims, and operations, provided it’s bolstered by strong governance and risk controls. Although still in the early stages of integration, initial AI investments aimed at enhancing efficiency in document processing and claims management are proving fruitful. This success is encouraging further expansion into underwriting support and risk analytics. Concurrently, insurance regulators are honing their AI oversight capabilities. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is refining its AI Risk Evaluation Supplement, a key tool for scrutinizing insurers’ AI practices, underscoring the shift toward transparency and accountability in AI usage. As the sector navigates AI integration, a cautionary note is sounded about the complexities of legacy systems. These older systems, combined with new AI solutions, risk creating entrenched infrastructures that could hinder future innovation. A recent EXL study highlights a disconnect between the perceived advancement and actual integration of AI within organizations. It points out that 96% of insurers now view scaling AI as a priority—up from 86% expected by 2025. Significant strides are being made with agentic AI, which enhances risk management, actuarial tasks, underwriting, and customer experiences, driving substantial progress within the industry. In this segment of The Connected Podcast , listeners are introduced to key innovations and shifting dynamics in the insurance industry. Highlighted is nsur.ai's new AI Underwriting Assistant, which enhances the workflow for property and casualty underwriters by supporting their tasks without replacing existing systems. This AI tool streamlines the tedious process of evaluating risks, providing much-needed efficiency in the sector. The conversation then shifts to changing consumer expectations, particularly the demand for more dynamic relationships with insurers. A survey by VIU by HUB reveals that 88% of policyholders value proactive adjustments to their policies to better align with their lifestyles, although a significant communication gap currently exists between them and their providers, signaling a need for more engaged interactions. Lastly, the podcast examines non-weather-related water risks in home insurance. With ZestyAI’s Z-WATER™ model being widely adopted across the United States, insurers can now better assess and mitigate the financial impact of issues like burst pipes and hidden leaks, which are becoming an increasingly costly concern. Overall, this segment underscores the industry’s need to push beyond mere adaptation, advocating for proactive engagement with technological advances, evolving consumer demands, and new risk challenges to drive the insurance sector forward. Links: US severe convective storm (SCS) industry losses exceed $35bn in 2026 so far: Gallagher Re NICB Warns Consumers to Watch for Flood-Damaged Vehicles During Peak Flood Season Homeowners Insurance Market Reaches ‘Fragmented Phase,’ Says S&P GMI Three Bills to Reform Insurance Claims Abuses and Help Homeowners Keep Their Insurance Pass Final Committee, Head to CA Assembly Floor, Says Consumer Watchdog AI adoption in reinsurance likely to remain gradual despite growing enthusiasm: AM Best PYMNTS | Insurance Regulators Get Schooled on AI Governance Is Insurance About to Repeat Its Biggest Technology Mistake with AI? | The AI Journal Insurers Overestimate Their Progress With AI: Study nsur.ai Launches AI Underwriting Assistant 88% OF POLICYHOLDERS WANT TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN THEIR INSURANCE COVERAGE IS NOT OPTIMAL, BEFORE SOMETHING GOES WRONG, NEW VIU BY HUB SURVEY FINDS ZestyAI's Z-WATER wins approval in 20+ US states ITC Vegas | Horizon of Possibilities

