Reports & Research

For insurers, accurate roof age data is essential. Yet, self-reported information often falls short.

Our research shows that 1 in 5 homeowners underreport roof age by an average of 8 years. These discrepancies create hidden risks that can impact underwriting, pricing, and overall portfolio performance.

How can insurers get a more accurate picture?

AI-driven insights provide 97% nationwide coverage, combining verified roof age with real-time condition data for a more comprehensive risk assessment.

Download our latest research for a breakdown of five critical insights that every insurer should know about roof age. 

Plus, get access to The Roof Age Advantage, an exclusive video that unveils how AI is setting a new standard for risk evaluation.

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) has introduced significant updates as part of its Sustainable Insurance Strategy. These new bulletins and draft regulations aim to accelerate regulatory approvals, embrace forward-looking models, and address critical reinsurance challenges.

But what do these changes mean for insurance carriers—and how can you prepare?

On January 29, 2025, we hosted a webinar, California’s Evolving Insurance Landscape: The Future of Insurance in the Golden State. 

Designed for Legal & Compliance professionals, Product Managers, Underwriters, Actuaries, and Risk & Innovation leaders, the discussion featured expert insights from:

• Michael Peterson, Deputy Commissioner of Climate & Sustainability, California Department of Insurance
• Karen Collins, VP, Property & Environmental, APCIA
• Bryan Rehor, Head of Regulatory Affairs, ZestyAI

Missed the live event but want to gain actionable insights from industry leaders at the forefront of California’s insurance evolution? Watch on demand now!

Regulatory Ready: How to Use AI Responsibly in Insurance Under the NAIC Bulletin

AI innovation is revolutionizing the insurance industry, but with these advancements come new regulatory challenges. To ensure responsible use of AI in insurance, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest regulatory frameworks.

Join us on November 13 at 11 PT / 2 ET for an exclusive webinar where we’ll break down how to navigate AI regulations under the NAIC Model Bulletin.

In this session, led by

• Kevin Gaffney, Vermont’s Commissioner of Financial Regulation and Chair of the NAIC’s Innovation & Tech Committee
• Bryan Rehor, Director of Regulatory Strategy at ZestyAI

you'll gain critical insights on how to align AI usage with evolving regulatory expectations.

 
What You’ll Learn

This webinar will provide practical takeaways that can help insurance professionals understand and comply with the latest AI standards:

• NAIC Model Bulletin Overview: Understand the core principles behind the NAIC’s AI regulation framework.
• Ensuring AI Compliance: Learn how to ensure responsible AI usage according to NAIC standards.
• Preparing for Regulatory Oversight: Get ready for closer state-level inspections and regulatory scrutiny.
• Vendor & Partner Compliance: Ensure that your partners meet regulatory requirements for transparency and fairness.
• Interactive Q&A: Take advantage of the opportunity to ask our experts about the complex world of AI and insurance compliance.

Meet the Experts

Kevin Gaffney
Vermont Commissioner of Financial Regulation

As an expert in AI regulations and the NAIC’s Model Bulletin, Commissioner Gaffney will provide key insights into how insurance companies can effectively implement responsible AI practices. His experience in overseeing state-level financial regulation will offer attendees a unique perspective on aligning AI innovation with compliance.

Bryan Rehor
Director of Regulatory Strategy at ZestyAI

Bryan Rehor will offer practical advice on maintaining AI compliance while harnessing the full potential of AI innovation. His expertise lies in guiding insurers through regulatory demands, ensuring that AI practices meet industry standards while avoiding common pitfalls.

Why You Should Attend

This webinar is tailored for professionals in insurance, particularly those in Executive, Legal, Compliance, Product Management, Underwriting, Actuarial, Risk, and Innovation roles.

Whether you’re navigating the complexities of AI regulation or preparing for the next steps in compliance, this session will provide actionable insights to help you move forward confidently.

Bonus Content

By registering for the webinar, you’ll receive our interactive guide:

“When Innovation & Regulation Meet: What Insurers Need to Know About AI and Regulatory Compliance.”

This resource will deepen your understanding of how to stay compliant while leveraging the power of AI in your insurance operations.

 
Don’t miss out!
Register for the webinar and ensure your spot in this exclusive event.

