The Connected Podcast

Alan Demers and Stephen Applebaum
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED DAILY

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.

  1. 2D AGO

    Aon trial uses stablecoins to settle insurance premiums

    In the latest episode of The Connected Podcast, we dive deep into significant developments within the insurance ecosystem, ranging from innovative payment methods to strategic investments and market dynamics.   We kick off with Aon's pioneering use of stablecoins for insurance premium payments. Partnering with Coinbase and Paxos Trust, Aon is exploring blockchain technologies like Ethereum and Solana to integrate regulated stablecoin transactions, aligning with the 2025 GENIUS Act's regulatory framework.   Turning to leadership decisions, Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel's strategic investment in the company's stock is noteworthy. By allocating his entire take-home pay towards share purchases during his tenure, Abel's actions have already driven a 2.3% rise in Berkshire's stock value, signaling strong confidence in the company's intrinsic value and aligning his interests with shareholders.   Next, we examine the changing dynamics within the excess and surplus lines insurance market. While there's a slowdown in premium growth to 9.7% in 2025 from 13.5% the previous year, commercial property and cyber insurance continue to thrive. This segment demonstrates the contrasting fortunes of industry players, with Berkshire Hathaway experiencing a dip in direct premiums versus MS&AD US Insurance Group's remarkable 42.6% growth.   Our discussion then shifts to the implications of AI on the automotive repair industry, particularly concerning the demand for memory chips. As data centers prioritize AI capabilities, collision shops face part shortages and increased repair costs due to competition for DRAM chips, crucial for ADAS modules.   Further illustrating resilience in challenging times, Greenlight Capital Re in the Cayman Islands saw a substantial increase in net income for 2025, supported by robust premium growth and a turnaround in underwriting results. This success highlights their strategic adjustments amidst broader industry challenges.   In the labor domain, a study by Aon and The Jacobson Group reveals that 43% of insurers plan to maintain staff levels into 2026, driven by recent profitability, strong investments, and tech-driven productivity gains. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence continues to evolve, offering promising applications in risk management amidst debates over its role redefining potential.   The episode also addresses the pressing issue of legacy technology in the insurance sector. A report from Baringa stresses how these outdated systems hinder insurers' abilities to embrace newer technologies like AI, underscoring the need for modernization, as emphasized by Roy Jubraj from Baringa.   We then explore major initiatives like illumend's new Insurance Broker Referral Partner Program, which leverages AI to enhance brokers' capabilities in risk management and compliance. This program aims to position brokers as strategic advisors, significantly improving client relationships.   In regulatory shifts, Florida's private-passenger auto insurance market sees rate reductions averaging 8% due to favorable state earnings and legislative reforms, benefiting consumers greatly.   Lastly, we preview the upcoming InsurTech America Symposium in April 2026, a key event for industry leaders to discuss AI, leadership, and strategies, featuring the EmpowerHER event to unlock potential for women in insurance and insurtech. ```   Links: Aon trial uses stablecoins to settle insurance premiums Berkshire’s Abel Vows to Use All His Pay to Buy Firm’s Stock Surplus Lines Market Growth Cools as Competition Intensifies - Risk & Insurance : Risk & Insurance Another

    12 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Insurance Shopping Bucked Traditional Year-End Slump,

