In a recent episode of Conversations on the Creek, I Mathew Stordy and Rob Savitsky from Duck Creek Technologies had the chance to engage in an insightful discussion with Tanner Sheehan, the VP and General Manager, Claims Solutions from LexisNexis Risk Solutions.
The key topics of this enlightening conversation were the evolving landscape of U.S. auto insurance and the role of data analytics in transforming the claims process.
Below, we share the three key takeaways from this discussion. You can also listen to the full podcast here.
A Good Claim Experience Drives Policyholder Loyalty
Tanner’s first key insight from their Auto Customer Claims Experience whitepaper draws attention to the strong correlation between the claim experience and customer retention.
Remarkably, policyholders who have previously filed a claim are 35% more likely to switch providers within a six-month period. Moreover, one in three consumers attribute their desire to change providers to their claims experience.
These figures underscore the pivotal role the claims process plays in customer retention, underlining the necessity for insurance carriers to prioritize policyholder experience in their claims handling. Insurers looking to retain their customers will need to ensure that the journey of making a claim should feel less like a battle and more like a supported journey.
Examining Self-Service in Claims Processing
Tanner also revealed an intriguing insight into the growing importance of self-service in insurance claims processing.
He shared that policyholders heavily relying on self-service were 74% more likely to contemplate a switch in carriers, indicating a pressing call to action for insurers to move beyond checking the box for offering self-service, and to think more critically about how to enhance their self-service experience.
To this, Rob also added that policyholders may prefer a human connection to know that their claims were being processed or that their applications were going in the right direction.
In essence, while today’s consumers do seek convenience, autonomy, and speed, a balance between automation and personalized service appears to be the optimal strategy.
This balance not only caters to the desire for efficient self-service but also acknowledges the need for human interaction, offering policyholders a comprehensive and satisfactory claims experience.
The Power of Data Analytics in Claims Resolution
When it comes to insurance claims resolution, data and analytics have emerged as revolutionary tools, serving as a catalyst for accelerated processing times and enhanced customer experiences.
As Tanner explained, carriers that harness the power of data analytics invariably improve their claims resolution speed, a testament to the efficacy of these tools. However, it’s crucial to understand that the potential of data analytics extends far beyond mere speed.
When used to their full potential, they can serve as formidable aids for claims predictive modeling, fraud detection, workflow optimization, and other aspects, thus opening avenues for better control, cost savings, and ultimately, a more satisfied customer base.
In conclusion, insurers looking to excel in the evolving auto insurance landscape must enhance their claims experiences, balance self-service with personalized care, and leverage data analytics to boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.
