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Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract The insurance industry is innovating. Business models, services and processes are rapidly evolving, largely backed by technological developments. The particular historical context of COVID-19 provides a suitable case to understand the relevance of exploiting technology to react quickly to traditional and emerging risks. Focusing on the initiatives put in place by the most influential insurance companies at the global level, we have framed the innovation mechanisms in the industry, highlighting four rationales underpinning these initiatives (Adaption, Expansion, Reaction and Aggression), which differ according to the relevance of the technology in use and innovation to the portfolio of risks covered. Overall, it emerges that insurance companies have the room and capability to innovate, in many cases using technological applications to cover new and existing risks. While the initiatives studied concern the entire value chain, basic primary activities, such as product development, sales and claims management, show that innovation based on new or existing technology determines the success and competitiveness of the business. PubDate: 2022-07-01
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Abstract: Abstract While some consider open insurance to be a buzzword with more hype than substance, the underlying trend of open finance stimulates insurers to use digital technology to exchange data with third parties to realise process efficiencies and develop new products and channels. Based on a literature review and 30 interviews with industry experts in Europe, we define open insurance, identify its key drivers, and discuss the dimensions and performance impact of open insurance strategy. The combined insights can help executives develop a better understanding of open insurance and formulate an open insurance strategy that provides performance benefits to them, customers, and third parties. PubDate: 2022-07-01
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Abstract: Abstract Sports participants are actively adopting wearables to measure their performance but they can also be used to minimise and control risks. We investigate and compare the results of 272 runners and 265 soccer players to determine the current use of wearables as well as the propensity to purchase insurance services that are coupled with the wearable technology. This includes an inquiry into the factors that determine people’s readiness to share data with a potential insurance carrier. We use a Logit function to show that soccer players are more likely to purchase insurance as a means of protecting future income, especially at a younger age. We also find that perception of and experience with technology are key determinants of the use of wearables and the disposition to share insurance data for both cohorts. Wearables are also more likely to be adopted if offered at a lower pricing point. Finally, both cohorts are more likely to share their data with an insurer if they have a positive perception of the insurance industry and its products. PubDate: 2022-07-01
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Abstract: Abstract This paper uses a text mining analysis to study the development of sustainable investing in the European and US insurance industry as reflected in their public reports from 2013 to 2018. The sample comprises 1215 annual, sustainability- and investment-related documents of 77 firms. We develop a dictionary with principles, criteria and terminologies as well as strategies, and differentiate between the quality of reports. Our results show that the number of firms referring to as well as the word count related to sustainable investing substantially increase over the sample period, and that insurers reporting about sustainable investing are on average significantly larger. We also find that European insurers report much more extensively on their sustainable investment practices as compared to US insurers in our sample. Most relevant in 2018 are references to general ESG criteria, followed by responsible investment and the Sustainable Development Goals. Top strategies mentioned were ESG integration and impact investing, whereby we observe that insurers evolve from mentioning one single towards multiple strategies over time. Finally, a regression analysis does not show a value-effect of sustainable investment-related keywords in reporting on Tobin’s Q, which may be due to the rather long-term investment perspective. PubDate: 2022-05-31
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Abstract: Abstract We analyze the preferences of 1180 German consumers for investment guarantees in financial products by means of choice-based conjoint and latent class analysis. Based on the segment-level partworth utility profiles, we then identify the most important investment guarantee features, analyze consumer demand in a realistic market setting, and test whether individual purchasing behavior can be explained by socioeconomic characteristics. Our results show that two buyer and two nonbuyer segments exist. Although their willingness to buy varies significantly, we document only a small degree of heterogeneity with respect to the individual guarantee attributes and levels. Across the sample, the guarantee period is most important, followed by the volatility of the underlying fund, and the up-front premium. Finally, we illustrate that particularly those socioeconomic characteristics with an impact on individuals’ financial situation are promising predictors of their willingness to purchase investment guarantees. PubDate: 2022-05-03
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Abstract: Abstract Long-term care (LTC) is not only a concern for elderly individuals but also for their adult children, as the latter often provide financial support and informal care to their elderly dependents. Adult children may therefore have strong incentives to have their parents purchase LTC insurance. Using data from a 2019 Swiss survey, this article first identifies a set of variables, including self-reported interest about LTC insurance, whether elderly parents live with their children and if the latter have provided informal help with personal care, which help predict the interest of adult children in having their parents covered against LTC risk. Second, it investigates the main characteristics of children’s motives for influencing their parents to purchase LTC insurance, which are classified as either altruistic, i.e. related to parental well-being, or self-interested, i.e. related to the child’s well-being. The results offer valuable insights for both policymakers and insurers when designing public LTC policies and LTC insurance products. PubDate: 2022-05-03
