FNO: InsureTech

In Episode 308 of the FNO InsureTech Podcast, hosts Rob Beller and Lee Boyd welcome Tim Welsh, President of CCC Intelligent Solutions, for a powerful conversation on one of the most important and emotional moments in insurance: the accident experience and how it can be improved through better connectivity, data, and orchestration across the ecosystem. Tim shares his unique journey from consulting at McKinsey to banking and now leading a cornerstone InsureTech platform that connects insurers, repair facilities, OEMs, and service providers. He explains how CCC has been building toward this moment for decades and how the company is now bringing together AI, data, and partnerships to create a more seamless and supportive claims experience. The conversation explores the reality that car accidents are not just operational events, but deeply personal ones that people remember for years. Tim highlights how CCC is focused on redesigning that experience from the consumer's perspective, using a combination of technology and human expertise to guide individuals through a stressful moment and help them move forward quickly. Rob and Lee also dig into the growing complexity of vehicles, rising repair costs, and the pressure on affordability across the system. Tim shares how CCC is addressing these challenges through orchestration, real time decision making, and a "together on purpose" approach that aligns everyone in the ecosystem. This episode goes beyond technology, offering a human centered view of innovation and a clear vision for how the claims experience can evolve to better serve both consumers and the industry. Key Highlights [04:00] Meet Tim Welsh and CCC Intelligent Solutions An introduction to CCC and its role as a long standing platform connecting insurers, repair shops, OEMs, and service providers across the claims ecosystem. [07:00] A Career Built on Helping People Tim shares his unconventional journey from preparing for the priesthood to consulting, banking, and ultimately leading at CCC. [10:00] Why Accidents Are So Memorable A discussion on how car accidents rank among life's most vivid experiences and why improving that moment matters so deeply. [13:00] The Complexity Behind a Simple Repair How modern vehicles, with thousands of parts and software driven systems, have dramatically increased repair costs and claims complexity. [16:00] The Consumer at the Center Introducing "Ava," the model consumer, and how CCC is designing the claims experience around her needs from first notice through repair. [19:00] Orchestrating the Claims Journey How technology is connecting each step of the process, from photos and estimates to scheduling and parts ordering, into a seamless flow. [22:00] Preventing Total Loss Through Real Time Decisions A look at how dynamic decision making across the ecosystem can reduce unnecessary total losses and improve outcomes for everyone involved. [25:00] Affordability and the Small Claims Problem Why rising premiums and deductibles are changing consumer behavior and leading to fewer small claims being reported. [28:00] AI as Orchestration, Not Replacement How CCC is using AI to guide workflows and enhance human decision making rather than replace adjusters and claims professionals. [31:00] AI Guidance in Action Examples of how AI can prioritize tasks for adjusters, helping them focus on the most impactful actions each day. [34:00] The Power of Ecosystem Connectivity Why bringing insurers, repair shops, OEMs, and partners together on one platform is critical to unlocking better outcomes. [37:00] Together on Purpose The philosophy behind CCC's approach, aligning all players around a shared goal of improving the consumer experience. [40:00] Feeding Insights Back to Manufacturers How data from claims can influence vehicle design and repairability over time. [42:00] What "Easy" Looks Like A real world example of a smooth repair experience and why that is the ultimate goal. [44:00] Final Thoughts on the Future of Claims Tim shares his vision for a more connected, efficient, and human centered claims experience that benefits both consumers and the entire industry.

