Last Updated 10/18/2023

Issue: The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of internet-connected devices transmitting, collecting, and sharing data. Among the most mature and fast-growing IoT applications involve connected vehicles using telematics , smart home devices (e.g., Amazon Alexa), and wearable devices (e.g. Fitbit). According to McKinsey, there are approximately 127 new devices connected to the internet every second, and it is anticipated that the worldwide number of connected devices will increase to 43 billion by 2023, which is almost a threefold increase from 2018. 

IoT-connected insurance uses the data from internet-connected devices to improve the understanding of risks. Advances in IoT can improve productivity, overall profitability of the business, and the risk profile of the portfolio. Through IoT, insurers can better connect with consumers adding important touch points in particularly sensitive phases, like acquisitions and claims. Moreover, IoT advances can be realized for the full range of products and lines of business, from commercial, to life, property and casualty and health. 

Background: IoT technology, with the proliferation of data from sensors and smart devices, presents opportunities for insurers to reduce and mitigate losses, improve underwriting and enhance the personalization of products and services. 

New types of data allow for increased precision in assessing risk and pricing policies. For example, underwriters could recommend real-time pricing and policy term adjustments through continuous monitoring and assessment of IoT data. According to Forbes, IoT could help insurers cut the cost of the claims process by 30% and also lower premiums for consumers.  

The integration of IoT can also help in loss mitigation and prevention through behavior modification and active alerts. Drivers using telematics can learn how to be safer drivers and sensors placed in cars and homes can provide warning signals when recognizing unusual actions or patterns which could potentially lead to accidents or damages.  

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) uses storm sensors placed in durable structures, such as bridges, to “collect water pressure readings that help define the depth and duration of the storm.” This helps insurers and public officials assess the damage.  

Wearable IoT can also be useful in the life and health insurance space. Health professionals are using wearables like smart or implantable devices for patient monitoring, diagnostics, and drug delivery. When enabled with analytics, wearables can be used by consumers to manage their health and by insurers and employers to improve wellness. In 2018, John Hancock, one of the oldest U.S. life insurance companies, announced that they will use wearable devices to track fitness and health data for all new life insurance policies. And in 2023, the insurance company, Vitality, announced that the price of its most popular life insurance product, ActiveLife, would be linked directly to results generated from users’ Apple watches. Wearables can also be used in health sectors for remote patient monitoring, treatment, and rehabilitation purposes. It is estimated that healthcare providers will spend $13.3 billion on IoT platforms in 2025, up from $10.3 billion in 2019.

Auto telematics allow insurers to provide value-added services like driver feedback, theft prevention and road assistance. However, although using telematics can help insurers more accurately estimate accident damages and reduce fraud by enabling them to analyze the driving data (such as hard braking, speed, and time) during an accident, the practice of tracking mileage and behavior information has raised privacy concerns. As a result, some states have enacted legislation requiring disclosure of tracking practices and devices.  

With the COVID-19 pandemic posing new challenges for remote working, businesses have recognized the need for accelerated digitization and company-wide interconnected devices. With these devices and technologies, insurers can partner with companies to provide more personalized products and services across multiple industries, creating a collaborative environment in this new ecosystem. 

However, the increasing use of IoT does present a number of risks and challenges for insurers. As IoT applications are becoming more ubiquitous, new opportunities for cyber criminals and fraudsters open up. With data transferred back and forth from system to system, the risk of interception increases. New IoT products may also lead to new types of applications and claims fraud. As a result, IoT may require an expansion in data security and fraud protection. Additionally, data privacy is a key concern for state insurance regulators.  

Status: State insurance regulators are evaluating new innovations and technological developments, such as IoT, and are making sure the regulatory community is equipped with the tools, technology and talent to oversee a changing marketplace. The NAIC Innovation, Cybersecurity and Technology (H) Committee is tasked to provide a forum for the discussion of innovation and technology developments in the insurance sector. In addition, the CIPR provides resources and hosts programs to inform the public on the benefits and risks associated with these developments. At the 2019 NAIC Insurance Summit, CIPR hosted an Innovation track which focused on various topics of innovation and technology including artificial intelligence, Blockchain technology, and cybersecurity.