CAC Specialty provides financing to clients facing coronavirus-related liquidity pressure

CAC Specialty | March 20, 2020

CAC Specialty has entered into a strategic partnership with funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group. The strategic relationship allows CAC Specialty to help with the capital needs of its clients with their acquisitions, recapitalizations, growth capital and other financing transactions. Fortress is ready to offer short-term financing for CAC clients experiencing liquidity pressure due to both the direct and indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “During this challenging time, we are confident in our ability to help our clients solve problems,” commented CAC Specialty and Cobbs Allen president Bruce Denson Jr. “Our relationship with Fortress gives us significant tools to help our clients weather this storm.”

Spotlight

In the wake of rapidly-evolving customer expectations, an ongoing industry-wide digital transformation, and the rise of insurtech firms, innovation and technology have become watchwords for today’s global insurance industry. The challenge facing large, established incumbents such as Zurich is how to innovate effectively and whether external collaboration could have a significant impact on driving innovation as opposed to trying to go it alone.

Spotlight

In the wake of rapidly-evolving customer expectations, an ongoing industry-wide digital transformation, and the rise of insurtech firms, innovation and technology have become watchwords for today’s global insurance industry. The challenge facing large, established incumbents such as Zurich is how to innovate effectively and whether external collaboration could have a significant impact on driving innovation as opposed to trying to go it alone.

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LIFE INSURANCE, INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY

In Force Data Solutions from MIB Provide Unique Insights to the Life Insurance Industry

MIB | March 20, 2023

MIB, the life insurance industry's most trusted and secure partner for data-driven insights and digital services announced the launch of a new suite of solutions that leverage a unique database consisting of in force and pending application data as well as terminated policy data to provide new critical insights to the industry. The MIB In Force Data Solutions portfolio leverages a contributory database, maintained by MIB on behalf of the life insurance industry, to provide insights that address a critical industry challenge – the need to understand an applicant's total coverage exposure. The only data solution of its kind, the database was developed in partnership with TAI (Tindall Associates, Inc.), the premier reinsurance administration software in use in the U.S., and in conjunction with carriers and reinsurers who are MIB's members. The first services available within the portfolio enable the industry to identify potential risks and behavioral trends tied to total coverage exposure while minimizing hidden financial risks: The MIB Jumbo Service enables participating carriers and reinsurers to take a retrospective look at their highly insured individuals to proactively identify and resolve jumbo treaty breaches during the contestability period. Launched in April of 2022, the service to date has helped the industry identify over 600 insureds with combined in force and pending coverage levels near or above jumbo treaty limits, helping mitigate more than 16 jumbo treaty violations, and saving the industry an estimated $75 million of unanticipated claims. Newly launched, the MIB Total Line Service provides total coverage exposure data at the time of underwriting. With this new data, underwriters can verify an applicant's reported coverage level, and also proactively identify risk patterns and behaviors that may warrant further investigation. Based on initial MIB case studies, the service has significant potential to help identify behavioral risk of applicants and producers. Since the In Force Solutions contributory data vault leverages existing system interfaces that many carriers already have in place with TAI and MIB, most MIB members can take advantage of the new services without the burden of an IT spend. In force data is contributed through TAI's reinsurance software and pending application data is contributed through MIB's Code Solutions platform which is e-connected to 99.0% of the insurance companies in North America. Committed to developing innovative solutions that address the life insurance industry's evolving needs, MIB sees significant future potential to leverage the database for services that extend beyond fraud prevention. "As our access to data continues to grow, there are many opportunities to introduce new services and deliver additional insights," said Patti DeWitt, Vice President of Member Services at MIB. "We are excited about the possibilities for new innovative solutions, leveraging protective value studies, data analytics and behavioral sciences that can safeguard against fraud, improve claim processes, inform underwriting rules, and more." "Before now, the industry lacked the opportunity to see a full picture of in force, applied for, and terminated coverage. Now that we can examine the picture in full, there is great potential to uncover novel insights and valuable learnings for the industry," said Chris Murumets, CEO, TAI. "This is a perfect example of how data and analytics can be leveraged to help move the industry forward." About MIB MIB Group Holdings, Inc. is the insurance industry's most trusted and secure partner for data, insights and digital solutions that support underwriting and actuarial decision making and improve industry efficiencies. With deep connections to the life insurance companies who are its members, and a sole focus on improving the insurance industry, MIB is uniquely positioned to provide data-driven solutions that address common industry challenges and enable clients to gain efficiencies, manage their risks, and grow profitably. MIB Group Holdings, Inc. provides services through its wholly owned operating subsidiaries, MIB, LLC, MIB Services, LLC and MIB Solutions, LLC. For more information about MIB, visit www.mibgroup.com.

