Ten Ways to Lower Claims Handling Expenses

Claims Handling Expenses: The costs associated with processing and administering claims, including personnel, technology, and overhead expenses. These expenses directly impact an insurer’s bottom line, making it essential to find ways to minimize expenses while maintaining high-quality service in order to remain competitive in the market. While most insurers have already made considerable efforts to lower costs, the answer to reducing costs further lies in the advanced capabilities of modern core technology.

Here are ten ways that insurers can leverage modern core technology to significantly lower Claims Handling Expenses by introducing efficiencies, automation, and streamlining processes throughout the claims lifecycle: 

1. Efficiency in Processing: Advanced claims management systems are able to automate many of the manual processes involved in claims handling. This automation speeds up the processing of claims while reducing the time and resources required to handle each claim. Automated workflows ensure that claims are routed to the appropriate staff, reducing administrative overhead, and streamlining the process. 

2. Intelligent Automation: With the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, modern systems can intelligently process claims. AI can automatically assess claim validity, detect fraud, and determine appropriate settlement amounts based on policy terms and historical data. This reduces the need for manual intervention, leading to cost savings. 

3. Data Integration: Modern core technology allows for seamless integration of data from various sources, including policyholder information, historical claims data, and external data sources. By having access to comprehensive and up-to-date data, insurers can make more informed decisions, reducing errors and inefficiencies in claims handling. 

4. Enhanced Customer Experience: Improved customer experience through self-service portals and real-time communication channels reduces the need for manual support and inquiries. Policyholders can file claims online, track claim status, and receive updates, reducing the workload on customer service representatives. 

5. Predictive Analytics: Advanced analytics capabilities in modern core technology can predict claim outcomes and identify patterns and trends in claims data. Insurers can proactively manage claims by identifying potential risks early and taking preventive measures. This reduces the frequency and severity of claims, leading to lower expenses. 

6. Cost Reduction in Fraud Detection: Modern technology can employ sophisticated algorithms to detect fraudulent claims early in the process. By flagging suspicious claims for further investigation, insurers can prevent fraudulent payouts, reducing claim expenses. 

7. Streamlined Communication: Modern core technology facilitates seamless communication between all parties involved in the claims process, including policyholders, agents, adjusters, and third-party service providers. This reduces delays and errors caused by miscommunication, ultimately lowering expenses. 

8. Improved Settlement Processes: Automated settlement processes, including electronic fund transfers and digital signatures, expedite the settlement process. This reduces administrative costs associated with manual paperwork and processing. 

9. Scalability and Flexibility: Modern core technology is scalable and adaptable to changing business needs. Insurers can easily scale their operations up or down based on demand, without significant investments in infrastructure. This agility allows insurers to optimize resources and reduce unnecessary expenses.  

10. Performance Analytics and Reporting: The better reporting capabilities built into a modern claims management system allow insurers to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to claims handling efficiency, such as cycle times, touchpoints, and processing costs. By analyzing performance metrics, insurers can identify areas for improvement, implement targeted interventions, and optimize claims operations to reduce handling expenses over time.  

Conclusion 

By implementing these ten strategies and leveraging modern core technology, insurers can streamline claims handling processes, reduce inefficiencies, provide better service to policyholders, and gain greater visibility into the health of their business. This comprehensive approach leads to significant reductions in claims handling expenses. 

To see first-hand how your organization can significantly reduce claims handling expenses with SpearClaims^TM, our award-winning claims system built by industry experts on a modern no code/low code platform that delivers the power of built-in AI and Analytics while lowering your total cost of ownership, Schedule a Demo.  

To discover how Spear’s solutions are accessible to insurers of all sizes, Request Pricing.