Facing Unprecedented Climate Challenges

The insurance industry is facing unprecedented challenges as natural catastrophic events like convective storms and wildfires become more frequent and severe. Traditional risk models, which often rely on broad territory-based segmentation, are struggling to keep up with these dynamic environmental threats. This has led to significant financial losses for insurers, who are now seeking more accurate and proactive methods to predict and manage climate risk.

AI Adoption in Property and Casualty Insurance

To shed light on the adoption of these cutting-edge techniques, ZestyAI conducted a survey of over 200 executives in the Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance sector. The survey reveals which AI-based models are gaining traction, what features insurers prioritize, and how transparency and regulatory concerns are shaping the industry. It also highlights the specific risks that are top of mind for carriers today.

AI Transforming Risk Assessment Models

The industry is turning to AI-based risk assessment models that offer a new level of precision. Companies like ZestyAI are leading the charge, providing tools that enable insurers to assess risk on a property-by-property basis, considering both individual property features and their interaction with surrounding environmental factors. These advanced models are transforming the way insurers underwrite policies, optimize portfolios, and align coverage with actual needs.

Dive deeper into our findings and explore the full report by clicking below.

Access the Report
 

The Rising Threat of Severe Convective Storms

The past few decades have seen a dramatic rise in the frequency and intensity of severe convective storms, resulting in significant financial repercussions for the insurance industry. In the last year alone, insured losses from severe convective storms reached an astounding $60 billion, marking an average annual growth rate of over 11% over the past twenty years. This alarming trend means a new approach is needed to manage and mitigate the escalating risks associated with severe weather events.

In the last year alone, insured losses from severe convective storms reached an astounding $60B, marking an average annual growth rate of over 11% over the past twenty years.

The traditional methods of risk assessment and management are no longer sufficient to cope with the increasing unpredictability and severity of these weather events. As the risk evolves, so must the solutions. Changing risks call for innovative solutions that leverage advanced technology and data analytics to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of risk modeling.

A New Approach

ZestyAI’s Z-HAIL and Z-WIND models are specifically designed to address the challenges posed by severe convective storms. In a new retroactive case study, we explore the performance of these models on a carrier’s book of business over the prior five years, highlighting their effectiveness in delivering comprehensive coverage and precise risk segmentation.

Key findings from the case study include:

Comprehensive Coverage with High Accuracy

One of the standout results from the case study is the exceptional hit rate of 99.7% achieved by Z-HAIL and Z-WIND. This shows the models were able to accurately identify and assess the risk of severe convective storms for nearly all the properties in the carrier's portfolio.

Strong Risk Segmentation

The models demonstrated remarkable capability in risk segmentation, with Z-HAIL generating a lift of 62X and Z-WIND achieving a lift of 9.7X. This means that the models were able to effectively differentiate between high-risk and low-risk properties, even within small geographic areas such as a single zip code. Accurate risk segmentation allows insurers to tailor their policies and pricing strategies more precisely, leading to better management of their risk exposure.

Improved Combined Ratio

Implementing Z-HAIL and Z-WIND would significantly enhance a carrier’s combined ratio, calculated to be approximately 4 points in the first year. This improvement can be attributed to the models’ ability to optimize underwriting, rating, and the application of deductibles and Actual Cash Value (ACV) endorsement strategies. By accurately assessing the risk and applying appropriate measures, insurers can reduce their loss ratios and improve overall profitability.

The Need for Innovative Solutions

As severe convective storms continue to pose significant challenges to the insurance industry, adopting innovative solutions like ZestyAI’s severe convective storm models can help insurers better manage this escalating risk.

These models provide comprehensive coverage, accurate risk segmentation, and improved financial performance. By embracing advanced technology and data-driven analytics, insurers can navigate the complexities of severe weather events and safeguard their portfolios against future losses.

To learn more about the detailed findings and benefits

Download the full case study.

Are rising storm costs and inaccurate roof assessments impacting your bottom line?

Now available to stream, The Science of Roof Risk master class will equip you with the latest strategies and techniques to master roof risk assessment.