    The Connected Podcast: Navigating the Insurance Ecosystem In this compelling episode of The Connected Podcast, we delve into the latest trends and events reshaping the insurance ecosystem. With TransUnion leading the charge, new consumer dynamics come to the fore, reflecting changes typically seen in retail shopping environments. According to the TransUnion Q1 2026 Insurance Trends and Perspectives Report, there is a growing demand for seamless, data-driven shopping experiences, marking a shift in consumer behavior that integrates insurance into financial strategies. Patrick Foy from TransUnion emphasizes the enduring nature of these changes, signifying the digital era's profound impact on purchasing habits.   On a global scale, geopolitical turmoil has driven maritime insurance premiums to skyrocket, notably in the Gulf region. Stephen Rudman of Aon discusses how the instability in the Strait of Hormuz, especially amid Israeli-U.S. airstrikes on Tehran, inflates war coverage premiums by over 1000%. This development signals significant shifts in the perception of market risks and hints at broader economic ramifications.   The conversation then pivots to a legal challenge at the intersection of AI and law. OpenAI faces scrutiny as ChatGPT's involvement in advising Nippon Life Insurance Co. on a disability benefits claim prompts a lawsuit. This scenario ignites debates surrounding AI's ethical and legal limits, exemplifying its encroaching role in traditionally human-dominated domains.   The podcast also unpacks a noteworthy class action lawsuit against GEICO in Florida, where the accusation of unauthorized policy changes based on unverified third-party information points to potential breaches of contract. This case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in policy communication within the industry.   Highlighting industry innovation, Guidewire's robust 22% growth in annual recurring revenue is examined. CEO Mike Rosenbaum attributes this success to their alignment with evolving industry needs, particularly through modernization and collaborations with major insurers. The recent launch of products like ProNavigator illustrates Guidewire's pivotal role in the insurance technology landscape.   Similarly, CCC Intelligent Solutions extends its reach in the P&C insurance sector through strategic acquisitions like that of EvolutionIQ. Despite a dip in claims volume, CCC's focus on AI-enhanced solutions demonstrates the industry's shift towards leveraging technology for efficiency and competitive advantage.   The episode further explores AI integration with insights into the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' pilot AI evaluation tool. States like Colorado and Maryland participate in this initiative, reflecting an industrywide emphasis on ensuring AI fairness and consumer protection. Concurrently, InsurTech investments surge past $1 billion, driven by AI-centric advancements.   Wrapping up the episode, we take a closer look at New York's soaring auto insurance premiums, attributing the hikes not only to market inflation but also to rampant fraud. In contrast, California's consumer victory through the mitigation of rate hikes by State Farm General showcases effective regulatory advocacy.   Links: Insurance Shopping Bucked Traditional Year-End Slump, Remaining Elevated in Q4 2025 Maritime insurance premiums surge as Iran conflict widens | Reuters OpenAI sued for practicing law without a license

    12 min

  3. 6D AGO

    Supply Chain Losses Hit 86% of Companies, but Most Lack Adequate Coverage: Gallagher

    The Connected Podcast: Navigating the Insurance EcosystemWelcome to the latest episode of The Connected Podcast, where we explore the intricate and constantly evolving landscape of the insurance industry. In this episode, we focus on current news and events shaping this complex ecosystem.   Supply Chain Disruptions and Insurance The global supply chain continues to face significant challenges. Recent insights from Gallagher indicate that 86% of companies encountered disruptions in the past year, yet only a third had adequate insurance coverage. Rising material costs, geopolitical instability, and trade disputes are major concerns for over 70% of business leaders. Although many view these disruptions as ongoing challenges, only a quarter rate their risk mitigation strategies as effective. Uncertainty around tariffs is causing 40% of businesses to delay investments, and 90% are stockpiling goods. Additionally, 60% confess to lacking visibility beyond immediate suppliers.   U.S. Homeowners Insurance Crisis The U.S. homeowners insurance sector faces a potential insurability crisis due to climate-related disasters, as reported by the NRDC. Premiums have surged by 24% from 2021 to 2024, outpacing inflation. Uninsured homes have doubled, from 7% to 13%. In contrast, American Family Insurance reports a $2 billion increase in profit due to fewer catastrophic losses and strategic initiatives, although this has led to reduced customer retention. Looking forward, Crawford & Company predicts challenges in 2026 with factors like catastrophe losses and automation shaping claims management.   The Role of AI in Insurance The podcast delves into the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the insurance landscape, with insights from Swiss Re. AI is being utilized to enhance operational processes, with significant improvements in underwriting efficiency and loss ratios reported by insurers embracing these technologies. The push towards compliance and accountability in insurtech is also discussed, with an emphasis on regulatory pressures and the importance of governance safeguards in technology design.   Legislative Developments The upcoming 2026 Big "I" Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., is highlighted for addressing critical issues like lawsuit abuse and transparency in litigation funding. The podcast discusses technological advancements in flood insurance with the new Floodbase's Quote API, which reduces underwriting cycles significantly. Legislative reforms in Florida's auto insurance market and their impact on premium reductions are also explored, showcasing the benefits of strategic legislative actions.   InsurTech America Symposium and Industry Innovations The podcast introduces the InsurTech America Symposium, a transformative event in the insurance sector, underlining the growth of insurtech across the U.S. Held at the Connecticut Convention Center, it promises networking opportunities for industry leaders and innovators. The episode also sheds light on the 'Connected' podcast by Alan Demers and Stephen Applebaum, offering professionals a convenient way to keep updated on industry trends via platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Finally, Pulse Podcasts' service is mentioned for its role in converting written content into engaging audio formats, extending audience reach effectively.   Join us on The Connected Podcast to stay informed about these crucial developments in the insurance industry, showcasing the dynamic interplay of challenges and innovations shaping the future. ```   Links: Supply Chain Losses Hit 86% of Companies, but Most Lack Adequate Coverage: Gallagher

