AI and the future of underwriting: insights from Rick Russell, retired VP at Chubb and Underwriting Director of Nationwide
In a recent episode of Unstructured Unlocked, hosts Michelle Gouveia and Tom Wilde sat down with Rick Russell, a retired Vice President of Underwriting from Chubb Agribusiness. Together they explored the huge technological changes that the insurance industry has experienced in recent years with the introduction of AI. With a career spanning 37 years in the industry, Russell shared his thoughts on the longstanding principles of underwriting, the impact of automation, and the transformative potential of AI. The discussion shed light on both the challenges and opportunities that AI brings to the insurance space, making it a critical topic for companies like Indico that focus on using AI to enhance decision-making across the insurance lifecycle.
The timeless importance of underwriting discipline
One of the key takeaways from the conversation was the enduring importance of underwriting discipline. “The one thing that I think has remained true over the years is underwriting discipline—underwriting integrity—and that's always been important,” Russell explained. Intentionality and adherence to strict guidelines ensures that there’s a balance between coverage and pricing, something that remains central to maintaining profitability in a cyclical industry like insurance.
However, although there are some ever-present elements to success in insurance, the industry has certainly changed in some dramatic ways—particularly when it comes to automation and technology. Russell highlighted how, in the past, underwriters were burdened with manual tasks like printing and sorting through stacks of documents to evaluate risks. This manual process was not only time-consuming but also prone to error. In contrast, today’s underwriters have the benefit of real-time data access, API integrations, and the ability to analyze underwriting guidelines in a consolidated, digital format.
The power of AI-based automation in underwriting
Automation is undoubtedly a game changer in the insurance world. According to Russell, "I think the biggest changes have been in automation and really the efficiencies that you can gain [through] that… [Automation] is going to be the big game changer for everybody involved in the industry." He explained how technology now enables underwriters to make faster, more informed decisions by synthesizing vast amounts of data in real time.
However, it’s not just about speed—automation enhances the accuracy and consistency of underwriting decisions. This is especially crucial for commercial insurance, where risks are more complex, and the data sets are far larger. AI-driven platforms like Indico’s can assist underwriters in condensing massive amounts of information into a clear, actionable format. This reduces the time it takes to assess risks, allowing companies to make quicker, better-informed decisions.
AI: a competitive advantage for insurance companies
AI is not just a tool for speeding up processes—it’s a competitive differentiator. The more advanced AI solutions become, the better insurers can understand and manage their portfolios. As Russell said, “Having better tools to analyze upfront and then identify those accounts and act on those accounts in an extremely timely manner is of utmost importance.” The ability to access and interpret data more efficiently is crucial for staying competitive in today’s market, where brokers and policyholders alike demand faster responses.
This is where AI-powered decision-making platforms shine. By integrating enterprise AI models that are capable of processing both structured and unstructured data, insurers can streamline everything from underwriting to claims management. This not only reduces operational costs but also enhances customer satisfaction by delivering faster, more accurate quotes and claims resolutions.?
The shift from personal to commercial lines
While automation has streamlined personal insurance underwriting, Russell emphasized the challenges that still exist in commercial lines. "I think the real challenge that exists today are your larger commercial accounts where you have so much data coming in on ACORD applications—and you have to process that, and massage it, and manage it in some way [so] that you can make an informed decision on that account. I think that's where the challenge really lies today… [in] having the means to intake that application and gather that data and summarize it. I think [that] will become much more important in the future [than] it is today," he said.?
With vast amounts of data to process, underwriters are tasked with analyzing complex risk profiles that can include anything from property accumulation in agriculture to specialized machinery for large-scale food processing plants. In these cases, AI becomes an essential tool for managing such complexities. As AI technologies continue to improve, they’re offering the ability to intake and process more data than ever before, providing underwriters with clear insights into which accounts present the greatest risks.
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Real-time data and its impact on cyclicality
One of the more thought-provoking aspects of the conversation was Russell’s insight into how real-time data might reduce the insurance industry’s cyclical nature. Historically, the insurance market fluctuates between “hard” and “soft” cycles, but better access to real-time data could flatten these cycles. "...Having the data of your existing book, all your renewal, everything that you're currently writing… and being able to analyze that and take action as far as speed to market—I think that will help level out some of the valleys and the mountains in the cycle," said Russell.
AI-driven platforms that provide real-time insights can help insurers act swiftly on market trends and make necessary adjustments to portfolios. For example, the ability to identify over-concentration in certain geographical areas or high-risk categories allows insurers to adjust their strategies before they are negatively impacted.
The future of underwriting with AI
Looking ahead, Russell sees AI as playing a critical role in the underwriting profession. He pointed out the growing expectations for instant responses from brokers and policyholders alike, a trend that AI is uniquely positioned to address. "...We live in a world of immediate gratification. You get immediate responses to everything, and when you think of larger commercial accounts, when those come through the door, …[they want] instant responses, instant answers. And sometimes the underwriter hasn't had a chance to look at that account. It will take time to sort through that large account… and I think having a tool that could assist the underwriter in summarizing all that information would definitely be of value," he said.
For Indico, this shift presents an exciting opportunity. Our AI-powered intelligent document processing system not only automates routine tasks but also enables smarter decision-making by providing insights that human underwriters can act upon. The future of underwriting will likely see a deeper collaboration between AI and human expertise, where technology handles the heavy lifting, and underwriters focus on strategic decision-making.
Embracing AI for a competitive edge
As Russell emphasized throughout the podcast, AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s reshaping the insurance industry. Insurers that embrace AI and automation are better positioned to handle the complexities of today’s market, making faster, more informed decisions that lead to better outcomes for both the insurer and the policyholder.
For Indico, these themes are at the core of our mission. By providing AI-driven tools that enhance underwriting, claims management, and overall decision-making, Indico is helping insurers navigate the challenges and opportunities of the new era of underwriting. Whether you’re dealing with personal lines or complex commercial risks, the future of insurance lies in harnessing the power of AI to deliver better, faster, and more accurate results.
Thanks so much to Rick Russell for his time and insights, and thank you for reading our episode summary! You can catch subscribe to the Unstructured Unlocked podcast to catch new episodes on your favorite audio platforms:
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