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In case you missed it, insurtech -- technology developed to improve and transform the insurance industry -- is having a bit of a moment. Forrester recently reported record-breaking funding for insurtechs, closing Q3 at $15 billion - more funding than in 2019 and 2020 combined - with more deals anticipated by the end-of-year.

Consumers getting policies from the California FAIR Plan climbed about 25% in 2020, according to data from the state’s insurance department. That was due to increases in both new policies and renewed ones.

Forty-six percent of consumers are open to pay-per-mile and 45% are interested in a program that rewards safe driving with discounts, according to a Nationwide survey. Yet only 45% of agents offer telematics to a quarter or fewer of customers.

The final standards, which govern the release of carbon dioxide from the tailpipes of cars and light trucks, roughly translate into fleet-wide fuel economy values of 55 miles (89 kilometers) per gallon in model year 2026.

Only 32% of 2,750 U.S. consumers surveyed by the company in fall 2021 had been offered telematics-based insurance, the company said. Of those that were offered, 49% took the offer, and 64% have stuck with it.

Two of the honorees, Lindsay Hanson, vice president, head of behavioral insurance, global strategy and delivery at John Hancock and Emily Hartman, chief of business teams at Allianz Partners spoke during the “Women in Insurance Leadership Honorees Panel” about leadership and lessons learned.

By facilitating access to rich, unstructured data in real-time, technology is paving the way for insurers to employ greater personalization and become customer-centric. It can drive tremendous growth opportunities as well as cost and operational efficiencies by promoting wellbeing and prevention services.

During, “The View from Venture Capital,” at the Digital Insurance DIGIN conference, Dec. 10, three experts involved in venture capital firms discussed what they look for when funding a company and what’s ahead for the industry.

As the effects of the pandemic continue to play out, market activity indicates commercial lines insurers are reprioritizing their tech-oriented projects, with some plans continuing to move forward while others have slowed down.

More than 100 women gathered in San Diego to discuss their experiences, network and learn during Digital Insurance's Women in Insurance Leadership conference on Dec. 8. Sessions focused on how to negotiate pay, gender parity, setting boundaries at work and accelerating women into leadership roles.

Commercial structures across the U.S could face up to $13.5 billion in damage in 2022, an amount that will rise at least 25% over the next 30 years as climate change exacerbates flooding from sea rise, storms and extreme rain events, according to First Street Foundation.

There are vital aspects of business that have virtually stagnated despite the high-tech breakthroughs all around them. In insurance, it’s easy to spot: the process for managing risk transfer still relies on technology better suited for the 20th Century. It’s time for an upgrade.

The direct-to-consumer startup will power an entirely digital policy only available through the insurer’s agents and advisors.

The second year of the pandemic unleashed unprecedented exogenous challenges for financial companies heading into 2022. What core trends will shape the industry moving forward?

In 2021, the insurance industry reckoned with the broad impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Appropriately, 2022 will need to be the year that agencies and carriers pivot from reacting and surviving to implement new strategies for success.

The automaker got the green light to sell its Drive Pilot package for use on stretches of the country’s Autobahn network at a speed of up to 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour, Mercedes said Thursday.

Not only is digital technology changing but so is the regulatory landscape. Some U.S. states have passed laws that will lead the insurance industry to take a fresh look at technology such as Bluetooth and navigation because they capture significant amounts of personal information from drivers and occupants.

There’s no denying that working with startups entails risk. Plenty of newer insurtechs have technology that’s too underdeveloped, a value proposition that’s too undefined or leadership that’s too inexperienced to overcome the gauntlet of obstacles that stands between startups and success.

Wyshbox is the marketing name for Wysh Life and Health Insurance, which provides term life insurance for consumers with digital customized plans.

In other news: Chubb teams up with Betterfly in Latin America; Franklin Mutual partners with vipHomeLink; Aon announces last-mile insurance with CarrierHQ.