How Is Blockchain Helping The Insurance Industry In 5 Ways Thru Proper Implementation
Blockchain technology may solve many problems the insurance industry faces. It could reduce costs spent on administration and claim processing, make underserved segments more accessible, enable immediately issued contracts, and increase transparency. Potential blockchain applications in the insurance industry are almost infinite. Its usage across the sector can open a whole world of new possibilities. Companies that provide financial and insurance software development services have adopted this technology early on as they see it’s transformative potential.
Let’s discover some implementations of blockchain in the insurance industry and the way they are revolutionizing the sector.
SMART CONTRACTS IN INSURTECH
Smart contracts are the blockchain-powered technology that apparently has the most potential in insurance. These are computer programs that verify and execute interactions between parties. They can provide customers and insurers with the possibility to manage claims in a transparent and responsive manner.
With the help of blockchain, the process of agreements registration, verification, and execution have become much easier. Now, claims are automatically enforced by computer protocols without the need for a claims assessor. These contracts and claims are recorded onto a Blockchain and validated by the network, ensuring that only valid claims are paid.
With the increasing efficiency of claims-handling, the customer experience improved greatly. Blockchain eliminates the extended process of document submission and third-party verification. This, in turn, accelerates the underwriting process and reduces costs.
CLAIMS MANAGEMENT
Blockchain technology could be used to create a single version of the claim documents that can be reviewed and monitored by underwriters in real-time. The blockchain allows all parties involved in a claim to simultaneously manage the process.
Smart contract elements will also allow for the automation of many processes. This will bring many benefits including effectively managing the relationship with a service supplier, enhancement of transparency, an increase of flexibility, and more.
Blockchain technology has the potential to reduce costs and time spent on each customer as well as deliver more certainty. This allows insurers and brokers to operate more efficiently. Moreover, there is scope for creating a blockchain that will incorporate all documents created in the claims process and available to all underwriters. This would give underwriters a possibility to process claims without actively participating since they would be able to monitor and review it at any time required. The cost of administration for the claims broker would be reduced as well.
FRAUD DETECTION AND RISK PREVENTION
Fraud is an acute problem for insurance companies since high-value assets can be fraudulently registered as stolen. That is why a lot of insurers invest millions of dollars each year just to identify fraud.
Blockchain has great potential to eliminate error and detect fraud by providing a decentralized digital repository. It may independently verify the veracity of customers, claims, and policies and provide complete transaction history. This prevents transaction duplication, displaces the roles of a trusted third party, and provides a verifiable public record of all transactions.
In addition, blockchain can store encrypted personal data and a public ledger. Many insurers are already applying it for reducing fraud and liability associated with immediate payments across borders and multiple currencies. Moreover, independent record of all transactions has the potential to stop many types of fraudulent activities.
CUSTOMER IDENTITY
Brokers, insurers, reinsurers have to meet KYC(Know Your Customer) requirements on all of their counterparties. This includes gathering significant data on a client and verifying their identity, which is a really time-consuming process. But thru the use of blockchain technology, this can be much easier and secure. Blockchain can help keep records of customer documents and evidence of validation from an issuing authority. Moreover, it gives the ability for the client to maintain control of the records.
All documents on the blockchain are encrypted with only the client having the keys. Clients can provide companies with access for a limited time when required. As a result, this will resolve a set of regulatory issues concerning privacy and data protection. The client could then present the blockchain with an appropriate subset of keys to the next institution with which they want to do business. This institution would be able to rely on the validation done by the bureau without delay.
CYBER LIABILITY
Blockchain technology adds a new real-time ability for security professionals. It focuses on the integrity of the digital assets that comprise a network and the configuration of data points, switches, routers, and others, for real-time verification of the state of the network.
This means policy wordings on cyber solutions will address the blockchain standard as a guarantee in a similar manner to non-life insurance policies for physical security.
Overall, the use of blockchain in insurance can lead to greater efficiency for insurers and financial services providers. It may significantly increase transparency between market participants and minimize the need for intermediaries. Currently, blockchain technology is already being used for fraud detection, risk management, and claims handling. This results in a faster settlement, eliminate paperwork and provide easier, improved data access to all parties. So introducing blockchain more into insurance can transform the relationship between regulators and regulated entities by reducing frictions and improving outcomes.
