Excellence in Technology

This category seeks to recognise initiatives and solutions that improve internal and external operational and administrative processes and is open to all businesses operating in the UK general insurance market.

From the use of artificial intelligence to the implementation of distributed ledgers, judges were looking for tangible evidence that technology has improved operational efficiencies, customer services, and/or business administration.

All the finalists are listed below. Use the links to find out more from the entrants who have answered our series of Q&As.

GOLD: RSA Insurance
SILVER: Policy Expert
BRONZE: Avantia
Aviva
Be Wiser Insurance
Dinghy
Paymentshield


Aviva

What key achievement did your entry highlight?

By fusing underwriting simplification with data, analytics and new technologies we are now able to obtain new customer insights that delivers ultimate tailoring and personalisation. It also provides the ability to identify potential poor outcomes before they happen, with little or no questions such as from under insurance to key gaps in cover. It means we are simplifying and enhancing the way we do things to champion UK business. We are working with brokers as professional risk advisors, to support the customer in understanding the risks their business face to avoid surprises should the worse happen.

Aviva

Can you share data or testimonials to back up your bid to win?

"The additional insight, support and quotes are great as we are offering all this to client, with a focus on increasing sums insured, because it's personalised, more clients look at this straight away. It really helps us then from a sales point of view on all our clients, We always ensure the insight, support and quotes are discussed, it also saves us having to go to back and forth or to several insurers for a quote, which is more effective and efficient for the client." Aviva Broker

What sets your firm apart from the other shortlisted contenders?

Insurance can be confusing which is why we focused on fusing both underwriting simplification with data, software and analytics to create a true example of technology, working very successfully in a large organisation. It's the power of both of these acts together with a strong cultural adoption across hundreds of underwriters, working with hundreds of brokers, impacting thousands of customers which makes what we have done different. It means where there was complexity and delay we now have instant decisions, no questions, high levels of personalisation to deliver the right protection and services that speak to the risks customers understand.

How will you celebrate if you are the victor?

We already know we are winning with amazing feedback and increased revenue, but getting this industry award would be fantastic recognition of the work of every individual involved. Recognition from our customers spurs us on to do more to improve every day.


Be Wiser Insurance

What key achievement did your entry highlight?

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) has provided quick, cost effective automation solutions to the Be Wiser business. It has filled the gap between costly, time consuming major system developments and entry level software. We have seamlessly integrated with a host of customer facing and back office processes, not just speeding up procedures, but making them more reliable and consistent which has enabled us to develop and enhance them further.

Can you share data or testimonials to back up your bid to win?

We are at a commercially sensitive stage in our development, so we are unable to share data or testimonials just yet, however, we cannot stress enough how this technology has revolutionised our business operations both internally and customer facing.

Be Wiser Insurance

What sets your firm apart from the other shortlisted contenders?

We have taken an 'off the shelf' solution and created a development partnership with one of our suppliers and together we have taken the technology from the pages of media articles and posts and brought them into the 'real world' of insurance. It's amazing how fast we have developed the technology and how much we have both learnt along the way.

How will you celebrate if you are the victor?

If it were possible, I would take our 'robots' out to celebrate.


Paymentshield

What key achievement did your entry highlight?

Adviser Hub delivers the industry's first management information performance dashboard, with real time sales and performance information, including quote conversion, retention and renewal data. The expertise that has gone into the platform has been crucial in helping advisers better manage and execute their general insurance business, enabling every mortgage adviser using Adviser Hub to become their own general insurance entrepreneur and grow their business.

Can you share data or testimonials to back up your bid to win?

Comparing before the same time period before Adviser Hub and post Adviser Hub launch in July 2018 we've achieved the following: The number of applications has increased by 9.21% Online conversion has increased by 7.57% The number of online users has increased by 69.91%.

Paymentshield

What sets your firm apart from the other shortlisted contenders?

At Paymentshield, we realise the importance of being at the front-line of technology, but we also understand the benefits of looking beyond the technology to ensure we are delivering tools that empower advisers to maximise their potential and deliver the best possible customer experience. Adviser Hub has helped us to deliver an industry-leading platform, delivering the right balance of technology, service, product and price. It also enables us to continually evolve our proposition to meet the changing needs of advisers and their clients. And this makes Paymentshield a more compelling proposition than our competitors.

How will you celebrate if you are the victor?

Adviser Hub getting the recognition it deserves would make it a very special evening. We'd definitely be raising a glass to everyone who has contributed to making it such an exciting platform.


SILVER: Policy Expert

What key achievement did your entry highlight?

Our entry highlights how we have built a first-class Insurtech using proprietary technology which places the customer at its core. We have developed in-house proprietary software to create a fully integrated data ecosystem, from customer acquisition to claims. Combining technology with advanced data analytics techniques enables us to make better informed risk and pricing decisions. Our dynamic model responds rapidly to changing market conditions. It is highly scalable and able to support multiple product lines, brands and geographies. Designed specifically for price comparison websites, it can rapidly react to market trends to offer policies driven by customer needs and desires.

Can you share data or testimonials to back up your bid to win?

Our customers are at the heart of our technology-led approach. Our dedicated pricing and analytics team continually analyse trends and conduct tests to better understand customer behaviour in order to offer better pricing and services that encourage and reward loyalty.

What sets your firm apart from the other shortlisted contenders?

We are one of the most successful new entrants to the home insurance market in the last decade and the top performing brand by sales volume across all price comparison websites. Unlike other shortlisted contenders, we are not limited by monolithic mainframes and third-party dependencies. Our 'customer-first' mindset means we encourage, and reward customer loyalty and our renewal rates far exceed industry averages. Since 2013, we have been independently recognised as the UK's number one rated home insurer on Review Centre and were awarded 'Best Home Insurance Provider' for 2018 at the Insurance Choice Awards.

How will you celebrate if you are the victor?

It is important to us to share company news internally, therefore our first action will be to communicate the fantastic news to our team. Showcasing the win, detailing the entry requirements, our entry and competitors to ensure all of the team feel part of the great achievement. Secondly, exploring the other competitors and understanding why we had the edge – this may support our development going forward. Thirdly and finally, we would head to our local pub to celebrate by raising a glass, or two.