Guest Bio

Darren Wood is the founder of Recoop Disaster Insurance, a first-of-its-kind, multi-peril disaster insurance product. Darren is an insurance industry veteran, with over 25 years of experience. He previously served as the division president for Holmes Murphy, a top 25 insurance broker, where he was responsible for the delivery of value-added solutions to insurance clients. He also held senior project management and operational leadership roles with Marsh Consumer (now Mercer), focusing on the delivery of employee benefit and affinity solutions to consumers through Fortune 1,000 clients.

Darren received his degree in Accounting from Simpson College, earned his Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, and is a veteran of the United States Army. 

Highlights from the Show

In this episode, we cover the challenges and solutions related to insurance coverage, particularly in the context of natural disasters and underinsurance. The conversation highlights the following key points:

1. Background and Motivation: Darren shares personal experiences from the Gulf War, emphasizing the importance of addressing resource shortages and providing solutions for those in need.

2. Insurance Gaps and Solutions: The discussion focuses on the inadequacies of traditional insurance policies, which are often outdated and not suited to current exposure contexts. Darren is interested in exploring new solutions that can address these gaps effectively.

3. Product Offering: Recoop offers a multi-peril disaster product that provides a lump sum solution to customers. This product is designed to complement existing insurance policies by covering gaps that traditional policies do not address.

4. Distribution and Reach: Recoop has partnered with 22 distribution partners, providing access to approximately 140 million Americans. They are also working with independent agents and larger insurers to expand their reach.

5. Challenges and Perseverance: Darren discusses the perseverance required to succeed in this field, drawing parallels to their military experience. They emphasize the importance of continuous effort and building a strong policy base to increase exposure and coverage.

6. Future Outlook: The conversation concludes with optimism about the future and the potential for new solutions to fill existing gaps in insurance coverage. Darren expresses a commitment to helping others in the industry and addressing the real problems faced by people.

Overall, the conversation underscores the need for innovative insurance solutions that can adapt to modern challenges and provide comprehensive coverage in the face of increasing natural disasters and underinsurance issues.

This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance book series (future-of-insurance.com) from Bryan Falchuk.

Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes.

Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

Paul VanderMarck is the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of SageSure, leading the development of its proprietary technology platform and adopting new technologies to continue to advance the user experience. Previously, Paul was a managing director at boutique investment bank Financial Technology Partners, where he worked with a wide range of high-growth businesses across the insurtech landscape on capital raising and mergers and acquisitions. He previously spent 25 years as Chief Product Officer and as a member of the leadership team that grew Risk Management Solutions (RMS) from a startup into a $300 million revenue business while creating an entirely new market and transforming the way that the global insurance industry manages catastrophe risk. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in structural engineering, both from Stanford University.

Episode Summary
This interview discusses innovative strategies in the insurance industry, particularly focusing on proactive customer engagement and the use of technology to enhance claims processing. Here are the key points:

• Proactive Outreach: The company emphasizes the importance of reaching out to customers after catastrophic events, rather than waiting for claims to be filed. This approach aims to provide timely assistance and mitigate potential damages.

• Use of Technology: The integration of AI and aerial imagery allows the company to identify damaged properties quickly after disasters. This technology enables them to prioritize outreach to affected customers, even those who may still be evacuated.

• Claims Management: The discussion highlights the need to eliminate inefficiencies in claims processing, often referred to as "leakage." By using innovative solutions, the company aims to reduce unnecessary costs while ensuring that customers receive fair treatment during the claims process.

• Market Adaptation: The company has successfully navigated challenging market conditions, including inflation and increased reinsurance costs, by providing valuable products to agents and maintaining a strong growth trajectory.

• Customer Satisfaction: The video underscores the importance of customer satisfaction, particularly in claims handling. Engaging with customers during claims processes can lead to higher satisfaction rates, which is crucial for the company's reputation and success.

Overall, the episode presents a forward-thinking approach to insurance, focusing on technology, customer engagement, and operational efficiency to improve service delivery and maintain competitiveness in a challenging market.

This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance thought leadership series, available globally from Amazon in print, Kindle and Audible audiobook.

Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes.

Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

David Worldon is the Founder of Accelerated Innovation, a boutique management consultancy specialising in insurance innovation. Last year they saved Australia’s largest insurers half a million dollars in fees and shaved a full year off their growth timelines. David has recently published the 2025 General Insurance Innovation Report, assessing and ranking how Australia’s largest insurers are innovating to address key industry challenges such as climate change, underinsurance, and rising premiums. His goal is to save leaders $20m in fees and 40 years of waiting to get shit done.

David is also the host of Accelerated Innovation's Innovation Insider podcast, which is available at https://acceleratedinnovation.com.au/innovation-insider/

Episode Summary
The video features a discussion centered around the Australian insurance market, highlighting its unique dynamics, challenges, and opportunities for innovation. Here are the key points:

• Market Dynamics: The Australian insurance market is characterized by a high level of concentration, with a significant portion of the market share held by a few major players. This concentration influences competition and innovation within the industry.

