A major theme throughout the conference was the growing complexity and scrutiny of regulatory data requests. As data calls become more detailed and frequent, insurers are being pushed to strengthen internal processes for tracking, validating, and submitting accurate information across jurisdictions. Best practices emphasized by panelists included submitting data promptly and accurately, proactively clarifying parameters with the issuing authority, and being transparent about any errors. When issues arise in state-issued data calls, requesting a resubmission can help minimize follow-up scrutiny or potential consequences. Panelists also recommended maintaining a calendar of annual and quarterly data calls to get a head start on data collection and planning, and using visual boards, such as whiteboards or bulletin boards, to organize upcoming requirements and communicate workload to leadership. Strong communication, transparency, and documentation practices were consistently highlighted as essential to building and maintaining regulatory trust.

Another key takeaway was the industry’s increasing attention to climate resilience and the regulatory response to catastrophe risk. Resilience is no longer solely a policyholder concern—it is a regulatory and operational imperative that directly influences how insurers price, underwrite, and manage portfolios. In 2024 alone, the U.S. experienced 27 individual climate-related disasters, resulting in more than $200 billion in economic losses—a 36% increase over the last five years.

States are approaching the issue in varied but coordinated ways to reduce exposure and promote long-term market stability. Louisiana highlighted its Fortified Roof Program, which provides funds to help homeowners strengthen roofs against hurricane-force winds, reducing storm-related losses. Nevada discussed increasing wildfire risks near Lake Tahoe, where limited mitigation actions by homeowners have contributed to insurer nonrenewals. The Nevada Commissioner plans to address these gaps to help control potential wildfire losses and stabilize the market.

Technology’s expanding role in compliance and underwriting also sparked significant discussion, particularly the use of aerial imagery. With guidance now issued by 12 states in response to rising consumer complaints, insurers are being urged to ensure transparency and fairness in how aerial images inform decisions. The bulletins emphasize that imagery should be recent, consumers must be able to access and dispute it, and cosmetic issues should not influence underwriting outcomes. Since implementation, states have reported a decrease in related consumer complaints, reflecting a broader trend toward balancing innovation with responsible data practices and consumer protections.

Finally, conversations around adjuster consistency and the oversight of Managing General Agents (MGAs) and Delegated Underwriting Authority Enterprises (DUAEs) underscored the need for standardized performance metrics and strong accountability frameworks. As delegated authority arrangements grow, regulators are placing greater focus on visibility and control to ensure compliance remains strong across all functions.

The insights shared at the 2025 AICP Annual Conference reinforced what many in the industry already recognize—compliance is no longer a reactive requirement but a strategic driver of operational integrity and resilience. At AAIS, we continue to monitor these regulatory developments closely, helping Members as they anticipate change and strengthen their compliance frameworks through data-driven insights and collaborative engagement.

If you have questions about regulatory developments, data calls, or emerging compliance trends, AAIS is here to help. Our team is committed to supporting Members with timely insights, guidance, and resources to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. To continue the conversation or learn how AAIS can support your compliance initiatives, reach out to us at membership@AAISonline.com.

The post Evolving Insurance Compliance: Data, Regulation, and Climate Risk first appeared on AAIS.

Why Insurance Still Relies on Paper and the Challenges It Creates

“I think one of the primary reasons insurance carriers have been so reliant on paper for so long is due to the industry being so deeply rooted in everything from regulatory requirements and compliance to legacy systems,” Eubank explained. Processes like claims handling, underwriting, and policy issuance involve multiple parties, signatures, and compliance checks—many of which have historically required physical documentation for legal or audit purposes.

In addition, customer preferences play a role. “A significant portion of the customer base—especially in commercial and life insurance—is older and still prefers or expects paper-based communication,” Eubank said. But the cost of staying on paper is high. Eubank highlighted several major challenges for carriers:

• Operational inefficiency: Manual processes are slow and prone to error.
• High costs: Storing, mailing, and managing paper adds up quickly.
• Data fragmentation: Paper documents are unstructured and hard to integrate into digital systems.
• Poor customer experience: Clients expect digital-first interactions, and paper often falls short.