In Episode 306 of FNO: InsureTech, co-hosts Rob Beller and David Prejeant are joined by Joshua Frossell, Founder and CEO of Senen. With a background spanning underwriting, strategy, and consulting across organizations like Allianz, Lloyd's, and Accenture, Joshua brings an operator's perspective to the InsurTech space. Senen is a claims intelligence platform that applies AI across the full lifecycle, from FNOL through settlement, transforming unstructured data into actionable insights, reducing manual work, and helping insurers make faster, more informed decisions. Joshua and the Senen team are quickly gaining recognition in the industry. In January 2026, Senen won the inaugural Generali Challenge Lab at ITC London 2026, emerging from a competitive group of startups after pitching live on the main stage. The platform was recognized for its ability to turn claims data into decision ready intelligence, improving reserving accuracy, accelerating triage, and enabling better outcomes, particularly in climate related claims. Around the same time, Senen was also accepted into the Microsoft for Startups program, gaining access to Azure infrastructure, advanced AI capabilities, and a global network to support growth and deployment. This episode also marks David Prejeant's introduction as co-host on the podcast, bringing more than 20 years of claims experience into the conversation. Together, Rob and David explore Joshua's journey from underwriting to building an InsurTech company, and what it takes to move from industry operator to founder. Key Highlights [02:00] • David Prejeant's introduction as co host on the podcast and joining the FNO team [09:30] • How Senen is using AI to streamline the claims lifecycle, from FNOL through settlement [14:00] • Joshua's transition from underwriting and consulting into building an InsurTech company [16:00] • Senen's 2026 ITC London Generali Challenge Lab win and what set their platform apart [27:30] • How Senen is built around delivering real outcomes for claims teams, not just AI capabilities

In Episode 304 of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast, hosts Rob Beller and Lee Boyd welcome back Kyle Nakatsuji for his third appearance on the show. Kyle is the CEO and Founder of Clearcover and the founder of Dearborn Labs, a new venture focused on helping insurance organizations turn AI from strategy into execution. Kyle explains how Dearborn Labs helps carriers, MGAs, and agencies cut through AI noise, identify high impact use cases, and implement solutions that deliver real business results. Drawing on nearly a decade of deploying production AI, he shares practical insights from claims and operations, why execution and adoption matter most, and why waiting to act is becoming increasingly risky. Kyle also shares a brief update on Clearcover as it enters its tenth year, including improved underwriting results, a return to growth, and the launch of Clearcover Access in Florida. Key Highlights [03:05] Kyle Nakatsuji Returns for His Third Appearance Why this moment feels different for AI adoption across the insurance industry. [05:10] Clearcover at Ten Years How a renewed focus on underwriting discipline and loss ratios set the stage for growth. [07:40] Launching Clearcover Access in Florida Why flexible payments and predictable fees better reflect how policyholders manage money. [10:25] The Origin of Dearborn Labs What Kyle saw in the market that led him to launch a firm focused on AI execution, not theory. [13:10] Why Insurers Are Drowning in AI Noise How vendors, pilots, and strategy decks distract from real business impact. [16:00] Discovery Before Deployment Why identifying the right problem to solve is the most important step in any AI initiative. [18:55] AI Agents in Claims Operations How Clearcover uses AI to replace recorded statements and reduce claim cycle times by up to three days. [22:30] Adoption Matters More Than Technology Lessons learned from rolling out AI tools inside a regulated insurance environment. [26:00] Cross Functional Agent Based Workflows Why claims, underwriting, and operations must work together for AI to deliver value. [30:15] Humans, Oversight, and Judgment in an AI Driven World What roles remain uniquely human as AI takes on more knowledge work. [34:10] The Cost of Waiting Why delaying meaningful AI adoption is becoming riskier for insurers. [37:45] What Comes Next for AI in Insurance Kyle's perspective on where agent based systems are heading and how insurers can prepare now.