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  Episode #613

  Most insurance renewal rate hikes slow: Ivans

  Aug 13, 202612 minS1

  In a recent episode of The Connected Podcast , the focus was on emerging trends and developments within the insurance ecosystem. The discussion began with a report from Ivans Insurance Services indicating a deceleration in commercial insurance renewal rates for July. Notably, commercial auto renewal rates increased by 4.03%, a slowdown from June's 4.58%. Similarly, Business Owners Policy, general liability, and commercial property experienced slight decreases in their respective rate increases compared to the previous month, while workers' compensation saw a modest decline. These subtle shifts highlight a trend in the commercial insurance sector that's worth monitoring. The podcast also featured the success stories of individual companies. Kin Insurance had an exceptional second quarter in 2026, with a dramatic 23% year-over-year increase in Premium in Force and a 15% rise in Gross Written Premium. Kin's revenue and gross profit margin also saw significant growth, reflecting successful scaling operations without additional costs. Boyd Group Services Inc. achieved a landmark with second quarter sales in 2026 surpassing $1 billion for the first time, driven by new locations and market share gains despite flat repairable-claims volumes. The integration of Joe Hudson's Collision Center was completed swiftly, contributing to Boyd's strong performance. In terms of evolving risks, the industry is reassessing the impact of secondary perils, such as convective storms, wildfires, floods, and hail. These events are increasingly significant in risk models and pricing strategies, necessitating recalibrations across the industry. The episode concluded with a discussion on Volvo Cars' collaboration with Cambridge Mobile Telematics to introduce "Safety Coach," an app integrated into Volvo vehicles. This initiative aims to enhance driving safety through real-time insights, offering a pathway towards more personalized and competitive insurance options. Alexander Franke from Volvo Cars emphasized the app's potential to empower drivers and influence tailored insurance solutions. In a recent episode of The Connected Podcast , the discussion centered on major developments in the insurance ecosystem driven by technological advancements. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing both the investment and operational landscapes, with Allianz Commercial forecasting AI data center investments to exceed one trillion dollars by 2027. These data centers are evolving into critical hubs, equipped with advanced infrastructure that demands secure power and resilient supply chains. CEO Thomas Lillelund emphasizes the importance of sophisticated insurance programs to manage accumulation risks in these ventures. The podcast also touched on shifts in insurtech funding, with Gallagher Re's report indicating that a staggering 95.2% of global funding in the first quarter of 2026 concentrated on AI-based companies. This marks a significant strategic shift towards integrating AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency, as noted by insurance tech advisor Donald Light. Additionally, a new study by Kim Garland highlights the financial impact of fraud and misinformation on the U.S. insurance market, costing $45.3 billion annually. Garland advocates for trust intelligence to improve data verification and streamline personal insurance processes, thereby reducing customer friction. Finally, Accelerant's acquisition by Thoma Bravo, valuing the company at over four billion dollars, underscores the importance of data-driven platforms in today's insurance industry. This move, approved unanimously by Accelerant's Board of Directors, signifies the increasing reliance on data analytics to navigate the rapidly changing insurance landscape. In this segment of The Connected Podcast , the discussion centers on notable developments in the insurance ecosystem, focusing primarily on cyber insurance trends for 2026. A midyear report by cyber insurer Resilience identifies social engineering as the leading cause of cyber insurance losses, accounting for 85.3% of losses in the first half of 2026, a significant rise from 17.7% in 2024. The report highlights the human vulnerability to fraudulent communications as a key factor, despite the attention on autonomous AI attacks. Meanwhile, extortion remains the most costly cause of loss, though there are fewer high-value demands, reducing the average claim severity. The podcast also covers Allstate's innovative Allstate Claims University in Dallas, a training campus dedicated to enhancing the skills of claims professionals using real-world simulations of damage scenarios. This initiative aligns with Allstate’s commitment to customer service and evolving technologies in homes and vehicles. Additionally, Adjusto's introduction of Adjusto Remote, an AI-native contents claims service, is highlighted. This service improves claims processing through efficient field inventory and desk valuation, helping carriers maintain strong policyholder relationships while responding swiftly and accurately to claims. This innovation responds to industry demands for enhanced remote claims services. Links: Most insurance renewal rate hikes slow: Ivans Kin Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results Boyd Group Tops $1 Billion in Quarterly Sales for First Time in Q2 2026 - Autobody News Viewpoint: Is it Time to Rethink the ‘Secondary-Peril’ Label and Reclassify Risk? Volvo Cars and Cambridge Mobile Telematics Introduce Safety Coach to Deliver In-Vehicle Driving Coaching in Real Time - Cambridge Mobile Telematics AI data center investment will top $1 trn by 2027, raising construction and insurance exposures Private equity's insurtech appetite has shifted from cloud to AI Lower Trust and Inaccurate Information Cost Insurance $45B Accelerant heads back to private ownership with Thoma Bravo acquisition Human Error, Not AI Agents, Is Driving Cyber Losses So Far In 2026 Allstate invests in the people behind every claim with new industry-leading training campus Adjusto today announced the launch of Adjusto Remote