• Regulatory Environment: The industry is highly regulated, with recent interventions aimed at addressing systemic issues, particularly following a Royal Commission that scrutinized the sector for malpractice. This has led to a culture of risk aversion among insurers.

• Innovation Focus: There is a growing emphasis on innovation, particularly in risk mitigation and preparing for natural disasters. Insurers are shifting their strategies to not only rebuild after disasters but to enhance infrastructure and resilience for future events.

• Collaboration and Growth: Insurers are beginning to collaborate more effectively with each other and with government entities to address challenges such as underinsurance and protection gaps. This collaborative approach is seen as a pathway to strengthening the market.

• Future Outlook: The discussion suggests a positive outlook for the next five to ten years, with expectations of increased appetite for risk and innovation. The market is viewed as ripe for new entrants, particularly global digital players, which could disrupt traditional distribution models.

• Personal vs. Commercial Lines: Innovation is more pronounced in personal lines of insurance, particularly through direct sales channels. The commercial lines are slower to innovate, focusing primarily on enhancing broker experiences.

This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance thought leadership series, available globally from Amazon in print, Kindle and Audible audiobook.

Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes.

Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

As one of the first Insurtech operators turned investor, Dave leads OMERS Ventures Insurtech portfolio which includes investments in well-known players such as Clearcover, Foresight, WeFox and Joyn.

Most recently at Hippo as VP of Growth, Dave oversaw the company's execution and strategy around Smart Home and emerging products. Dave's journey in Insurtech started in 2017 while at Comcast Xfinity where he designed a distribution partnership with Hippo to sell homeowners insurance to Comcast’s 30M+ customers. In that role Dave secured his P&C license and set up a national agency. Dave was also part of the team at Comcast that led Hippo’s $25M Series B in 2018. Additionally, Dave has founded and led several technology startups giving him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

Dave is passionate about the intersection of technology and insurance and is a firm believer that we are in the early stages of what will be a watershed moment for the sector. He is an active writer and speaker on the industry. Dave also is a Board Director of Joyn Insurance and a Board Observer for Clearcover, Foresight and WeFox as we well multiple Fintech investments.

Dave has a BA in Policy Studies from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. He is also a licensed P&C insurance agent.

Episode Summary

In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of InsurTech with insights from Dave Wechsler, a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist. The discussion covers the challenges and opportunities within the insurance industry, particularly in the context of technological advancements and market dynamics.


Guest Background:

• Dave's journey through various startups and their transition into the venture capital world.
• Insights into the role of technology in transforming traditional insurance practices.
• Dave started the InsurTech Rap weekly podcast because of his feeling of the importance of networking and collaboration among industry professionals.

Current Trends in InsurTech:

• The impact of AI and machine learning on underwriting and claims processing.
• Discussion on the shift from legacy systems to modern, tech-driven solutions.
• Embracing Experimentation: The willingness to experiment and learn from failures is crucial for success in the InsurTech space. As [Guest Name] noted, traditional companies often lack the flexibility to innovate, making it essential for startups to leverage their agility.

• The Role of AI: Artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape, offering new tools and capabilities that can enhance underwriting processes and customer engagement. However, it also presents challenges as new entrants can disrupt established players with more advanced solutions.

Challenges for Entrepreneurs:

• Navigating the complexities of entering new markets and the importance of adaptability.
• The significance of building a strong brand and community in the InsurTech sector.

Future Outlook:

• Predictions for the InsurTech landscape in the coming years, including the role of blockchain and smart contracts.
• The necessity for established companies to innovate and embrace new technologies to stay competitive.

Resources Mentioned:

• insurtechrap.com
• Join the show live every Thursday at 2 PM EST for more discussions on InsurTech trends and insights.

This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance thought leadership series, available globally from Amazon in print, Kindle and Audible audiobook.

Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes.

Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

What will the future of our industry look like, and what does that mean for today's Claims professionals? How can adjusters and others prepare for changing dynamics and increasing complexity?

Join Bryan Falchuk as he hosts a panel featuring audience questions on the dynamics and technology shaping where insurance is headed.

The panel includes:

• Erik Bahnsen, Director, Industry Analytics, CCC Intelligent Solutions
• Ramón Lopez, President, Claim Assist Solutions
• David S. Milton, Founder & CEO, TelaClaims

This discussion was recorded live on April 1st at the 2025 PLRB Claims Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, and was held right after the panelists shared this views on how things like AI are changing the ways claims can be handled – not just in the future, but right now.

Episode Summary
The panel discussion explores the integration of AI in the insurance industry, particularly in claims processing and adjuster workflows. It highlights AI's role in enhancing efficiency and accuracy while acknowledging the challenges of implementation, such as sentiment analysis. The discussion emphasizes AI as a supportive tool that allows adjusters to focus on complex decision-making, ultimately transforming their roles without replacing human expertise.