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Abstract: Abstract The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) establishes a right for individuals to get access to information about automated decision-making based on their personal data. However, the application of this right comes with caveats. This paper investigates how European insurance companies have navigated these obstacles. By recruiting volunteering insurance customers, requests for information about how insurance premiums are set were sent to 26 insurance companies in Denmark, Finland, The Netherlands, Poland and Sweden. Findings illustrate the practice of responding to GDPR information requests and the paper identifies possible explanations for shortcomings and omissions in the responses. The paper also adds to existing research by showing how the wordings in the different language versions of the GDPR could lead to different interpretations. Finally, the paper discusses what can reasonably be expected from explanations in consumer oriented information. PubDate: 2022-05-03
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Abstract: Abstract We investigate the impact of new financial and economic determinants on life insurance demand for 29 OECD countries for the period 2005–2017 while controlling for a set of widely used socio-demographic and economic characteristics. Based on a panel smooth transition regression model, we find a regime-switching effect characterising the impact of bank concentration and interest rate on the size of the life insurance market, in light of the old-age dependency ratio as the threshold variable. We also show that life insurance development is boosted in countries with high scores for investment freedom and with high levels of foreign direct investment rates, regardless of the level of the old-age dependency ratio. The impact of GDP per capita on the demand for life insurance products is positive and statistically significant, regardless of the level of the threshold variable. PubDate: 2022-04-29
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Abstract: Risk aversion kicks in: the less risk averse the insured, the larger the deviation from full insurance, all else being equal. The original version of this paper was inadvertently published with an incorrect word in one sentence on page 255. The original article has been corrected. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our readers. PubDate: 2022-04-01 DOI: 10.1057/s41288-021-00254-2
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Abstract: Abstract The purpose of this research is to examine whether insurers have improved their economic performance through efficiency as a reaction to the prolonged period of low interest rates. The results of an analysis of 22 years of data, using a two-stage data envelopment analysis approach (DEA), show that there is an inverse relationship between efficiency and interest rate. The non-life insurance group had a superior level of efficiency compared with that of the life insurance group. It seems that life insurance companies, to some extent, transferred their inefficiency to customers to maintain their solvency. Additionally, this research shows that companies with substantial market power and bancassurance exceeded the performance of the rest of the industry. PubDate: 2022-04-01 DOI: 10.1057/s41288-021-00208-8
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Abstract: Abstract This paper examines the effects of the regulatory changes implemented in the Mexican insurance sector in adjustment to the international regulations of Solvency II imposed by the International Association of Insurance Supervisors. The effect of regulatory changes on the risk and performance levels of foreign entities was analysed and compared with their domestic counterparts. Using a difference-in-difference estimator, significant evidence that foreign insurance companies enhanced their default risk after complying with the law was found. The findings showed that the stability levels of domestic entities were negatively affected. No effect on the performance level for both types of entities was found. This study provides evidence that foreign entities were already prepared for the change in regulation, as opposed to domestic ones, due to their association with their foreign holdings. PubDate: 2022-04-01 DOI: 10.1057/s41288-020-00196-1
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Abstract: Abstract This paper investigates the effects of directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance on default risk. Using unique panel data of non-financial listed firms in Taiwan from 2010 to 2017, the empirical results indicate that D&O insurance exerts a significantly positive influence on firms' expected default frequency (EDF), controlling for the endogeneity of D&O insurance coverage and fixed effects. Further analyses reveal that such an effect exists particularly among firms with a high D&O insurance coverage ratio. Firms with D&O insurance have higher default risk than those without. Our findings differ from those in the existing literature by showing that D&O insurance coverage reflects firms' EDF and by capturing more insight on firms' EDF (market value, stock return volatility and firm asset volatility). The evidence indicates that D&O insurance may serve as a real-time, publicly observable signal of default risk for insurers and investors, enabling better contracting and risk management. PubDate: 2022-04-01 DOI: 10.1057/s41288-020-00197-0
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Abstract: Abstract We empirically examine the effect of local religious beliefs on the risk-taking behaviour of U.S. life insurers headquartered in that region. We distinguish between insurers that predominantly write annuities and insurers that predominantly write life insurance policies; the annuity business is relatively riskier than writing life insurance. Insurers headquartered in high-Catholic or low-Protestant areas are more likely to be annuity writers. Annuity writers located in high-Catholic or low-Protestant areas invest more in risky assets and exhibit higher investment return volatilities, as well as a higher volatility of their return on assets. Overall, our results suggest that local culture has significant influences on life insurers’ behaviour. PubDate: 2022-04-01 DOI: 10.1057/s41288-021-00211-z