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CORE INSURANCE, INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY

Hawksoft and Input 1 Partner to Enable Premium Collection for Insurance Agencies

HawkSoft and Input 1 | January 20, 2023

On January 19, 2023, HawkSoft, a provider of agency management systems in the insurance industry, and Input 1, which delivers digital billing, payments, and premium finance solutions, entered into a partnership that allows HawkSoft agencies to use premium collection functionalities. Input 1 has spent over 30 years perfecting its comprehensive billing and payments platform, which simplifies the intricacies of the premium collection lifecycle. Input 1's services are used by over 125 carriers, finance companies, managing general agents, and thousands of insurance agents to bill and collect premiums from their customers. HawkSoft's agency management system has succeeded by creating a central insurance platform with API-powered connectivity throughout the insurtech stack. In addition, the company focuses on delivering technology guided by real-world workflows to independent insurance agencies, increasing revenue and efficiency. With the integration of Input 1's premium finance and payments solution, HawkSoft clients can use data directly from their management system to accept digital payments for pay-in-full policies, offer digital premium financing, and set up recurring payments via debit, credit, and ACH. The integration also prevents double-entry in their common workflows. Rushang Shah, Chief Marketing Officer of HawkSoft, said, "One of our key goals is to support the unique approaches independent insurance agencies apply in running their businesses." He further expressed, "We are happy to collaborate with Input 1 and welcome them to our ecosystem as a Solution Partner." (Source – PR Newswire) About HawkSoft Based in Canby (Oregon), Hawsoft provides management systems to organizations that want efficient workflows, unique experiences for employees and policyholders, and tools to foster meaningful relationships. The company, founded by independent agents, provides an innovative system that powers thousands of agencies. HawkSoft aims to assist agents in performing quality work more efficiently - not by pushing them to adapt to the software but by ensuring that it automates the steps that agents already know work best. AboutInput 1 Input 1, LLC offers digital billing and payment solutions to property and liability insurers. The company's digital billing and payment solutions provide insurance carriers and MGAs with tailored offerings at a lower cost and faster implementation than internal IT resources. In addition, its outsourcing helps banks, insurance carriers, and insurance brokers develop lucrative profit centers that increase client support and service alternatives.

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CORE INSURANCE, INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY

Forbes Advisor Recognizes IMG’s Travel Insurance for Second Time

IMG | March 01, 2023

On February 28, 2023, International Medical Group (IMG), an insurance services provider, was awarded Forbes Advisor's Best of 2023 Awards in the category of travel insurance companies. Forbes Advisor has recognized it for the second year in a row. IMG's iTravelInsured Travel LX plan has particularly attracted the attention of Forbes Advisor. It is an excellent travel insurance solution for dog owners and a popular insurance plan of IMG. It provides insurance coverage for additional kennel fees, which a pet needs on a trip delay for an extended stay at a commercial kennel. In addition, it offers trip cancellation and interruption benefits and is applicable only when the service animal or pet suffers an injury, sickness or death during the trip. Forbes Advisor is a trusted insights provider for finance and businesses through news, reviews and advice, assisting consumers with smart decisions and perfect products for their choice without effort. Forbes Advisor's awards recognize the company after in-depth analysis for being an impartial consumer champion. Its experienced reporters and editors have a keen eye on product features and consumer experience in the industry. With years of dedication, people expect authentic financial news and guidance from it. The recognition from Forbes Advisor represents that the brand has strong support and establishment in the business and consumer finance community. IMG's Director of International Sales – Travel, Grant Hayes said, "IMG is honored to be recognized once again as one of the best travel insurance companies in the market." He added, "Our iTravelInsured Travel Series is a market-leading line of travel protection plans designed to meet the varying needs of travelers while they're away from home." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) IMG's Chief Commercial Officer, Scott Ackerman said, "At IMG, we understand that pets are like family. Our pet-related benefits set us apart from the competition and are valued greatly by our customers." He added, "Being recognized as a travel insurance company that is great for dog owners is truly a testament to the many unique benefits we offer our customers through our travel protection plans." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About IMG Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, IMG, an insurance company, offers solutions for expatriates, international students, missions organizations, marine crews, corporate group insurance, cost containment, stop loss insurance, medical management, assistance services, medical evacuation, travel insurance, and international medical insurance. It has provided insurance benefits and assistance services worldwide since 1990. Its well-known services are travel and health safety solutions, with insurance programs like international private medical insurance, trip medical insurance, and services like enterprise and insurance administrative services, 24/7 emergency medical, security, and travel assistance.

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