• Enhance your roof risk assessment by 60X
• Improve your combined ratio
• Reduce storm-related roof claims
• Strengthen new business selection

What we cover:

Your presenters, Ross Martin (VP, Risk Analytics) and Sam Fetchero (Head of Marketing) will share with you:

• The Problem of the Roof:  Uncover the underlying factors driving rising storm losses and why traditional risk assessment methods fall short.
• The Science Behind Predicting Losses: Explore key factors impacting  roof risk and loss prediction, including roof age, condition, complexity, and peril-specific models.
• Accuracy-focused Risk Models: Discover advanced modeling techniques that enhance predictive accuracy.
• Understanding Storm Climatology: Learn how storm climatology impacts roof risk and how to integrate these insights into your risk assessment strategies.
• Real-World Results: Witness a comparative analysis of these predictive factors using actual carrier data. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
• Priorities of Leading P&C Insurers: 
  See what your peers asked with valuable insights to take back to your team.

Who Should Watch?

This video is ideal for Executives, Product Managers, Actuaries, Underwriters, and CAT Modelers committed to enhancing their roof risk assessment capabilities. 

Bonus Guide

As a bonus for watching, you'll receive a downloadable study on the latest roof risk assessment strategies: Preparing for the Storm: The Insurers Guide to Roof Risk.

Access Now

The Rising Threat of Severe Convective Storms

The past few decades have seen a dramatic rise in the frequency and intensity of severe convective storms, resulting in significant financial repercussions for the insurance industry. In the last year alone, insured losses from severe convective storms reached an astounding $60 billion, marking an average annual growth rate of over 11% over the past twenty years. This alarming trend means a new approach is needed to manage and mitigate the escalating risks associated with severe weather events.

In the last year alone, insured losses from severe convective storms reached an astounding $60B, marking an average annual growth rate of over 11% over the past twenty years.

The traditional methods of risk assessment and management are no longer sufficient to cope with the increasing unpredictability and severity of these weather events. As the risk evolves, so must the solutions. Changing risks call for innovative solutions that leverage advanced technology and data analytics to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of risk modeling.

A New Approach

ZestyAI’s Z-HAIL and Z-WIND models are specifically designed to address the challenges posed by severe convective storms. In a new retroactive case study, we explore the performance of these models on a carrier’s book of business over the prior five years, highlighting their effectiveness in delivering comprehensive coverage and precise risk segmentation.

Key findings from the case study include:

Comprehensive Coverage with High Accuracy

One of the standout results from the case study is the exceptional hit rate of 99.7% achieved by Z-HAIL and Z-WIND. This shows the models were able to accurately identify and assess the risk of severe convective storms for nearly all the properties in the carrier's portfolio.

Strong Risk Segmentation

The models demonstrated remarkable capability in risk segmentation, with Z-HAIL generating a lift of 62X and Z-WIND achieving a lift of 9.7X. This means that the models were able to effectively differentiate between high-risk and low-risk properties, even within small geographic areas such as a single zip code. Accurate risk segmentation allows insurers to tailor their policies and pricing strategies more precisely, leading to better management of their risk exposure.

Improved Combined Ratio

Implementing Z-HAIL and Z-WIND would significantly enhance a carrier’s combined ratio, calculated to be approximately 4 points in the first year. This improvement can be attributed to the models’ ability to optimize underwriting, rating, and the application of deductibles and Actual Cash Value (ACV) endorsement strategies. By accurately assessing the risk and applying appropriate measures, insurers can reduce their loss ratios and improve overall profitability.

The Need for Innovative Solutions

As severe convective storms continue to pose significant challenges to the insurance industry, adopting innovative solutions like ZestyAI’s severe convective storm models can help insurers better manage this escalating risk.

These models provide comprehensive coverage, accurate risk segmentation, and improved financial performance. By embracing advanced technology and data-driven analytics, insurers can navigate the complexities of severe weather events and safeguard their portfolios against future losses.

To learn more about the detailed findings and benefits

Download the full case study.

As part of our relentless focus on helping property and casualty insurers make smart risk decisions, every month I travel across the country to meet with insurance executives. One of the first questions I am asked is what sets ZestyAI apart from our competitors. I love being asked this question because it allows me the opportunity to share our passion for building an impactful company amidst the rapid technological transformation of the more than 650-year-old Property & Casualty (P&C) industry.

In my previous blog post, we delved into the origins of ZestyAI.

Now, let's explore what makes us stand out.

1. We Are a Risk Analytics Platform. Not an Aerial Imagery Data Company.

A Distinct Information Advantage

At ZestyAI, our primary focus is delivering comprehensive insights on climate and property risk for every residential and commercial property in the US. We are not just a data vendor; we are a risk analytics platform.