    9 min

  4. MAR 5

    Brokers consult with US officials on restoring Gulf maritime trade

    The Connected Podcast | Insurance News & Events The Connected Podcast: Navigating the Insurance Ecosystem In a recent segment of The Connected Podcast, we delve into two pressing issues currently reshaping the insurance landscape. The spotlight first turns to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor under increasing strain owing to rising Middle Eastern tensions. Given the ongoing conflict, leading insurers like Marsh and Aon are in talks with U.S. officials considering political risk insurance and financial guarantees to protect maritime trade. Marsh, with its international insurance expertise, is seeking support from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to aid trade stability in this critical gulf. Nonetheless, analysts from firms like Morningstar DBRS highlight that insurance cannot offset the augmented risks entirely, particularly with many marine insurers retracting war risk cover.   Switching focus, Allstate finds itself at the heart of a legal maelstrom over alleged privacy breaches. Accusations suggest that Allstate's data analytics arm, Arity, tracked drivers' cellphone data without consent, possibly infringing on the Federal Wiretap Act. This practice reportedly resulted in increased premiums or coverage denial, raising concerns over privacy and potential Fair Credit Reporting Act violations. This legal confrontation casts a critical eye on telematics technology and its implications for balancing technological innovations against privacy rights. The case's outcome promises to redefine the data analytics landscape for insurers such as Allstate, Progressive, and Geico, as they strive to reconcile privacy considerations with business imperatives.   We also explore Liberty Mutual Holding Company’s (LMHC) impressive financial strides. Reporting an astounding net income of $1.699 billion for Q4 2025 — up from $1.239 billion the previous year — LMHC credits robust underwriting profitability for this success. With a consolidated combined ratio of 85.0%, buoyed by favorable prior-year adjustments and fewer catastrophes, LMHC's annual income soared to $6.792 billion. Tim Sweeney, CEO, attributes these achievements to their resilient underwriting culture, exceeding their 88.4% consolidated combined ratio target.   The segment also touches on the persistent challenges posed by tornadoes. Despite the U.S. recording approximately 1,200 tornadoes annually, advancements in detection technology have notably reduced fatalities. However, the increase in tornado activities since the 1990s demands ongoing vigilance and preparation from insurers.   Furthermore, evolving consumer insurance behaviors are spotlighted. TransUnion’s Q1 2026 report reveals an upward trend in year-round shopping for auto and property insurance, marking a shift from traditional seasonal patterns. This change, driven by an increase of 10.6% in auto and 5.3% in property insurance shopping, compels insurers to rethink strategies to cater to proactive consumer demand.   Our discussion extends to automotive finance and insurance trends, highlighted by Experian's report showing a rise in subprime vehicle financing. Subprime borrowers now comprise 15.31% of the market, with loans and monthly payments also increasing, underscoring consumer affordability challenges. Insurance habits reveal a worrying trend, with just 31% of Americans reviewing policies regularly, despite its critical importance.

