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The insurance landscape is being reshaped by the twin forces of technological advancement and regulatory evolution. As climate change accelerates the frequency of natural disasters and heightens uncertainty, insurers face increasing pressure to adopt more precise, data-driven risk assessments.

At the same time, regulators are calling for solutions that prioritize consumer protection, transparency, and fairness. In this rapidly changing environment, ZestyAI is at the forefront, providing cutting-edge AI-powered models that not only meet the evolving needs of insurers but also help navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance.

Our approach goes beyond offering advanced technology—we deliver the strategic regulatory support needed to ensure that AI innovation translates seamlessly into real-world applications.

Our approach goes beyond offering advanced technology—we deliver the strategic regulatory support needed to ensure that AI innovation translates seamlessly into real-world applications.

From pre-filing models with state Departments of Insurance to guiding carriers through regulatory hurdles, ZestyAI is committed to accelerating the insurance industry’s transition into the AI era while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and transparency.

Streamlining Regulatory Approval with Proactive AI Solutions

When customers choose ZestyAI products, they gain more than just advanced AI models—they receive comprehensive regulatory support designed to streamline the approval process and ensure a smooth transition from agreement to implementation.

One of the key advantages we offer is pre-filing our models in many states. By filing in advance, we ensure that Departments of Insurance are familiar with our products and that the models comply with state laws and department policies. This proactive engagement helps address questions early on, reducing roadblocks during the filing process.

One of the key advantages we offer is pre-filing our models in many states.

In addition to pre-filing, we provide ongoing support and guidance with carrier filings. This includes actuarial support to ensure carriers have the data they need to back up their rate filings. We also assist with responding to objections from regulators, taking much of the administrative burden off the carrier's plate.

Case Study: California Department of Insurance

A recent example of our success is our role in the approval of a major national carrier’s rate filing in California. The carrier chose to license Z-FIRE, our AI-powered wildfire risk model, to rate and underwrite for wildfire risk. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) was already familiar with the model and focused their review on the carrier's application of it. However, a consumer advocacy group intervened in the filing process, a provision granted under Proposition 103 that allows for consumer participation in the insurance rate application process.

Our ZestyAI team met directly with the consumer advocates to provide an in-depth overview of the model and answered extensive questions about how it was built and validated over subsequent weeks.

By addressing their concerns transparently and thoroughly, we were able to alleviate any reservations they had about the model's use. Ultimately, the consumer advocacy group withdrew their petition, and the CDI was able to approve the filing immediately.

Ultimately, the consumer advocacy group withdrew their petition, and the CDI was able to approve the filing immediately.

This collaboration not only fast-tracked the approval process but also underscored the power of our comprehensive regulatory strategy. By expertly navigating the complexities of the filing landscape and proactively addressing stakeholder concerns, we minimize friction for our carrier partners. As a result, they can focus on driving growth and innovation, while we ensure their AI models enter the market efficiently and with full regulatory confidence.

Proactive Partnerships for Regulatory Success

This recent example wasn’t an isolated achievement—it’s the result of a deliberate, proactive approach to regulatory engagement. Building strong relationships with insurance regulators is a cornerstone of our strategy at ZestyAI, ensuring that open dialogue and collaboration allow us to consistently meet and exceed regulatory expectations. By anticipating changes and addressing concerns before they arise, we ensure our AI models are always in step with the highest standards.

Building strong relationships with insurance regulators is a cornerstone of our strategy.

We maintain robust relationships at multiple levels, including state Departments of Insurance, national organizations like the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and regional and national advocacy groups. Our proactive strategy includes maintaining in-house Rating and Advisory organizations across many states. By filing our models through these organizations, we ensure they are thoroughly vetted and comply with regulatory standards before reaching the market.

This process allows insurers to adopt pre-approved models, significantly reducing review times and improving speed-to-market. With models already approved in over a dozen states and more pending approval, we've established ourselves as a trusted partner for both insurers and regulators.

Building Trust Through Transparency and Compliance

Transparency is key to building trust with both regulators and consumers. We provide regulators with clear and understandable explanations of how our AI models work, what data is used, how outcomes are generated, and validation statistics that demonstrate that they accurately predict risk. This openness fosters confidence in the use of AI for insurance risk assessments.

