Will Insurers Be Connected to the Connected Car?

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(Image credit: Samuele Err

Insurers are constantly seeking ways to monetize the vast amount of data generated by connected cars, both from OEMs and automobile manufacturers. This rush for gold has led to the creation of numerous opportunities and higher stakes in the auto personal insurance sector. Today, cars are more connected than ever before, transmitting and generating a significant amount of data.

There are primarily three ways to create connected cars through data, of course, the first one is by using specialized computer chips to record and/or monitor the performance and systems of vehicles, such as climate control, steering, and powertrain. The second way is by using telematics control units to record and monitor typical telematics data, such as location, speed, braking, and acceleration, in vehicles. And the third way is through mobile apps on drivers’ phones, which also create data for connected cars.

OEMs now have the ability to track something inside an operating car by accessing both the general operating data and the telematics data through the data control unit, thanks to the increasing importance of parsing data that scientists claim can improve decision-making, underwriting, and pricing by utilizing a greater variety of data types. Additionally, nearly all new cars are now equipped with cellular modems.

Bring their automobile in for proactive servicing, and notifying the car owners to anticipate potential system malfunctions, utilizing information. That information in various ways that advantage themselves and the car owners, original equipment manufacturers can generate revenue.

Insurers, as insurance distributors or MGAs, are examples of multiple manufacturers who monetize data from connected cars by offering insurance. There are two telematics-based insurance programs offered by American Insure Road Services LLC, underwritten by Nationwide and branded as Ford insurance programs.

It is necessary for an insurer to be licensed in order to achieve the goal of being an insurer.

There are multiple ways to accomplish this. Insurance companies have a strategic obligation to not fall behind in the competition to monetize connected vehicle data.

Source: Celent Report, “Reconsidering Will Insurers Be Linked to the Connected Vehicle?” (Click to expand.)

Smaller insurance companies are more and more focusing on using telematics to enhance their pricing and underwriting. The largest personal auto insurance providers are also adopting these improvements, which have gained widespread recognition.

The use of connected car data and telematics in the area of claims subrogation could potentially accelerate and support the mitigation of personal injury losses. Additionally, it could dispatch emergency services immediately, potentially for humanitarian purposes. Another promising area where connected car data is being utilized is the Repair Program Direct, which could result in a reduction of claim cycle times and possibly more policyholders benefiting from automated FNOL methods. The increasing interest in using connected car data to improve the claims process is rapidly growing.

Loss prevention and reduction, enhanced (and reduced) pricing accuracy, and generally comparable value propositions to the connected car insurer and policyholder are among the advantages for both the insurer and homeowners. Evident losses can be monitored instantly, and an insurer can furnish homeowners with different sensors to identify smoke, leaks, and intruders. As connected homes are becoming increasingly prevalent, a “Land and Expand Connected Strategy” can now be pursued due to the fact that nearly all personal auto insurers also provide homeowner policies.

Emergency services should be contacted if severe collisions are detected, according to Apple, which states that their new Apple Watch “Crash Detection” feature provides guidance and assistance anywhere. Alexa, the newest iPhone, is designed to provide advice and answers to policyholders who want a connected experience. Insurers are likely to cater to the needs of policyholders who prefer connected vehicles, as the number of older and newer connected vehicles continues to rise.

Every car insurance company requires a strategy to establish connections (in various ways) with the interconnected vehicle.

By promoting telematics applications, the next 90 or so automobile insurance companies can remain competitive in the industry by offering a seamless connected experience, particularly through the development of related services (such as roadside assistance and smart home integration) and leveraging telematics data networks. The top ten automobile insurers have inherent advantages due to their extensive reach and widespread presence across the country.

Note: This column is derived from a Celent Research Report, Rethinking: Will Insurers Have Connectivity with the Connected Car?

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