Our models create a distinct information advantage through their ability to split risk "intra-territory," which can not only help avoid risky policies, but more importantly price to risk allowing companies to grow with quality risk. This provides our clients with actionable insights that go beyond mere data points. Think about ZestyAI products as the FICO score for property and casualty insurance. Just as the FICO score, a measure of consumer credit risk, has become a fixture of consumer lending in the United States, ZestyAI’s peril models aim to simplify climate and property risk assessment for insurance carriers and mortgage lenders.

We are not just a data vendor; we are a risk analytics platform.

Our team of data scientists, deep learning and machine learning experts, and climate scientists are constantly refining and expanding our capabilities. This dynamic approach ensures that we stay at the forefront of technological advancements and deliver unparalleled value to our clients. 

ZestyAI's Focus on Results

ZestyAI’s emphasis on data and artificial intelligence is not an end but a means to achieve the ultimate goal: improving risk management and pricing strategies for insurers. By focusing on the end results—better risk assessment and pricing—we ensure that our innovations translate into real-world benefits for our customers.

The powerful platform we have built provides, at an individual property level, a holistic view of the multitude of peril-specific risks that insurers face. This includes property intelligence for essential parcel, structure, and roof insights; climate models covering wildfire, wind, hail, and storms; and our most recent addition Z-WATER, tackling the challenge of interior water damage. This allows insurers to move from territory-based segmentation to a property-by-property risk assessment. In total, the ZestyAI platform covers over 85% of all peril-driven losses.  

2. Built by Data Junkies for Data Junkies

The Depth and Breadth of Our Data Is Unmatched

While high-resolution imagery is an important component of our models, it is by no means the only input. ZestyAI stands out by integrating 200 billion data points across more than a dozen unique data sources that are new to the P&C industry to maximize risk differentiation. We extract insights from non-imagery data, such as building permits, property sales databases, tax assessment data, and localized weather stations, among others. This comprehensive approach allows us to create a unified and federated database for every property. 

Unique Approach to Data

Our approach to imagery is also unique. ZestyAI products leverage satellite, aerial, and terrestrial imagery to create AI-generated 3D analysis of every structure. As for aerial imagery, we have been partnering with all leading providers and as such we have been training our models on multiple image sources for almost a decade. Having integrated with all major providers rather than relying on a single vendor also allows us to achieve a nearly 100% hit rate. This flexibility ensures that we have the most up-to-date and accurate data available, enhancing the precision of our models. 

As for aerial imagery, we have been partnering with all leading providers and as such we have been training our models on multiple image sources for almost a decade.

By combining these diverse data sources and applying proven artificial intelligence to identify risk, such as roof quality, lot debris, and driveway condition, we provide insurers with a holistic view of property risks. This enables them to make more informed decisions for underwriting, rating, and portfolio management. This multi-faceted data integration is a key differentiator that sets ZestyAI apart from other data vendors in the industry.

3. We Live and Die by ROI and We Know How to Deliver It.

Industry Expertise and Customer Success

One of our strongest assets is our deep understanding of the insurance business and the key value drivers for carriers. We have built a team that includes former executives from leading carriers like Farmers, MetLife, and Progressive, and data analytics providers like CoreLogic, RMS and Guidewire, who bring invaluable industry expertise to our company. 

“We have walked a mile in your shoes” is a phrase we often use when partnering with our customers. Because of this, we don't just throw data over the fence. Rather, we align our models and risk scores to key use cases, ensuring that they are relevant and actionable for our clients. Through our customer success program, we operationalize what each customer needs. We engage closely with our partners, working side-by-side to implement our models and monitor value capture. ZestyAI’s commitment to delivering 10X ROI is a cornerstone of our philosophy and sets us apart from those with a more transactional approach. 

ZestyAI’s commitment to delivering 10X ROI is a cornerstone of our philosophy

Engagement with Regulators

Our deep engagement with regulators further underscores the company’s commitment to delivering value in the context of a highly regulated business. Despite initial skepticism from industry experts about the feasibility of getting an AI model approved, ZestyAI became the first to gain approval as part of a carrier rate filing from the California Department of Insurance (CDI). 

Since then, our model has been adopted for rating in all wildfire-prone markets across the US, providing our clients with the confidence that our solutions are innovative, effective, and compliant. Similarly, our severe convective storm suite of models, including Z-HAIL, Z-WIND, and Z-STORM, have been filed, reviewed, and approved by regulators in multiple states across the country, including Texas, Colorado, and Illinois.  

