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Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) for Insurance

Intelligent Document Processing for Insurance: Automating underwriting and claims intake

Streamline underwriting, claims processing, policy servicing, and more with Intelligent Document Processing for insurance

  • What is IDP for insurance?
  • Key benefits of IDP for insurance
  • Limitations of document processing attempts before IDP for insurance
  • IDP for insurance use cases
  • Improving core systems with IDP for insurance

What is IDP for Insurance?

Insurance providers rely on vast amounts of documents and images for underwriting, servicing policies, processing claims, and adjudication. As part of their digital transformation efforts, they seek ways to automate these processes efficiently. Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) offers a solution that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to transform unstructured data into actionable insights, enabling carriers to make better decisions. This results in reduced processing times, minimized errors, and improved customer satisfaction.

Many insurance documents contain unstructured data, posing challenges for traditional workflow automation approaches that depend on keywords, rule-based methods, and templates. IDP platforms use AI technologies to process unstructured data, making it possible to automate the intake and processing of insurance submission documents and claims. This brings immediate value to all types of insurance carriers, from auto and home to commercial and workers’ compensation.      

An AI-based platform can automate the insurance submission triage process. Instead of associates manually opening emails and attachments, intelligent document processing handles this task. The model can “read” emails, open attachments, categorize documents, and extract key data values, formatting them for entry into downstream underwriting systems.

By automating the submission process, insurers can handle more requests with the same workforce, reduce submission backlogs and underwriting leakage, and ultimately generate more revenue. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves overall decision-making capabilities within the insurance industry.

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Limitations of early insurance automation attempts before IDP for insurance

Before AI and machine learning entered into the insurance industry, early attempts at automating insurance processes faced significant challenges, particularly in underwriting, claims processing, and policy servicing.


Underwriting and processing broker submissions before IDP for insurance
The commercial insurance underwriting process involves collecting various documents that describe the property in question, so the underwriter can accurately assign a value to it and calculate replacement costs. Early automation efforts relied on rule- and template-based approaches, which searched for specific keywords. However, this approach proved ineffective due to the unstructured nature of data in the underwriting process. Templates and rules work only on highly structured data, requiring data to be consistently placed from one document to the next. Given the variability and complexity of commercial insurance documents, this method fell short, leading to inaccurate and inefficient underwriting processes.

Claims processing before IDP for insurance
Claims processing in early automation attempts also faced hurdles. The process involves reviewing and validating numerous documents, including medical records, repair estimates, and legal paperwork. Using rule-based systems to identify and extract information was challenging due to the unstructured format of these documents.


The inconsistency in document formats and the use of varied terminologies further complicated the extraction process. As a result, early automation tools struggled to handle the volume and diversity of claims documents, leading to delays and errors in claims adjudication.

Policy servicing before IDP for insurance
Early automation efforts also aimed to streamline policy renewals, endorsements, and customer inquiries, but the unstructured data in customer communications and policy documents made it difficult for these systems to function effectively. Templates could not handle the variability in document formats and customer requests, leading to frequent manual interventions. Consequently, early automation attempts failed to significantly improve efficiency or reduce the workload for policy servicing teams.

Learn how MetLife Found $100M in Savings by Applying intelligent Document Processing to Unstructured Data

The key benefits of implementing IDP for insurance

1. Enhanced decision-making with IDP for insurance

Insurance process automation transforms unstructured data into structured, actionable insights through the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. This capability allows carriers to make more informed decisions by providing them with accurate and timely information. Enhanced decision-making reduces errors and increases the precision of risk assessments and claim evaluations, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both the insurer and the insured.

2. Gain increased efficiency through IDP for insurance

Automating routine tasks, such as document triage and data extraction, significantly speeds up processing times. Insurers can handle more claims and submissions with the same workforce, thus increasing throughput without additional labor costs. This efficiency gain enables quicker turnaround times for policy issuance and claims settlement, enhancing productivity.

3. How IDP for insurance can reduce costs

Automation reduces labor costs associated with manual document processing by eliminating the need for extensive human intervention. These savings can be substantial, allowing insurers to reallocate funds to strategic initiatives such as technology upgrades or customer service improvements. Additionally, automation minimizes errors that could lead to costly disputes and corrections, further enhancing cost efficiency.

4. IDP for insurance leads to improved customer satisfaction

Faster processing times and accurate data handling lead to quicker claim resolutions, which significantly improves customer experiences. Automated processes ensure that customers receive timely updates and swift service, fostering loyalty and positive recommendations. A seamless customer journey enhances the insurer's reputation and competitiveness in the market.

5. Scalability and flexibility with IDP for insurance

IDP solutions are designed to handle various types of insurance documents and processes, making them highly scalable and flexible. AI models are moldable and teachable, allowing insurance carriers to train them on new data or processes as needed. Insurers can expand automation efforts across different lines of business, from personal to commercial insurance, without disrupting established workflows. This adaptability allows insurers to keep innovating and improving their operations as they grow.

6. IDP for insurance: Compliance and security

Automation ensures the consistent application of compliance standards and data protection regulations. By automating document processing, insurers can reduce the risk of non-compliance and enhance the security of sensitive information. Automated systems can also generate audit trails and compliance reports, making regulatory adherence more straightforward and reliable.

7. IDP for insurance improves employee satisfaction

Relieving employees from repetitive, low-value tasks allows them to focus on more engaging and strategic activities. This shift not only increases job satisfaction but also boosts overall productivity. Employees can contribute more creatively and effectively to the organization, driving innovation and improving morale.