    12 min

  5. MAR 4

    Trump orders political risk insurance backstop for energy security in Persian Gulf

    The Connected Podcast: News & Events in the Insurance Ecosystem The Connected Podcast: News & Events in the Insurance Ecosystem In a recent episode of The Connected Podcast, the focus was on significant news and events shaping the insurance ecosystem, with a particular emphasis on global energy flows and the insurance industry's response. A key highlight was President Donald Trump’s directive for the United States Development Finance Corporation to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees to energy cargoes transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This move aims to stabilize global energy flows and mitigate maritime security risks in a volatile region. Notably, this policy intervention offers these guarantees at a competitive rate, providing a federal safety net for shipping lines where private insurers may hesitate. Additionally, the potential involvement of the U.S. Navy in escorting tankers underscores the strategic importance of this maritime passage.   In the personal auto insurance sector, State Farm and USAA are making strategic moves to enhance customer retention by announcing historic policyholder dividends. State Farm plans to return $5 billion, or 7.2% of their estimated 2025 private auto net premiums, while USAA will distribute $4 billion, comprising 10% of their auto earned premiums. These dividends aim to reinforce customer loyalty and highlight a customer-centric approach that poses a challenge for stock insurers amid rising competition.   The podcast also delves into a survey by Allianz Commercial, which reveals that over half of global risk management professionals view supply chain disruptions from geopolitical conflicts as likely Black Swan events. The survey underscores the heightened vulnerabilities in the interconnected global economy, where geopolitical volatility exacerbates systemic risks. Allianz’s insights stress the urgent need for companies to bolster their risk management strategies to navigate the complexities of the current business landscape effectively.   In this segment of The Connected Podcast, the discussion centers on the transformative yet challenging role of artificial intelligence (AI) within the insurance industry and beyond. The conversation begins with Sedgwick's report on AI's impact on property claims, highlighting that while a significant portion of carriers utilize AI, a small percentage have achieved mature and scalable applications. The report and commentary from industry experts like Scott Richardson emphasize the necessity of strategically scaling AI to enhance claims processes, with human oversight remaining crucial, especially for complex cases.   The segment also explores AI's applications outside insurance, referencing a virtual war games experiment by Kings College London that revealed AI's propensity for nuclear escalation in simulations. Additionally, there's a critique of the ChatGPT Health app's diagnostic failures, which underscore the need for careful integration of AI technologies with continued human oversight. These examples illustrate the delicacy required in AI implementation, stressing the importance of responsible and insightful management to harness AI's potential without overlooking its current limitations.   In the latest episode of The Connected Podcast, the focus is on the transformative changes occurring within the insurance industry, driven largely by advancements in artificial intelligence and the imperative for flexibility. BofA Global Research highlights a potential upheaval as AI begins to encroach on the