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  Episode #612

  First-half insured nat cat losses at $42B: Swiss Re

  Aug 11, 202613 minS1

  The Connected Podcast - Insurance Ecosystem The Connected Podcast Explore the Dynamic World of Insurance In a recent episode of The Connected Podcast , the hosts delved into the latest developments in the insurance ecosystem. A focus on a new Swiss Re report revealed global insured losses from natural catastrophes in the first half of 2026, totaling $42 billion—the lowest first-half figure since 2020, well below the projected $66 billion. The primary driver of these claims were severe convective storms in the U.S., accounting for $28 billion of the losses. Despite this decline, insurance coverage represented 42% of economic losses, higher than the historical norm. Significant events discussed include the Venezuela earthquakes, which resulted in $20 billion in economic damage. However, insured losses are predicted to be low due to minimal insurance coverage in the region. Furthermore, Europe faces unprecedented heat, causing widespread wildfires, with damage costs pending based largely on whether they affect insured, populated areas. In the property and casualty reinsurance sector, Munich Re CEO Christoph Jurecka emphasized increasing demand driven by the rising gap in uninsured risks, emerging exposures, and climate change repercussions. He highlighted long-term growth prospects over short-term market changes, supported by solid structural factors. The segment also covered trends in auto insurance, including a rise in liability and medical claims settled without payment—from 35% a decade ago to 45% in 2025—often due to reasons beyond outright claim denials. The net loss ratio for personal auto insurers in 2025 was 61 cents per premium dollar for claims, a low not seen since 2020. Concerns were raised by Douglas Heller from the Consumer Federation of America about potential industry tactics to minimize claim payouts. Notably, more claims were settled for damage to vehicles rather than for injuries or third-party damages, indicating a shift in claims processing. Meanwhile, collision and comprehensive non-payment claims have remained fairly stable at just under 25% over the past decade. The discussion continued with a look at Berkshire Hathaway's challenges with Geico, where nearly a 45% drop in earnings was reported in the last quarter, primarily due to an increase in auto claims and rising bodily injury costs. The loss ratio climbed over 76%, marking a significant rise from the previous year. Amidst these pressures, Berkshire Hathaway made strategic financial moves by reducing cash reserves, investing in stocks including Alphabet, and rebuying $7.8 billion of its own stock in a vigorous repurchase strategy following a two-year break. In a strategic development, FM's acquisition of FortressFire enhances its wildfire risk management capabilities. FortressFire's machine learning and physics-based modeling offers insurers and property owners sophisticated insights into wildfire risks, operating as an independent entity under FM. This partnership highlights the growing reliance on data-driven risk mitigation strategies. Further demonstrating an investment in the future, Farmers Insurance is sponsoring the "Fire Resilient Future" theme in DiscoverE's Future City Competition for 2026–2027. This initiative aims to help the next generation design cities resilient to wildfires, aligning with Farmers’ mission to enhance community resilience. These stories illustrate the dynamic interplay between financial strategies, technological advancements in risk management, and proactive resilience-building in the insurance industry, highlighting the crucial role of adaptation and forward-thinking in addressing current and future challenges. The discussion then turns to the evolving landscape driven by technological advancements and shifting economic conditions. Allstate's ambitious tech-forward strategy was highlighted with CEO Tom Wilson's introduction of Allie, a proprietary AI platform aimed at revolutionizing customer service through agent-to-agent processing and robust analytical models. The complexities of claims processing were discussed, emphasizing efficiency in decision-making, as highlighted by Awais Farooq from Venbrook. The conversation covered the recent rise in auto insurance rates following a prior decrease due to increasing auto repair costs, impacting states like Connecticut and Kentucky and affecting customer satisfaction and retention. Progressive's role as a talent development hub was explored, illustrating their culture of resilience and innovation, propelling industry leaders like Kate Terry of Surround Insurance. The dialogue touched on growing executive concerns about economic uncertainties, as revealed by a Sentry Insurance survey, urging the need for agile risk management strategies. Finally, anticipation builds for the ITC Vegas 2026 event, poised to offer crucial insights for navigating changes in climate, technology, and regulation within the industry. These narratives collectively paint a picture of an industry adapting to technological innovations and economic pressures, driving shifts in strategic approaches. Links: First-half insured nat cat losses at $42B: Swiss Re Munich Re CEO says P&C demand will continue to rise as market moves towards balance Auto Insurers Pay Nothing on 45% of Claims Geico Earnings Plummet 45%—As More Accidents End With Injury Lawsuits Berkshire accelerates buybacks as profit tops forecasts FM Announces Acquisition of FortressFire Farmers Insurance® Encourages Students to Imagine a Fire Resilient Future Through DiscoverE's Future City Competition® Allstate preps Allie platform to drive agentic AI strategy Why the future of claims performance depends on connected intelligence Rising Again: Car Insurance Rates Set to Climb in More than Half the Country by Year's End, Insurify Projects P&C Specialist - How Progressive Became the P&C Industry’s Talent Factory Business Uncertainty Drives Changes in C-Suite Strategy: Sentry ITC Vegas | Horizon of Possibilities