8. Gain a competitive advantage through IDP for insurance

Insurance companies that effectively adopt advanced automation technologies immediately position themselves as industry leaders. By leveraging cutting-edge solutions, insurers can stay ahead of their competitors, offering faster and more reliable services. This competitive edge can attract more customers and enhance market share, solidifying the insurer's position in the industry.

9. Optimize risk and loss ratios with IDP for insurance

Automation helps insurers analyze data more accurately, leading to better risk assessment and management. This optimization reduces loss ratios by identifying and mitigating potential risks more effectively. Enhanced risk management capabilities result in improved financial performance and greater stability for the insurer.

10. IDP for insurance enables companies to write more premiums

By streamlining the underwriting process, automation enables insurers to process more applications efficiently. This capability increases the volume of written premiums and allows insurers to expand their market reach. Efficient underwriting processes also improve the customer experience, as policies are issued more quickly and accurately.

11. Increased employee productivity with IDP for insurance

Automation tools free employees from monotonous tasks, allowing them to concentrate on high-value activities. This boost in productivity enhances operational effectiveness and drives innovation within the organization. Employees can focus on complex problem-solving and strategic planning, contributing to the insurer's long-term success.

Intelligent Document Processing for insurance providers: Use cases

Underwriting with IDP for insurance

Automating the insurance underwriting process is crucial for handling the large volumes of documents required to assess risk and determine coverage. Using AI, Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) systems streamline this process by “reading” documents much like a human would, extracting essential data and ensuring it is accurately entered into downstream processing systems. This automation not only saves countless hours but also enhances decision-making by providing underwriters with precise, structured data.

  • Automated data extraction saves countless work hours that can be redirected to more valuable work.
  • Improved accuracy reduces errors associated with manual data entry.
  • Enhanced decision-making capabilities lead to better risk assessment and more competitive policy pricing.

IDP for insurance and claims processing

Claims processing involves managing a myriad of documents from various sources, such as customers, adjusters, brokers, and appraisers. These documents can arrive via email, fax, websites, or traditional mail. Intelligent document processing automates the initial review and data extraction from these documents through artificial intelligence, setting up claims in the management system efficiently. This automation streamlines the claims process, reduces manual workload, and accelerates claims resolution.

  • Validate required data before forwarding the claim to an adjuster.
  • Automation of simple claims end-to-end with predefined business rules, improving speed and accuracy.

Faster resolution times lead to quicker settlements, improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Policy servicing with IDP for insurance

Servicing an insurance policy involves various tasks over its lifecycle, including initial policy processing, managing endorsements or riders, conducting audits, and handling customer inquiries. These tasks often require dealing with numerous forms of documentation. Intelligent document processing automates document handling and data extraction, making policy servicing more efficient and accurate.

  • Streamlined document handling and automated data extraction & data entry.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency and accuracy in policy-servicing-related tasks.
  • Automation frees up employees to focus on higher-value activities, contributing to overall productivity and better customer service.

Enhancing core insurance systems with Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) for insurance

In the insurance industry, core systems such as Guidewire, Duck Creek Technologies, Sapiens, Majesco, and Insurity play a pivotal role in managing essential functions like policy administration, claims processing, billing, and analytics. These systems are the backbone of insurance operations, ensuring streamlined workflows and efficient data management. However, the integration of AI-based Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) can further enhance these systems, providing a complementary layer of efficiency and automation.

Seamless integration with core systems through IDP for insurance

Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) solutions complement core insurance systems by:

  • Seamlessly integrating with these systems to enhance data accuracy, optimize workflows, and ensure that all relevant information is captured and processed efficiently.
  • Leveraging AI and machine learning to automate and streamline document-intensive processes, reducing the time and effort required for manual data entry and document review.
  • Providing robust data security and compliance features that help insurance companies meet regulatory requirements and protect sensitive information from potential breaches.

How IDP for insurance strengthens risk assessment and loss mitigation

One of the primary benefits of integrating IDP with core insurance systems is the optimization of risk and loss ratios. IDP can enhance core systems by:

  • Processing and analyzing vast volumes of historical data and documents, providing in-depth insights into various risk factors. This enriched data is then integrated into core systems, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of underwriting decisions and risk assessments.
  • Automating the identification and analysis of high-risk claims, enabling core systems to implement proactive measures for loss prevention, thereby reducing overall loss ratios.
  • Supporting real-time monitoring of risk factors through continuous data extraction and analysis, allowing insurers to quickly adapt to emerging threats and reduce potential losses, thanks to machine learning and AI.

Accelerating policy issuance and premium growth through IDP for insurance

Integrating IDP with core systems also facilitates the generation of more premiums by streamlining the policy issuance process:

  • Accelerating the underwriting process by swiftly extracting and validating necessary information from submission documents. This efficiency allows insurers to process more applications in less time, leading to an increase in written premiums.
  • Improving the customer experience with a faster and more accurate underwriting process, leading to higher satisfaction rates and increased customer retention, which in turn drives premium growth.
  • Reducing the manual workload, allowing underwriters to focus on more complex cases, thereby improving the overall quality and speed of policy issuance.

IDP for insurance: Boosting employee efficiency and engagement

IDP significantly boosts employee productivity by automating repetitive tasks and allowing staff to focus on higher-value activities:

  • Reducing the time employees spend on data entry and document management by automating document processing, freeing them up for strategic and analytical tasks.
  • Enhancing job satisfaction and productivity by allowing employees to engage in more meaningful and impactful work, reducing turnover rates.
  • Enabling more effective collaboration and driving innovation within the organization, as employees have more time for critical thinking and problem-solving.

Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) for insurance resources:

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