We empower insurance carriers to offer consumers clear insights into their property's risk scores and the factors driving them. For example, in wildfire-prone states, homeowners can mitigate their risk by taking preventive actions such as clearing vegetation around their homes. Our models enable insurers to run scenario-based analyses, helping homeowners forecast which mitigation efforts will have the most impact.

We empower insurance carriers to offer consumers clear insights into their property's risk scores and the factors driving them.

These insights allow homeowners to lower their risk scores, which could result in reduced premiums or even the reversal of a non-renewal decision. Multiple Departments of Insurance have recognized our commitment to transparency. This recognition underscores our dedication to fostering trust and delivering solutions that benefit both insurers and policyholders alike.

Shaping the Future: Driving Standards for AI in Insurance

As a leading AI-based risk analytics platform, we actively engage in advancing insurance risk assessment through advocacy and public engagement. A notable example is our involvement in several public workshops on Catastrophe Modeling in Insurance in California in 2023 and 2024. These forums provide us with opportunities to advocate for standards that not only enhance the health of the California insurance market but also promote standardization of modeling disclosure and practices.

We actively engage in advancing insurance risk assessment through advocacy and public engagement.

We're strong proponents of establishing and adopting industry-wide standards for the use of AI in insurance. By collaborating with industry bodies and regulators, we aim to help shape policies that encourage innovation while protecting consumers. Our commitment to driving industry standards ensures that AI continues to enhance risk assessment, fostering a more resilient and transparent insurance landscape for all.

Dedicated Regulatory Affairs Team

Mastering regulatory complexities is essential to advancing innovation and ensuring compliance in the insurance industry. Under the leadership of Bryan Rehor, our Regulatory Affairs team has become a driving force in aligning AI innovation with regulatory demands. With nearly a decade of product management experience at industry giants like Travelers and Progressive, Bryan has a proven track record of managing complex regulatory landscapes.

Our Regulatory Affairs team has become a driving force in aligning AI innovation with regulatory demands.

Bryan's extensive background gave him first-hand experience in dealing with complex regulatory environments and working closely with regulators. His deep understanding of California’s wildfire risks provides critical insights that sharpen our AI models, ensuring they meet the unique regulatory and environmental challenges of high-risk regions. Our team not only ensures compliance but also champions the responsible integration of AI in the insurance sector, setting new benchmarks for industry best practices.

Forging the Future of Insurance with AI and Regulatory Leadership

ZestyAI is dedicated to redefining what’s possible in the insurance industry by continuously balancing innovation and compliance. As we expand our partnerships with insurers and regulators nationwide, our mission remains clear: to drive AI-powered insights that transform insurance processes, enhance risk assessments, and build safer, more resilient communities. By leading with transparency and collaboration, we’re shaping an insurance landscape where technology and trust go hand in hand, ensuring a stronger future for all stakeholders.

Ready to learn more about how ZestyAI can help your company stay ahead of regulatory changes?

Contact us today

See how our AI-driven solutions can transform your risk assessments and compliance efforts.

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

We're proud to announce that ZestyAI has been recognized by CNBC and Statista as one of the world's top 150 insurtech companies for 2024.

ZestyAI is the Decision Intelligence Platform for the insurance industry. Trusted by Property and Casualty carriers and regulators across the United States, we help insurers make better decisions faster and with greater confidence.

Our platform unifies property-level data, predictive AI models, and Agentic AI to transform how insurers see, price, and manage risk. Validated by climate science and historical loss data, ZestyAI's models cover major perils including wildfire, severe convective storm, and non-weather water.

From improving pricing accuracy to strengthening reinsurance outcomes, we deliver precision and performance across underwriting, rating, reinsurance, and regulatory workflows.

Attila Toth, Founder and CEO of ZestyAI, said:

"We've built ZestyAI with long-term discipline and a clear mission: to help insurers navigate changing risks with confidence. This recognition validates our unwavering commitment to delivering trusted AI to every insurance decision—empowering the industry to operate with speed, accuracy, and resilience while fostering stronger communities and healthier insurance markets."

As the industry faces evolving climate risks and rising severe weather events, ZestyAI continues to partner with leading carriers nationwide, helping them make more informed decisions that benefit both insurers and policyholders.

We invite you to explore CNBC’s full list of the top 150 insurtech companies here.