Kansas insurance commissioner candidate Dinah Sykes (D) supports the insurance industry's use of AI, but with human oversight — and not for denying claims.
She expressed concern about
Like insurance commissioner candidates in other recent primaries, such as
Sykes, a state senator, and Republican Dan Hawkins, speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives, are unopposed in their parties' respective primaries. Digital Insurance contacted Hawkins by email and phone several times, asking the same questions posed to Sykes, with no response. Current commissioner Vicki Schmidt (R) took office in January 2019 and is term limited.
How will AI impact claims processing, risk assessment and fraud in insurance?
AI is already transforming insurance, and Kansas should be ready. In claims, AI can cut settlement times from weeks to days, getting families back on their feet faster after a storm. In underwriting and risk assessment, tools like aerial imagery and predictive analytics help carriers price risk more accurately and help homeowners mitigate it before disaster strikes. And AI is a powerful ally against fraud, spotting patterns human reviewers miss — savings that should flow back to policyholders as lower premiums. My job as commissioner is to make sure these tools are used responsibly: models must be tested for accuracy and bias, and a human must remain accountable for every decision that affects a Kansan's coverage.
How will AI unlock value for insurance policyholders?
Used right, AI unlocks real value for policyholders — my test is whether it makes insurance more affordable, more understandable and more fair. Faster, automated claims handling means quicker payments when Kansans need them most. Fraud-detection savings and more efficient operations should show up as lower premiums, not just higher profits. AI can also help consumers directly: plain-language explanations of confusing policies, personalized alerts that help families prevent losses before they happen, and 24/7 service that meets people where they are. Too many Kansans tell me insurance is confusing and costs too much. Technology that closes that gap has my full support — and I'll hold carriers accountable so AI is never used to wrongfully deny or delay legitimate claims.
What would your priorities be if elected commissioner?
Three priorities: affordability, consumer protection and transparency. Affordability means using every tool of the office — including data and technology — to promote competition and keep coverage within reach for Kansas families. Consumer protection means standing up for policyholders when claims are wrongfully denied or delayed, whether by an adjuster or an algorithm. Transparency means clear, honest communication about policies and rates, and it applies to insurers' use of AI too: I'd work with carriers and national partners to adopt sensible guardrails, like the NAIC's AI guidance, so innovation moves forward with accountability. I've spent ten years in the Kansas Senate delivering bipartisan results, and I'll bring that same approach — listen to all sides, put politics aside and make the system work for Kansans.