Key Points

• AI Integration in Claims Processing
  AI is being increasingly integrated into claims processing to enhance efficiency and accuracy. It helps in tasks such as peer review of claims, identifying overlaps, and performing complex calculations, which traditionally required manual effort.
• Challenges and Opportunities
  AI offers significant potential, there are challenges in its implementation. For example, attempts to use AI for sentiment analysis in customer interactions were not successful, highlighting the complexity of accurately interpreting human emotions.
• Future of Adjuster Roles
  The role of adjusters is expected to evolve with AI taking over routine tasks, allowing adjusters to focus on more complex decision-making. This shift is anticipated to lower entry barriers and enable more people to enter the field.
• Policyholder Expectations
  There is a continuous increase in policyholder expectations, which AI can help meet by providing faster and more accurate service. However, the industry still faces challenges in fully aligning technology capabilities with these expectations.
• AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
  AI is viewed as a tool to assist rather than replace human decision-making. It operates within set guidelines and is used to support decisions, especially in high-stakes scenarios like large claims.

Conclusion
Overall, the discussion highlights the transformative potential of AI in the insurance industry while acknowledging the ongoing challenges and the need for human expertise in complex situations.

This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance thought leadership series, available globally from Amazon in print, Kindle and Audible audiobook.

Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes.

Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

Sarah Russell is the founder and managing director of Project Bellwether. Her career has evolved from healthcare into technology more broadly. She is a startup founder, tech executive, and practicing physician working at the nexus of business, planetary health, and machine learning.

After founding her first company, she spent the next decade transitioning between entrepreneurial roles and executive management in large organizations such as the VA and Google.

Currently, she is focused on understanding our changing natural world and the implications for businesses, states, and communities. At X, The Moonshot Factory, she leads a team of senior-level experts working on complex machine learning problems, using earth observation data and imagining new categories of business.

Highlights from the Show

1. Understanding Climate Risks
   • The impact of climate change on severe weather events.
   • The insurance industry's responsibility in addressing these challenges.
2. Focus on Wildfires
   • The growing concern of wildfires and their implications for insurers.
   • Development of targeted solutions to manage wildfire risks.
3. Innovative Products
   • Bellwether Predict A forecasting tool for severe weather probabilities.
   • Bellwether Rapid Response Aerial imagery technology for quick damage assessment post-disaster.
   • Bellwether Insure A product designed to help insurers understand and manage wildfire risk accumulation.
4. Absolute Risk Scores
   • Introduction of absolute risk scores for more accurate risk assessments.
   • Comparison with traditional relative risk categorizations.
5. Future Aspirations
   • Vision for predicting interactions between the natural world and built environments.
   • The role of advanced data analytics and machine learning in transforming risk management.
6. Collaboration in the Industry
   • The importance of collaboration among insurers to effectively tackle climate risks.
   • Potential benefits of an integrated approach for communities facing natural disasters.

Conclusion: This episode highlights the significant challenges climate change poses to the insurance industry, particularly regarding wildfires. We explored innovative solutions like advanced forecasting tools and rapid response technologies that enhance disaster preparedness. By utilizing absolute risk scores and data analytics, insurers can make informed decisions to better protect communities. Collaboration within the industry is essential for effectively addressing these challenges and building a more resilient future.

This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance thought leadership series, available globally from Amazon in print, Kindle and Audible audiobook.

Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes.

Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

Chris is the CEO of Scout InsurTech, a premier network connecting insurance professionals, startups, and innovators to shape the industry's future. Scout's mission is to drive a comprehensive understanding of the companies impacting P&C, Life, and Health and to identify, engage, and profile these innovative companies as they evolve from early concepts to high-growth players.

Chris is a multi-time founder with a background that spans the physical sciences, high-tech product development, and the development and delivery of modern AI solutions across the insurance industry. He is also a frequent speaker on innovation, AI, and insurance technology.

When not working, Chris can be found at one of Scout’s many networking events at the local CrossFit gym, or at home with his wife and four children, lost in a book.

Highlights from the Show

• The mission of Scout focuses on building private paid membership communities across various cities to foster local engagement and innovation in the insurance sector.
• Community Engagement:
  • Scount organizes events in different cities, aiming to connect local professionals and provide opportunities for deeper community engagement.
  • Each community hosts an annual event to facilitate networking and collaboration among industry leaders.
• Startup Support:
  • Chris explains Scout's startup program, which helps early-stage companies connect with major carriers and brokerages.
  • The program includes virtual showcases and opportunities for startups to present their innovations to industry stakeholders.
• Building Relationships:
  • The conversation touches on the significance of community and purpose in business, contrasting it with transactional models that may lack engagement.
  • Chris expresses his commitment to fostering a supportive environment for innovation and collaboration within the insurance ecosystem.
• Scout is hosting their two-day conference in Columbus, Ohio on June 17-18, 2025, where various startups will showcase their solutions.

Conclusion:
 This episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the insurance industry and the role of community in driving innovation. Tune in to learn more about how Scout is shaping the future of insurance through collaboration and engagement.

This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance thought leadership series, available globally from Amazon in print, Kindle and Audible audiobook.

Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes.

Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.