Protecting What Matters Most

At ZestyAI, our mission goes beyond just providing cutting-edge risk analytics—we are dedicated to protecting communities and livelihoods from the perils they face. By focusing on risk analytics, leveraging unique data sources, and drawing on deep industry expertise, we empower insurers to make smarter, more precise decisions that ultimately contribute to safer, more resilient communities.

Commitment to Transparency and Compliance

Our transparent approach, coupled with deep industry expertise, allows us to deliver unparalleled insights into property risk. We work closely with insurers to understand the factors driving risk at each property, enabling them to partner with homeowners to mitigate potential losses. Our commitment to transparency extends beyond our product. We maintain open communication with regulators to ensure our models align with evolving regulations. This rigorous approach guarantees that our solutions are not only innovative but also practical and effective in addressing real-world challenges.

Vision for the Future

As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in risk management, our vision remains clear: to harness the power of data and AI to help our clients safeguard the future. Together, we are setting new standards in the P&C industry—standards that prioritize resilience, innovation, and above all, the well-being of the communities we serve.

Our vision remains clear: to harness the power of data and AI to help our clients safeguard the future.

Ah, and there is one more differentiator, probably the one that I am most proud of: at ZestyAI we don’t hire B-players or jerks. You will know what I mean once you meet our Zesties.

In our next post, I will explore how ZestyAI's relentless focus on value creation is driving a 10X ROI for our customers and making a meaningful difference in the world.

Are rising storm costs and inaccurate roof assessments impacting your bottom line?

Now available to stream, The Science of Roof Risk master class will equip you with the latest strategies and techniques to master roof risk assessment.

• Enhance your roof risk assessment by 60X
• Improve your combined ratio
• Reduce storm-related roof claims
• Strengthen new business selection

What we cover:

Your presenters, Ross Martin (VP, Risk Analytics) and Sam Fetchero (Head of Marketing) will share with you:

• The Problem of the Roof:  Uncover the underlying factors driving rising storm losses and why traditional risk assessment methods fall short.
• The Science Behind Predicting Losses: Explore key factors impacting  roof risk and loss prediction, including roof age, condition, complexity, and peril-specific models.
• Accuracy-focused Risk Models: Discover advanced modeling techniques that enhance predictive accuracy.
• Understanding Storm Climatology: Learn how storm climatology impacts roof risk and how to integrate these insights into your risk assessment strategies.
• Real-World Results: Witness a comparative analysis of these predictive factors using actual carrier data. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
• Priorities of Leading P&C Insurers: 
  See what your peers asked with valuable insights to take back to your team.

Who Should Watch?

This video is ideal for Executives, Product Managers, Actuaries, Underwriters, and CAT Modelers committed to enhancing their roof risk assessment capabilities. 

Bonus Guide

As a bonus for watching, you'll receive a downloadable study on the latest roof risk assessment strategies: Preparing for the Storm: The Insurers Guide to Roof Risk.

Access Now

From Costly Water Losses to Millions in Savings

Non-weather water claims are a leading cause of property insurance losses, costing insurers over $20 billion annually. 

Join us for a FREE live webinar where our experts will discuss the latest trends, challenges, and insights to help you mitigate non-weather water risk.

What We'll Cover

Our experts Rob Silva, ACAS (Director of Customer Success) & Sam Fetchero (Head of Marketing) will present:

• Current Trends: Understand the rise in severity and total loss costs of non-weather water claims.
• Risk Assessment Challenges: Learn why traditional methods fall short in assessing non-weather water vulnerability.
• Key Risk Factors: Identify the main drivers of non-weather water damage.
• Strategic Insights: Discover strategies to improve your management of non-weather water claims.
• Z-WATER in Action: Experience our new AI-powered model that predicts non-weather water risk with unparalleled accuracy.
• Interactive Q&A: Get your questions answered by our experts.

Who Should Attend

This webinar is ideal for Executives, Product Managers, Actuaries, Underwriters, and CAT Modelers committed to enhancing their understanding and management of non-weather water risks. 

Bonus Content

As a bonus, you'll receive our exclusive infographic, "Below the Surface: Research Reveals Knowledge Gap in Homeowner Water Loss Prevention and Coverage."

This research gives key insights into water loss experiences, coverage details, homeowner protection measures, and information on water shutoff devices and heater conditions.

Register Now