    15 min

  6. MAR 3

    S&P sees limited credit impact from Middle East conflict on reinsurers

    In this episode of The Connected Podcast, we delve into key developments in the insurance industry, focusing on geopolitical, environmental, and labor market trends impacting the sector.   Firstly, the escalating Middle East conflict poses significant risks to reinsurers, particularly those with broad exposure in the region. Despite profound human and economic impacts, S&P reports that reinsurers' capital remains robust, although the closure of major airports and potential disruption of the Strait of Hormuz add uncertainty to insured losses.   Next, we examine AccuWeather's spring weather forecast, predicting fewer tornadoes due to La Nina's departure but an increased risk of severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and potential flash flooding. The severe weather is expected to concentrate in specific U.S. regions from March to April.   Finally, we analyze a Q1 2026 labor market survey by The Jacobson Group and Aon, highlighting modest employment growth in the insurance industry amid recruitment challenges, particularly in tech, actuarial, and analytics. The survey indicates a skills gap impacting growth, with commercial P&C companies leading staffing increases.   Overall, the insurance sector faces a complex environment shaped by geopolitical conflicts, unpredictable weather patterns, and labor market challenges, underscoring the importance of being informed and adaptable.   In this episode of The Connected Podcast, we explore the evolving dynamics in the insurance ecosystem, focusing on small and mid-market businesses, technological advancements, and innovative product launches.   Firstly, a report from Nationwide indicates that while business owners remain optimistic about growth by 2026, they are acutely aware of rising costs and workforce challenges, prompting a reevaluation of risk management strategies. Insurance agents and brokers are now more than just premium providers; they are strategic advisors helping businesses navigate financial uncertainties.   George Williams from Nationwide emphasizes the importance of agents providing economic insight and proactive risk guidance, reinforcing client relationships and aiding businesses in managing cost pressures and emerging risks.   The podcast then shifts to the transformative impact of AI technology on the insurance industry. AI is revolutionizing operations through claims automation, fraud detection, and advanced underwriting models. A Deloitte survey highlights that 76% of US insurance executives have integrated generative AI into their operations. However, the industry faces challenges in fully scaling these implementations amidst shrinking margins and climate-related costs.   Finally, the podcast examines Lemonade's launch of the Lemonade Autonomous Car insurance product. This innovative offering targets AI-driven vehicles with a telematics-based pricing model, emphasizing real-time usage and AI-driven miles. This product represents an essential expansion into autonomous vehicles, aligning with advanced driver assistance trends and highlighting Lemonade's adaptation to new driving data and risks. Investors and observers are keenly watching Lemonade's ability to price these risks efficiently and its impact on customer base and revenue.   Overall, these developments illustrate the insurance industry's adaptability to technological advancements and market shifts.   In this segment of The Connected Podcast, the discussion centers around significant developments in the insurance ecosystem. The episode explores the ongoing shift towards claims automation in the industry, highlighting its role in reducing operating costs and expediting resolution times for property and casualty claims. The podcast emphasizes that while efficienc

    14 min

  7. MAR 2

    Swiss Re Delivers Record Group Net Income. Berkshire Posts Strong 2025

    The Connected Podcast - Insurance Insights The Connected Podcast: Navigating the Dynamic Insurance Ecosystem Welcome to this episode of The Connected Podcast, where we dive deep into the latest news and noteworthy events shaping the world of insurance. This week, we're shedding light on the significant developments from industry leaders like Swiss Re, Berkshire Hathaway, and Mosaic Insurance, alongside the transformative role of artificial intelligence fueled by CoverGo and more.   Swiss Re is making headlines with a remarkable 47% increase in Group net income, reaching $4.8 billion by 2025. Despite a downturn in insurance revenue, Swiss Re's strategic management and reduced natural catastrophe losses contributed to this success. Their improved combined ratio underscores robust underwriting and investment strategies, especially notable in property and casualty reinsurance.   In contrast, Berkshire Hathaway is adjusting its sails to brace against the challenging waves of the P&C reinsurance sector. With Greg Abel set to take the helm as CEO in 2026, Berkshire Hathaway is strategically scaling back amidst fierce competition and declining rates, focusing on a thorough market reevaluation to address shifts in pricing and claims inflation.   Meanwhile, Mosaic Insurance, in partnership with Munich Re’s aiSure, is paving the way with an innovative insurance solution targeting the nuances of artificial intelligence. The Mosaic x aiSure initiative covers financial losses from AI performance failures, providing up to $15 million in capacity. This initiative bridges a critical gap in traditional insurance, marking a step forward in integrating emerging technologies.   In this episode, we also turn the spotlight on the transformative power of artificial intelligence in insurance, focusing on CoverGo's pioneering contributions. By deploying AI agents to automate underwriting, servicing, and claims processing, CoverGo is trailblazing towards intelligent decision-making. Their Intelligent Document Processing AI Agent excels in transforming data to decision-ready insights, thus leading the charge in medical checks, business rules enforcement, and fraud detection.   Furthermore, CoverGo's Customer Support AI Agent revolutionizes customer service by offering instant, knowledgeable responses via the company's internal knowledge base, while the Quotation AI Agent streamlines quote creation to boost resource efficiency. These advances are reflected industry-wide with initiatives like Progressive's "Drive Like an Animal" campaign and General Magic’s mission to automate insurance administration, underscoring AI's pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and customer engagement.   We then tackle the pressing topic of escalating Nuclear Verdicts® in the insurance arena, where jury awards have surpassed $71 billion between 2023 and 2025. Experts Robert Tyson and Cayce Lynch emphasize the need for data-driven defense strategies to help juries reach more logical decisions, aiming to curb indemnity cost spikes and social inflation.   Our technological innovation segment introduces 24HR Truck Services' AI Concierge for Insurance, addressing inefficiencies that contribute to a $716 million annual claims cost leakage in the light-duty auto insurance sector. By targeting high storage fees and rental durations, this tool streamlines existing workflows for cost reduction.

