Can companies in the insurance sector be innovative and cutting edge? We decided to find out by taking a look at some of the examples from the insurtech industry. The companies we’ve listed below are examples of what happens when innovative, creative people set their sights on (and succeed in) disrupting the insurance business. So, what makes them stand out from the crowd and why do we think they’re awesome? Read on to find out.
1. Artificial Labs
- Founded in: 2013
- Based in: London
What do they do?
Artificial Labs builds tools for insurers. The list of features it provides is very impressive, and includes integration with underwriter platforms, extraction of data from emails, attachments and files, identification of risk threats, and much, much more.
Why we think they’re awesome
It’s great to see companies bringing AI-powered innovation to the insurance business, especially as this technology is not yet common there. ArtificialOS, Artificial Labs’ digital platform, gathers in one place all the tools you need for data collection, contract negotiation, and pricing.
What the web says about them
David King, Artificial Labs’ Chief Commercial Officer was recently interviewed by Trends InsureTech, where he talked about his responsibilities, growing a startup during a pandemic, and more.
2. Bought By Many
What do they do?
You probably have insurance, right? What about your pet? If the answer is “no,” Bought by Many is here to help. The company offers pet insurance that’s transparent, easy to understand, and form-free.
Why we think they’re awesome
On top of offering various policies that answer any needs your pets may have, Bought by Many provides access to video calls with vets, and also write pet guides on anything and everything pet-related. Our favorite entry? Why dogs in the office and pet work benefits are getting more pawpular. And it’s not just because of that pawfect pun!
What the web says about them
It’s not just us who’s impressed by this insurtech. Bought by Many won in two categories at the Insurance Choice Awards 2020: Innovation of the Year and Best Pet Insurance Provider. @boughtbymany just put a claim through yesterday for allergy treatments for my dog. Claim approved today. Absolutely fantastic, credit where its due. 24 hr turnaround is brilliant. Well done to your pet insurance team.— Dave Hamilton Jr. (@DaveHJnr) April 1, 2021
3. Cazana
What do they do?
Cazana is all about cars. The insurtech provides automotive insights with the help of big data and predictive analytics. You will find the platform useful, whether you are a manufacturer, work in car insurance, or are in the automotive business in general.
Why we think they’re awesome
Cazana offers something very precious: knowledge. The company helps professionals in the vehicle industry make informed decisions. In its own words, “Cazana analyses millions of automotive transactions daily to assess the value and risk associated with every vehicle on the road.”
What the web says about them
Just this month, Cazana announced its collaboration with LexisNexis Risk Solutions Insurance UK & Ireland. Together, they will provide easier access to vehicle information needed by UK insurance providers at the point of quote.
4. Cuvva
What do they do?
If you ever watched Fast & Furious and thought, “These guys need car insurance,” this app is for you. Cuvva’s advertising slogan is “radically better insurance,” and honestly, we do believe it.
Given that it’s about car insurance, it’s perfect that the company has an app—you can easily deal with all of your insurance needs, wherever you are. Just don’t use it while driving!
Why we think they’re awesome
Everything about Cuvva screams “convenience.” Hourly or daily car insurance? Check. Coverage in minutes? Check. 24/7 customer support with an average response time of 1 minute? Check. (Granted, we didn't test it, but it's exactly what we’d want from an insurance app in these instant gratification times.)
What the web says about them
If you’d like to learn more about the company from Freddy Macnamara, its Founder and CEO, listen to this podcast.
What a genius idea @cuvva is btw 👏🏼— Elliot Morgan (@EMorgannnnn) December 21, 2020
5. Cytora
What do they do?
Cytora focuses on improving the process of underwriting for commercial insurance. The insurtech uses the power of machine learning to achieve this goal, and it cooperates with leading insurers.
Why we think they’re awesome
If you’re interested in the technology behind Cytora—and, unsurprisingly, being a software house, we are—be sure to check out its blog Engineering at Cytora. We especially recommend the “Cytora Golang Academy” series of articles.
What the web says about them
Cytora’s CFO, Tom Coward, recently gave an interesting interview about the company and the role of a CFO. You can find it here.
6. DeadHappy
What do they do?
Discussing life insurance brings to mind the inevitability of death, and it is generally not a good time for anyone. That’s not the case with DeadHappy. With the slogan, “Make a deathwish. Get it insured,” the company has a light-hearted and matter-of-fact attitude to life insurance and everything it entails, and we appreciate that.
Why we think they’re awesome
DeadHappy only asks you four health questions, so you can get a life insurance quote in minutes. The policy is also flexible, and there's no paperwork involved.
What the web says about them
DeadHappy’s CTO, Nick Meredith, recently talked about the company and the death industry in a podcast. Listen to it here.
Just browsing for some life insurance cover, the user experience with @deadhappy is so pleasant. The team's Rebecca deserves a promotion - who do we speak to about this? #lifeinsurance #cover #insurance— Worry+Peace (@worryandpeace) March 16, 2021
7. Flock
What do they do?