In this episode, Rob Beller and Lee Boyd are joined by Michael Balarezo, Founder & CEO of Adjusto, for an in-depth discussion about the complexities and opportunities in contents claims. Michael recounts Adjusto's founding story, rooted in his own experiences both as an adjuster and as a policyholder impacted by catastrophe. The conversation explores how Adjusto's platform was purpose-built with artificial intelligence at its foundation to address longstanding inefficiencies for both policyholders and adjusters. Key themes include the adaptive use of machine learning and data science for multi-format input (written, CSV, and photo data), transparent and fair valuation practices, and integrations that streamline industry workflows. Michael details the patent-pending "FairMatch" system, the importance of personalized service in contents claims, and the role of technology partnerships across the insurance ecosystem. Key Highlights Adjusto was founded to address persistent pain points in contents claims, informed by Michael's background as both an adjuster and a policyholder affected by large-scale property loss. The platform is built from the ground up with AI and machine learning, enabling sophisticated handling of written lists, CSV uploads, and photographs for contents documentation. Adjusto's architecture enables real-time data processing and transparent interactions for both adjusters and policyholders, simplifying the experience and supporting trust in claim outcomes. The FairMatch algorithm—patent-pending—combines expert adjuster logic with data from consumer sources to generate accurate, fair valuations recognized by both insurers and policyholders. The solution serves carriers, TPAs, independent adjusting firms, and content specialists, and can be deployed as a standalone tool or integrated into existing claims environments. Adjusto integrates with platforms such as Snapsheet, participates in the Guidewire Vanguard Program, and is actively pursuing integration with Verisk marketplace. Michael discusses how dissatisfaction with contents claims can lead to policyholder churn, underscoring the need for tailored, data-driven processes in personal property claims.

On this episode of FNO: InsureTech, host Rob Beller interviews Paige Roepers, CEO and co-founder of Ocean Ledger. Roepers discusses how Ocean Ledger leverages satellite imagery, historic shoreline data, and environmental analysis to provide objective, transparent analytics for coastal risk in the insurance sector. She details the company's approach to supporting underwriting and risk management, shares experiences from the Lloyd's Lab accelerator, including their May–July program in London, and addresses the challenges and opportunities in modeling evolving coastal exposures. Key Highlights Ocean Ledger uses satellite data archives reaching back to 1985, such as the Landsat program, to capture and analyze long-term shoreline changes, erosion trends, and natural defenses, offering measurable context for coastal risk. Roepers explains how Ocean Ledger's analytics enable carriers to interrogate and validate existing vendor models—addressing discrepancies, clarifying over- and underestimation of risk, and informing decisions in highly exposed coastal areas. The company incorporates natural defense features, including mangroves and wetlands, into elevation and storm surge modeling—quantifying the protective roles these ecosystems play within insurance and government risk assessments. Roepers reflects on Ocean Ledger's experience in the Lloyd's Lab accelerator, highlighting the value of direct industry engagement and the two-month program's impact on product direction, insurance market fit, and relationships in the London market. The discussion emphasizes partnerships with governments and NGOs for ground-truth validation and credibility, strengthening the reliability of Ocean Ledger's analytics for both public and private stakeholders. Looking ahead, Roepers outlines plans to keep the Ocean Ledger team lean and London-based for the initial proof-of-concept phase with insurance customers, with plans to scale to the US contingent on results.

In episode 288 of FNO: InsureTech, Cameron MacArthur, Founder and CEO of AI Insurance, returns to share how his company, operating for over seven years, has navigated dramatic changes in insurance through the practical application of artificial intelligence. Drawing on experiences since Y Combinator in 2019, Cameron discusses the platform's growth to more than 100 specialty and commercial insurance programs, and offers specific examples where AI replaces manual tasks, such as data extraction and invoice processing. The conversation also addresses the shifting insurance landscape, evolving customer expectations, and the leadership challenges of adopting automation while retaining vital insurance expertise. Key Highlights AI Insurance recorded 150% growth in the past year, now supporting more than 100 programs for MGAs, MGUs, captives, and risk retention groups. Cameron describes AI's effectiveness in automating loss-run data import, handling invoices, and migrating complex data—with internal tests and client experiences indicating accuracy and time savings compared to manual processes. The rise of MGAs and MGUs is reshaping the market, with premium volume in this sector doubling since 2020, while traditional carriers and captives remain static or decline. Modern SaaS and AI solutions have reduced the barriers and costs of launching insurance programs, enabling new entities to go live in weeks rather than months. Cameron details a significant change in client expectations: prospects increasingly seek direct access to AI, APIs, and custom tooling, reflecting greater technical familiarity within insurance operations. Leadership must recognize and address staff concerns as automation alters job scopes, emphasizing the need for communication, retraining, and a continued focus on deep insurance knowledge. Cameron shares personal perspectives on the ongoing complexity of insurance, the rewards of continued learning, and the realities of leading sustainable growth. Special Offer: Use our coupon code ITCFNO200 to get $200 OFF your ITC Vegas pass! See you in Vegas!