    9 min

  8. FEB 27

    Root's record-setting financial performance and capital strength

    Welcome to The Connected Podcast, your go-to hub for the latest happenings in the insurance ecosystem. In this episode, we dive into some major developments reshaping the industry landscape, focusing on the impressive financial performances, strategic initiatives, and technological advancements by industry leaders.   Root, Inc. stands out with a remarkable 29% revenue growth and a 30% boost in net income in 2025 under the visionary leadership of CEO Alexander Timm. Their success is largely attributed to a tech-driven approach and strategic alliances, particularly with major partners like Toyota. This partnership underscores the growing trend of embedded insurance via APIs.   Meanwhile, Hippo is making waves with a 24% rise in gross written premiums coupled with an improved combined ratio, thanks to disciplined risk management and strong reinsurance support. In contrast, Lemonade continues its impressive growth streak with a 31% increase in in-force premiums. Their AI-centered strategy has resulted in a 73% boost in gross profit and strategic workforce optimizations.   While Hippo and Lemonade employ different strategies, both leverage the power of technology to foster sustainable growth, highlighting the evolving landscape of data-driven insurance solutions.   On the flip side, we explore some challenges within the industry. Driven Brands Holdings Inc., the parent company of the CARSTAR collision repair network, is dealing with a significant decline in share value due to substantial financial reporting errors. These discrepancies span from issues surrounding lease accounting to incorrect revenue recognition, pointing to the intricate challenges in maintaining financial integrity in large organizations.   In contrast, HUB International exemplifies the positive impact of technology by deploying Anthropic’s Claude AI platform, resulting in an 85% productivity increase for its 20,000 employees. This underscores AI's transformative potential in the insurance realm, as noted by Marc Cohen, HUB's president and CEO.   The episode also delves into labor market trends, citing the latest Insurance Labor Market Study by The Jacobson Group and Aon's Strategy and Technology Group. Despite nearly half of the carriers planning for headcount growth, job openings in finance and insurance have hit a decade low. This points to a growing reliance on automation and technology for efficiency gains.   We discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence in the industry further, noting that while two-thirds of independent agents plan to increase AI usage, many face challenges like resource constraints and data privacy concerns. Kasey Connors from ACT points out that the fear of implementing AI incorrectly is more significant than its cost.   Additionally, the concept of Agentic Commerce is explored, where AI transitions from making recommendations to independent decision-making. This progression raises valid questions about accountability in an evolving $10 trillion 'Agentic Economy.'   The episode also covers a major legal development, as State Farm files a lawsuit against a New York medical group for allegedly orchestrating a large-scale fraud scheme, emphasizing ongoing challenges with fraud in the insurance sector.   Lastly, we touch upon the integration of smart home technology within the insurance industry. With nearly half of U.S. internet households owning smart devices, there is a growing expectation for seamless, tech-driven services. Industry expert Carly Fetzer from Bestow highlights the need for insurers to update legacy systems to meet these demands.  

    13 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Alan Demers and Stephen Applebaum
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    517
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Connected Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Connected Podcast