Drones need insurance, too! Whether you’re an individual pilot or in charge of a fleet of drones, Flock has got you covered. On top of that the company also expanded its expertise further by getting into the motor fleet insurance business.
Why we think they’re awesome
With Flock, you can insure your drone by the hour, month, or year—and you can do it all online. The prices are personalized, and the insurance can cover a wide variety of events, such as unintentional flyaways or theft. On the motor side of things, you can get personal accidents and medical expenses coverage, among others.
What the web says about them
Last year, Flock was appointed the British Insurance Brokers’ Association's drone scheme provider. The CEO of Flock, Ed Leon Klinger, was featured in a podcast by InsTech London. He talked about building a brand, innovating with insurers, and more. Listen to it here. If you’re curious about the drone industry, check out #FlockFridays, a biweekly YouTube show with other experts from the sector.
8. Laka
What do they do?
London is famously a city of cyclists, with their numbers rising even more in 2020. That’s why it’s not at all surprising that Laka, a company specializing in insurance for cyclists, is from London.
Why we think they’re awesome
Laka can cover your bicycle, but also you, through their accident and injury insurance. On top of that, it offers memberships to The Laka Club, which includes third-party liability insurance and various cycling discounts. Laka definitely feels like a place made by cyclists, for cyclists. We really like the idea of building a community around a common hobby and performing it safely.
What the web says about them
Earlier this year, Laka expanded to the Netherlands which feels like a great move. After all, if there’s one country that is synonymous with cycling, it’s the Netherlands. Laka’s CEO and Co-founder called the expansion “the next step in building the largest Collective for cyclists in Europe.” Good luck!
9. Marshmallow
What do they do?
Marshmallow offers car insurance for a diverse customer base. The company believes that insurance is important and it should be easy to get for anyone. As it says on their website, “A person without a credit history needs to drive to work, and an expat without a UK driving license needs to pick their kids up from school. We use technology to make it possible—and to guarantee the best price.”
Why we think they’re awesome
It’s no secret that the planet needs our help. Marshmallow is doing its part and then some by working with ClimatePartner on a carbon offsetting program. As part of the initiative, it covers the carbon offsetting costs for the first 500 miles for every policy bought in 2021 and beyond.
What the web says about them
The Marshmallow’s co-founder was featured in this article by The Times, where he talks about the idea behind the company.
Tonight’s task of sorting the wife’s car insurance was made a bit more enjoyable by the hilarious wording on @getmarshmallow ‘s website which actually made me laugh (not something that normally happens when sorting insurance!). Also their website is very slick! 👍🏻👍🏻— Alex Clark @ Microsoft (@sharepointalex) September 30, 2020
10. Nimbla
What do they do?
Have you ever issued an invoice that ended up not being paid? Nimbla, a company offering invoice insurance for small businesses, could be the solution you need.
Why we think they’re awesome
Nimbla uses algorithms for pricing the risk on your receivables. If you decide to go for Nimbla’s services, you can set everything up in 5 minutes. In early April, the company announced it will offer invoice insurance to companies in more European countries.
What the web says about them
Early last year, Nimbla started cooperation with Barclays Bank. Given that Barclays has one million SME clients, that's an incredible achievement. Blair Pusey, Nimbla’s Head of Sales and Partnerships, wrote an article for Fintech Circle, on the future of fintech. Read it here.
11. Urban Jungle
What do they do?
Urban Jungle offers contents insurance designed with renters and young people in mind.
Why we think they’re awesome
Urban Jungle’s insurance policies are perfect for the times we live in. The insurtech’s founders noticed that younger people had more problems getting insurance, and they decided to explore that gap. In fact, the company was created because Jimmy Williams, the company’s CEO and co-founder experienced the difficulties of getting insurance when living with roommates first-hand. Urban Jungle also runs a blog full of articles for renters. Our favorites? 10 tips to make your rental flat feel like home and How to lighten a dark room with no natural light in 9 simple ways.
What the web says about them
Jimmy Williams was featured in an article by The Fintech Times. He talked about how the lives of young adults have changed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and how that influenced the insurance data Urban Jungle saw. You can read it here.
12. Zego
What do they do?
Zego offers insurance for drivers and fleets. So far, the company has insured over 200,000 vehicles, and some of its partners include Uber, Deliveroo, and Bolt.
Why we think they’re awesome
Right, okay, full disclosure: Zego is our client. But that’s not the only reason we like the company. It’s the first UK insurtech to be valued at over $1 billion, and it won Tech Company of the Year 2020 at the UK Business Tech Awards. If that’s not impressive, we don’t know what is!
What the web says about them
The company just launched a brand new blog called Zego Engineering. We’re super honored to be a part of it in its very first article! The piece is a transcript of our conversation with Stuart Kelly, Staff Engineer at Zego. Go ahead and read it here.
Final thoughts
There you have it. From car insurance to pet insurance, these companies are using the latest technologies and creative ideas to transform the insurance business.
If you work in insurtech or fintech at large and are looking for a software development company that could help with your project, be sure to reach out to us.
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