Practical Steps Toward Paper-Free Workflows for Insurers

While a full transformation may seem daunting, insurers don’t need to overhaul everything at once. “Start with high-impact areas where paper slows down operations—like claims intake or third-party notifications,” Eubank advised. From there, build momentum by introducing simple digital solutions including:

• Replace paper forms with online applications.
• Adopt secure electronic signature tools like DocuSign.
• Use OCR (optical character recognition) to digitize incoming documents.
• Train staff and customers to support the transition away from paper.

How Carriers Can View Automation as an Ecosystem for Future-Proof Operations

To truly future-proof operations, Eubank encourages insurers to think of automation as a long-term ecosystem—not a one-time project. “Start by promoting cross-functional collaboration—get operations and business leaders working together to prioritize automation that serves shared goals,” he said.

He also recommends a modular approach, where carriers implement flexible, plug-and-play components—like for claims triage or fraud detection—without disrupting their core systems. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can also help automate decision-making in areas like risk scoring, customer service, and document classification—particularly when integrated into modern systems. “Lastly, it’s about leveraging APIs and web services within a cloud environment,” Eubank said. “That kind of architecture ensures any future tools can integrate easily and support a land-and-expand strategy.”

Visit LenderDock.com to explore how insurers can streamline workflows and reduce paper dependency with digital verification and automation solutions.

The post Modernizing Automation in Insurance Toward a Paper-Free Future first appeared on AAIS.

The answer lies not in the existence of digital tools, but in how intelligently and efficiently they’re being used. Today, the conversation is no longer about simply digitizing manual processes—it’s about empowering insurers to innovate faster, smarter, and more affordably. This is where low-code/no-code (LCNC) platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming the real game changers.

Rethinking Digital Transformation: Beyond Just “Going Digital”

Digital transformation has often been loosely defined—ranging from replacing paper processes with software to overhauling core legacy systems. At its heart, it has always been about operational efficiency—streamlining workflows, cutting costs, and keeping pace with a rapidly evolving market.

However, many so-called “transformative” efforts have been largely incremental. Migrating from spreadsheets to web-based forms or deploying an off-the-shelf policy admin system isn’t transformation—it’s digitization.

What’s missing from many of these initiatives is agility—the ability to quickly roll out new products, adapt to regulatory changes, or respond to evolving customer behavior. That’s where LCNC platforms enter the picture.

Digital Evolution with Low-Code/No-Code

Low-code and no-code technologies mark the industry’s shift from digital transformation to digital evolution—where speed, flexibility, and configurability take center stage.

Unlike traditional software development, LCNC platforms enable business users, product teams, and IT to rapidly design, deploy, and modify applications with minimal coding effort. This evolution has redefined how insurers bring products to the market in many ways:

• New insurance products configured in weeks, not months
• Product launches driven by business teams instead of IT avoiding resource conflicts and backlogs
• Workflow automation and rule changes without full-scale deployments

In recent years, insurers have adopted LCNC platforms to build reinsurance admin systems, launch supplemental health plans, and even create agent compliance modules—all with a fraction of the time and cost of traditional development.

It’s no longer about replacing old systems; it’s about evolving them intelligently with scalable, modular components built for continuous innovation.

The Rise of AI: From Digital Evolution to Digital Intelligence

As insurers evolve their infrastructure with LCNC tools, the next logical leap is toward digital intelligence—powered by AI and real-time data.

AI is no longer just about chatbots or predictive models. It’s about creating systems that adapt, learn, and evolve on their own. In the insurance context, this means:

• Self-adjusting rating models based on real-time behavioral data
• Dynamic underwriting that adapts with every new data point
• Claims triage and fraud detection fueled by machine learning (ML)

While usage-based insurance (UBI) scratched the surface of this concept, it failed to make systems truly intelligent. The models were still static. True digital intelligence requires constant data loops, where AI doesn’t just observe behavior but learns from it and adjusts system logic in real time.

Imagine a platform that automatically recalibrates premiums, deductibles, or policy terms based on live behavioral insights—without human intervention. That’s the future AI enables.