In this episode, FNO: InsureTech hosts a conversation with Spencer McInvaille, Director of Digital Forensics at Envista Forensics, to examine the expanding role of digital evidence in insurance investigations. The discussion explores practical methods for extracting and interpreting data from everyday devices—such as cell phones and vehicles—to assist with claims validation. Listeners gain a measured perspective on how location information, privacy considerations, rapid advancements in technology, and evolving threats like AI-manipulated imagery intersect in contemporary claims handling. Key Highlights Comprehensive overview of digital forensics as applied in the insurance space, with emphasis on how cell phones, computers, and vehicle data are leveraged to answer critical questions in claims and litigation. Practical applications of digital location data: Spencer explains how investigators may use cell phone and carrier records to determine an individual's whereabouts during an alleged loss and support or refute policyholder narratives. Data privacy, security, and generational perspectives are addressed together—touching on device security practices, informed consent, differences in comfort levels across age groups, and the realities of data retention and access. Discussion of connected vehicle data and the volume of information modern vehicles and rentals may store; Spencer references an "Inside Edition" segment that illustrated data retrieval capabilities, noting this as a demonstration of industry techniques rather than proprietary information. Examination of artificial intelligence in the investigative process—Spencer discusses both the use of AI to manage large digital datasets and the growing need to detect manipulated images or synthetic media; only general capabilities are described, with no specific product endorsements or recommendations. Guidance for insurance practitioners and the public on applying basic device security measures, understanding personal data tradeoffs, and responding swiftly to preserve evidence following an incident.

Scaling claims operations while harnessing AI, automation, and real adjuster insights is not easy but Branch is doing just that. Returning for a second time to FNO: InsureTech, Chief Claims Officer Charlie Wendland provides an in-depth update on how Branch's claims team has intentionally built and evolved a fully in-house claims process focused on solving genuine adjuster pain points rather than chasing flashy tech trends. This episode explores how Branch leverages voice powered AI for FNOL, sophisticated fraud detection techniques, and large language model driven letter generation to streamline workflows. By involving adjusters closely in pilot programs, Branch ensures technology adoption is practical, meaningful, and impactful, pushing the boundaries of what a modern claims team can achieve. Key Highlights: Branch is a fully licensed insurance carrier operating as a reciprocal exchange. It bundles auto, home, and renters' policies with an emphasis on speed and simplicity. The claims operation was built in-house and scaled through intentional, metrics driven process design prioritizing results without dramatically increasing headcount. First Notice of Loss (FNOL) is largely handled via Liberate's voice powered AI. Fewer than 30% of FNOL submissions route to a human, and that number continues to decline as users opt into self-service. Fraud detection measures include checks for duplicate images and photos pulled from the internet. These filters help fast-track genuine claims and reduce investigation lag. Branch uses large language models via its "Letter Gen" tool (developed with Kyber) to automatically draft state specific coverage letters, which are then reviewed by adjusters saving time without sacrificing accuracy. Adjusters are included in pilot testing for every new tech rollout. Their feedback directly shapes how tools are adopted and refined creating a smoother, more meaningful change management process. Quotes: "We built our claims operation from the ground up, focusing on efficiency metrics at every step so we could scale without just adding bodies." — Charlie Wendland "Fraud detection isn't just about flags it's about giving our adjusters confidence that clear claims can move faster through the system." — Charlie Wendland "We're not using technology to replace humans we're using it to relieve them of rote tasks so they can focus on what matters complex problem-solving and real customer care." — Charlie Wendland