Jonathan Gonzalez: Co-founder & CEO, Raincoat: Enabling parametric protection that scales (268)
Oct 8, 2023
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Jonathan Gonzalez, Co-founder & CEO of Raincoat, discusses parametric insurance, collaboration with partners, and the potential of parametric protection. They delve into lessons from parametric programs, global relevance, consumer attitudes, and the future evolution of "parametrics".
Parametric insurance faces challenges in data availability, IT infrastructure, product packaging, and distribution, as well as regulatory uncertainty and market perception.
Parametric insurance has the potential to fill gaps in traditional insurance coverage and reach markets where traditional products face challenges.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Scaling Parametric Insurance
Parametric insurance products pose challenges in data availability and quality, IT infrastructure, packaging and distribution, as well as regulatory uncertainty and market perception. Data availability and quality are critical, as granular details matter when providing coverage at an individual level. Collaboration with data providers, investment in data collection infrastructure, and leveraging advanced technologies are important. IT infrastructure surrounding the product, including claims experience, policy management, and educational interfaces, needs to be developed cost-effectively. Product packaging and distribution should focus on meeting the needs of individual customers, and collaboration with partners is necessary to navigate these challenges. Regulatory engagement and adaptation to local requirements are important, as the parametric insurance category is still new. Regulators play a crucial role in shaping the market and encouraging its growth.
The Potential and Importance of Parametric Insurance
Parametric insurance is seen as a powerful tool that enables the development of products and categories that may have been impossible otherwise. It is a tool that, accompanied by other aspects of a good insurance product, can provide key benefits. While not all parametric products are equal, they have the potential to enable efficient and fast payouts based on pre-agreed event triggers. This concept is gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional claims processes, offering simplified and faster payments. Parametric insurance is viewed as the future, and it is expected that the name itself might eventually be dropped, becoming a standard part of insurance offerings.
Overcoming Challenges in Parametric Insurance
Parametric insurance faces challenges in data availability, IT infrastructure, product packaging, and distribution, as well as regulatory uncertainty and market perception. Granular data availability and quality are crucial for parametric products to function effectively. IT infrastructure must support the claims process, policy management, and customer access to data, integrating seamlessly with existing systems. Packaging and distribution of parametric products require customization to suit individual customer needs, enabling long-term relationships that navigate market nuances. Engaging with regulators and adapting to local requirements are essential for market acceptance. Overcoming these challenges plays a significant role in the successful implementation and growth of parametric insurance.
The Impact and Future of Parametric Insurance
Parametric insurance has the potential to fill gaps in traditional insurance coverage and reach markets where traditional products face challenges. It can serve as a valuable complementary product and expand insurance coverage to previously underserved populations. Parametric insurance excels in addressing specific needs, such as insuring houses without proper documentation or covering agricultural risks. It provides peace of mind to customers who are aware of their risks but lack access to traditional products. The fast and efficient payout process of parametric insurance has received positive feedback, leading to increased interest in these types of products. The global opportunities for parametric insurance are vast, allowing for innovation in different geography-peril combinations and opening new market segments globally.
What does parametric insurance mean to Jonathan Gonzalez, Co-founder and CEO of Raincoat?
Raincoat is a technology company that works with brokers and insurers to develop and distribute parametric climate insurance for consumers in at-risk regions. The company is involved in parametric schemes around the world and aims to extend parametric protection to those exposed to disasters globally.
In this week’s podcast Jonathan speaks to InsTech’s Henry Gale, to discuss how Raincoat has expanded since the last podcast, and asks us to consider whether parametric insurance will ever simply be known as “insurance”?
Talking points include:
Lessons from operating parametric programmes where pay-outs were triggered
Why parametric insurance is relevant across the world
Raincoat’s approach to collaboration with brokers, insurers and distribution partners
How parametric insurance is a “tool”
Consumer attitudes to parametric
How will the category of “parametrics” evolve in the future?
Continuing Professional Development - Learning Objectives
InsTech is accredited by The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening to any InsTech podcast, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme.
By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives:
Explain what parametric insurance is and how it can be scaled in the future
Summarise the importance of collaboration in innovation
Identify what lessons can be learnt from historical data and previous pay-outs to inform and aid the development of parametric insurance
If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 268 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast.
To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.
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