The Fusion of LCNC and AI: A New Operating Model for Insurance

The real innovation happens when LCNC and AI converge. Together, they form a powerful combination:

• Low-code platforms offer speed, modularity, and democratization of development
• AI algorithms bring automation, personalization, and real-time decision-making

This fusion allows insurers to:

• Build AI-powered rating engines without writing complex code
• Train and deploy ML models inside workflow apps configured by business users
• Continuously optimize customer journeys, pricing, and claims processes—without costly development cycles

This isn’t theoretical. Leading insurers today are already deploying AI-infused, LCNC-driven systems to streamline product launches, manage agent compliance, and deliver personalized policyholder experiences on a scale.

Conclusion: Stop Talking About Transformation—Start Driving Intelligence

The term digital transformation has served its purpose. But it’s time to shift focus. Insurers must now embrace a new blueprint—one that starts with LCNC evolution and matures into digital intelligence through AI.

While the transformation journey may have begun years ago, its real momentum is just beginning. With LCNC and AI, the insurance industry is finally equipped to move beyond catch-up mode and into a future of continuous innovation, real-time agility, and intelligent automation.

The finish line isn’t just digitization. It’s self-optimizing, intelligent systems that learn, adapt, and grow with your business.

To learn more about InsurIQ’s transformative technology solutions specializing in policy administration, agent compliance management, and digital insurance sales and enrollment, visit insuriq.com.

The post How Low-Code/No-Code and AI Are Digitally Transforming Insurance first appeared on AAIS.

Why AI Is a Hot Topic Across the Insurance Industry
While predictive modeling has long been a part of insurance operations, the rise of advanced AI technologies, including generative models such as GPT, has created new possibilities. Habayeb shared, “Once we got into the world where GPT and generative happen, you now had non-technical people, non-actuaries, and business leaders, saying, ‘I want to build a model to do this thing.'” This democratization of AI technology has sparked growing interest in how AI can solve insurance’s unique challenges, especially in a low-margin, often manual environment. Aufenthie further emphasized AI’s mainstream rise, noting that as AI becomes more accessible, it signals a significant shift in its potential across the industry.

Regulatory Perspective of AI in the Insurance Industry
The growing role of AI in insurance has caught the attention of regulators. This can be proven by the NAIC Innovation Cybersecurity and Technology (H) Committee, which was created to address AI and its potential to transform the industry, Block explained. “Insurance is an industry that is sort of perfect for the use of technology,” she noted. Regulators are focused on ensuring AI is applied within existing frameworks, though the complexity of integrating emerging technologies with traditional regulations remains a key challenge.

Consumer-Facing Applications of AI in the Insurance Industry
Regulators are particularly concerned with AI’s consumer-facing applications, such as in underwriting, fraud detection, and claims processing. Block referenced surveys in the auto insurance sector, highlighting a significant gap between the intention to use AI and its actual implementation. “The numbers went from… 80-90% are thinking about using it… to 20% are actually using it,” she revealed. Despite this, areas like claims, fraud detection, and marketing are seeing more widespread AI adoption.

Biggest Hurdles That Insurers Face in Advancing Their AI Journeys
One of the largest obstacles for insurers, especially smaller carriers, is the reliance on third-party vendors for AI solutions. While large insurers may have the resources to build and tailor their own AI systems, smaller companies often lack the infrastructure to do so. Habayeb advised smaller carriers to manage relationships with external vendors to implement AI solutions effectively.

The AI Bulletin: Its Purpose and How It Hopes to Protect the Consumer
The AI Bulletin, passed about a year ago, serves as a crucial step toward regulating AI in the insurance industry. Block explained that the bulletin is not a statute but provides clarity on regulators’ expectations for AI use within the context of existing laws. “It aims to ensure that AI is used responsibly and transparently, focusing on protecting consumers,” she explained. The bulletin addresses concerns such as AI-driven pricing, ensuring fairness, and avoiding discriminatory practices in line with established regulations. However, Block noted that this is only the beginning. Future legislative efforts may further refine AI governance, particularly around third-party data and models.

Managing State-by-State Differences With AI Compliance
Habayeb explained that navigating AI regulations is complicated by the different approaches taken by individual states. “If a state establishes their AI risk management program in 2025, the degree to which you have robust testing, validation, and continuous monitoring of the high-risk things… might take a little bit more time,” he said. States like New York, Colorado, and California have already implemented their own policies that differ from the AI Bulletin’s guidelines, creating additional challenges for insurers trying to maintain compliance. Habayeb advised insurers to develop a consistent, repeatable structure for managing AI compliance, with a focus on the highest-risk use cases in 2025. “Have some consistent structure for knowing that it’s happening, proving that you evaluated its appropriateness, and that you’re keeping an eye on it,” he said.