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Abstract: Abstract Based on a data set of 91 papers and 22 industry studies, we analyse the impact of artificial intelligence on the insurance sector using Porter’s (1985) value chain and Berliner’s (1982) insurability criteria. Additionally, we present future research directions, from both the academic and practitioner points of view. The results illustrate that both cost efficiencies and new revenue streams can be realised, as the insurance business model will shift from loss compensation to loss prediction and prevention. Moreover, we identify two possible developments with respect to the insurability of risks. The first is that the application of artificial intelligence by insurance companies might allow for a more accurate prediction of loss probabilities, thus reducing one of the industry’s most inherent problems, namely asymmetric information. The second development is that artificial intelligence might change the risk landscape significantly by transforming some risks from low-severity/high-frequency to high-severity/low-frequency. This requires insurance companies to rethink traditional insurance coverage and design adequate insurance products. PubDate: 2022-04-01 DOI: 10.1057/s41288-020-00201-7
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Abstract: Abstract We empirically investigate the trade-offs between three strategic goals of the insurance business: growth, profitability and safety. Analysing 1988 European insurance companies over 11 years with simultaneous equation models, we show that moderate firm growth is associated with high profitability, but extremely high growth is associated with low profitability (i.e. an inverse non-linear relationship). Our results show that less profitable insurers are taking more risks. Insurers that prioritise profit over growth in early periods are more likely to reach the ideal state of ‘profitable growth’ in later periods. Our results emphasise the need to jointly consider growth, profitability and safety in a multi-period context when evaluating firm performance. PubDate: 2022-04-01 DOI: 10.1057/s41288-021-00230-w
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Abstract: Abstract Using panel data from the 2013, 2015 and 2017 China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) and the digital finance index developed by Peking University, this study examines the impact of digital finance on household insurance purchases and explores its mechanisms. The results indicate that digital finance can promote household insurance purchases by increasing residents’ financial literacy and their accessibility to internet financial services. A heterogeneity analysis reveals that digital finance has a more positive effect on the insurance purchases of households with fewer assets, lower income and located in less developed and rural areas. Regarding the type of insurance, digital finance enhances the purchase of property and life rather than health insurance. The regression results of household insurance purchases on the three dimensions of digital finance show that the breadth of coverage and depth of usage of digital finance have more significant impacts on household insurance purchases than digitalisation level. Robustness checks with different measures and samples, also addressing potential endogeneity using the instrumental variable approach, show the reliability of our findings. PubDate: 2022-03-23 DOI: 10.1057/s41288-022-00267-5
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Abstract: Abstract Cybercrime is estimated to have cost the global economy just under USD 1 trillion in 2020, indicating an increase of more than 50% since 2018. With the average cyber insurance claim rising from USD 145,000 in 2019 to USD 359,000 in 2020, there is a growing necessity for better cyber information sources, standardised databases, mandatory reporting and public awareness. This research analyses the extant academic and industry literature on cybersecurity and cyber risk management with a particular focus on data availability. From a preliminary search resulting in 5219 cyber peer-reviewed studies, the application of the systematic methodology resulted in 79 unique datasets. We posit that the lack of available data on cyber risk poses a serious problem for stakeholders seeking to tackle this issue. In particular, we identify a lacuna in open databases that undermine collective endeavours to better manage this set of risks. The resulting data evaluation and categorisation will support cybersecurity researchers and the insurance industry in their efforts to comprehend, metricise and manage cyber risks. PubDate: 2022-02-17 DOI: 10.1057/s41288-022-00266-6
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Abstract: Abstract Customer satisfaction management is increasing in importance within the insurance industry. In particular, to define a customer-oriented strategy, installing digital applications based on technologies, e.g. including artificial intelligence or cloud computing, ranks among the major strategic challenges. Against this background, the aim of this paper is to take an integrated perspective on managing customer satisfaction and the digital transformation. Towards this end, we identify and assess a set of digital applications, as a result of a comprehensive review of 106 academic papers and publications of the industry and supervisory authorities. We illustrate the opportunities to increase customer satisfaction and emphasise their impact on insurers at four major customer touch points: contract conclusion, contract modifications, the event of damage and further contacts. Our results are strategic measures to strengthen the position for sales and marketing, to simplify standard processes and to increase efficiency and interaction with the customer. PubDate: 2022-02-07 DOI: 10.1057/s41288-021-00257-z
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Abstract: Abstract Over the last decade, digitisation and individualisation have fostered the development of on-demand services in many industries. In the insurance sector, technological progress brings new possibilities on how risks can be insured. This paper studies on-demand insurance and thereby takes three perspectives. First, we define on-demand insurance and study the current market landscape of offerings, leading to a characterisation of the phenomenon. Second, we analyse the on-demand insurance business model, discuss how value is created, and develop a taxonomy of the dimensions among business model components. Third, we describe the awareness and interest of potential customers in Switzerland using novel data recorded from a recent consumer survey. Using the results from the market study, business model analysis, and customer survey, we discuss the (future) role of on-demand insurance, shedding light on the ongoing business model transformation in the insurance industry. We conclude that insurtech companies address emerging customer needs and that traditional incumbent insurers must innovate to keep their prominent role at the customer interface. While novelty and complementarity of on-demand insurance solutions bring value today, we expect that efficiency and customer retention will add more value in the future, especially once technology has matured and business model components are well-aligned. PubDate: 2022-02-07 DOI: 10.1057/s41288-022-00265-7
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