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  Episode #611

  It's not just insurance. All of finance is quietly shrinking

  Aug 10, 202611 minS1

  Welcome to The Connected Podcast , where we delve into the dynamic world of insurance, exploring the evolving challenges and futuristic innovations shaping the industry. In our latest episode, we shine a spotlight on significant news and events within the insurance ecosystem, offering a comprehensive view of current trends and developments. The insurance sector, alongside banking, real estate, and credit intermediation, has been navigating significant employment challenges. Since May 2025, financial activities have seen a decline of 121,000 positions, with July alone marking a reduction of 9,000 jobs in credit intermediation and 7,000 in insurance. Yet, amidst these hurdles, certain players exhibit resilience. AIG marked a 10% growth in underwriting income in Q2 2026, attributed to improved expense management and favorable prior-year developments. Meanwhile, the U.S. property and casualty market saw a modest increase in direct premiums written, hitting $177.40 billion in 2025, particularly in the automobile physical damage sector. Our exploration includes key industry players such as State Farm Group, Progressive Insurance, and Berkshire Hathaway, with Liberty Mutual noted for a 14.1% drop in direct premiums. In contrast, Allstate reported significant revenue growth, leveraging advancements like their innovative ALLIE platform to enhance customer service through robust data insights, cybersecurity, and data protection. We delve into how the insurance industry is grappling with economic shifts while embracing technological advancements, portraying a dynamic, multifaceted approach to conquer current challenges. Featuring insights from Kobi Berebi of Israeli insurtech firm YuviTal, we discuss the transformative potential of their Behavioral AI Engine, BID, which blends AI with behavioral insights for improved user engagement and retention in health programs. Join the nuanced discussion as Bryan Falchuk offers perspectives on AI enhancing decision-making through superior pattern recognition, aiding risk assessment and management. Amidst these conversations, we highlight the growing stress among U.S. executives as geopolitical and economic challenges rise, compelling a focus on contingency planning. Moreover, the episode touches on surging AI-focused InsurTech funding, peaking in Q2 2026 with nearly USD 2.44 billion, demonstrating the industry's pivot towards data-driven solutions. Ido Deutsch from Producerflow emphasizes the critical need for accurate foundational data supporting AI technologies to prevent the amplification of inaccuracies. We also explore technological advancements like Seattle-based n2uitive’s cloud-native accelerator integrated with Guidewire’s ClaimCenter, spotlighted by CEO Joel Gendelman for its seamless enhancement of claims investigations and services through actionable insights. Lastly, we discuss the financial implications of fluctuating oil prices on claims costs, as revealed by a Verisk report urging insurers to remain adaptable amidst rising costs and geographic variations. Tune in to The Connected Podcast as we dissect the synergy between innovation and foundational industry principles, driving stability and progress within the insurance world. Links: It's not just insurance. All of finance is quietly shrinking AIG sees GI underwriting income rise 10% in Q2’26 with improved CoR - Reinsurance News 2026 Best's Rankings: US Auto Physical Damage Writers See 1.3% Direct Premiums Hike Allstate Q2 Earnings Call Highlights The next generation of AI will not only analyze data. It will help insurers and healthcare organizations make better decisions - Insurtech Israel New Will AI Be the End of Insurance Agents? Executive Anxiety Surges As Geopolitical And Economic Shocks Reshape 2026 Outlook - Average Homeowners Insurance Premiums Have Increased Across The Country—Here’s How To Save – Forbes Advisor Global InsurTech Report for Q2 2026 | GallagherRe What were the big InsurTech trends in H1 2026? n2uitive Launches Guidewire Claims Accelerator Oil-Related Materials Claims Exposure Varies Broadly Across US

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