NIST: Finding a Framework and Importance of Investing in AI Now for the Future
The NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF) offers a critical tool for companies seeking to ensure responsible AI use. While Habayeb noted that the framework is still evolving, he praised its structure as a valuable guide. He emphasized that insurance companies should start aligning AI governance with existing industry standards, such as actuarial practices.

Steps for Insurers to Align With the Bulletin’s Goals
To align with the AI Bulletin’s guidelines, Block emphasized that insurers must assemble the right team to build a practical governance structure. “You need all the people in the room to build a practical governance structure so that it makes sense,” she said. After the team is in place, insurers should focus on defining clear internal policies that outline the roles, responsibilities, and risk management strategies related to AI. Habayeb added that insurers should be ready to explain how their AI systems align with corporate policies and regulatory expectations. “You want to see those connected, right? How have you affected that policy?” he asked, reinforcing the need for transparency and clear communication with regulators.

To view the full webinar, click on the video above.

Questions? Please reach out to any of the featured speakers through the contact information below.

Chris Aufenthie
Director of Regulatory Filings, AAIS
chrisa@aaisonline.com

Anthony Habayeb
Co-Founder & CEO, Monitaur
anthony@monitaur.ai

Mary Block
Director of Insurance Regulation, Vermont Department of Financial Regulation
mary.block@vermont.gov

The post Webinar: Advancing AI in Insurance: Navigating Regulatory Trends first appeared on AAIS.

Biggest Challenges in the Market & Addressing Them with Data 

According to Kruck, the biggest current challenges are inflation, the uncertainty of climate change, and the reinsurance market. He advocated that better data and data management are essential to address all three. “Before you can solve a problem, you’ve got to know its dimensions and quantify how big it is,” said Kruck. “You have to do that so that when you take action, you understand how you intend to impact the drivers as exhibited by the data. Then you need the data to see if you’re getting the results you want.” To tackle these issues, Kruck emphasized that ultimately, more customized data is needed. 

A Better Approach to the “Data Problem” 

Kruck does not believe the industry has a unified approach to aggregating data in order to understand and address some of the problems on a macro basis. “Typically, we as companies are using data to our specific ends, but not with a broader perspective of what our data can mean to assess things like climate change, or how we can save by mitigating or hardening our homes,” he explained. “So, I think the missing link in the question is, if you could effectively aggregate insurance data, would you get an insight into some of the ways that these trends are impacting us? And how as a society should we be looking to address them?” Kruck concludes that there needs to be a meaningful way to aggregate data, so it is safe for companies to use it responsibly for these wider issues. 

AAIS… Stepping Up to Support Members 

Foremost, AAIS has to be fundamentally current on policy forms, rates, and rules. “Inflation and changing loss characteristics are going to be reflected in the underlying rates, and companies have to be proactive,” Kruck advised. “Our rates, rules, and loss costs need to reflect that to support our companies.” On the forms side, Kruck feels pressure from an emerging issue. “We certainly are seeing a lot of evidence of the sophistication of attorneys in Florida,” he said. “Focusing on weaknesses and forms is something they’ve systematized and figured out how to do, and I think we’re going to see a lot more of that outside of Florida.” To keep up with this, AAIS has to be on top of compliance issues and encourage its Members to move up to the latest forms. 

Outlook on AAIS & the Insurance Industry 

Overall, the outlook on AAIS is very positive. “We’re owned by our Members and we’re not-for-profit,” Kruck stated. “We exist because collectively, our Members believe that we can work together in some areas like policy, forms, rates, or rules, and make companies’ performances and the industry better.” Kruck doesn’t think AAIS’s work has to stop there. “My vision for AAIS is not only to deliver very strongly our historic mission, products and services, forms, rates and rules, but to look for areas where we can provide even more value to our Members.” 

To view the full interview with Werner Kruck, please click the video above. 

The post AAIS President & CEO’s View on Addressing Market Challenges with Data & His Vision for AAIS and Its Members first appeared on AAIS.