Whitespace by Verisk debuts in the U.S. to revolutionise the E&S and specialty insurance markets

Verisk has announced the U.S. launch of Whitespace, an all-in-one platform designed to transform operations for brokers, underwriters, and managing general agents (MGAs) in the global (re)insurance market.

Verisk has announced the U.S. launch of Whitespace, an all-in-one platform designed to transform operations for brokers, underwriters, and managing general agents (MGAs) in the global (re)insurance market.

The move comes in response to the growing need for efficiency and digital transformation in the excess and surplus (E&S) and specialty insurance sectors.

The platform aims to simplify the fragmented processes and error-prone inefficiencies that are common in the industry, allowing users to shift their focus from manual operations to more value-driven tasks.

Verisk’s Whitespace platform, already well-established in the London market, connects stakeholders across the global E&S and specialty insurance landscape. It offers clients the ability to collaborate on risk submissions, request quotes, negotiate terms, and bind contracts—all within a secure, digital environment.

The platform has been particularly successful in London, with nearly 170,000 lines of business written in 2024, a significant increase from 2022 figures.

Whitespace provides a seamless experience for users by integrating every stage of the (re)insurance lifecycle.

The platform’s digital-first design allows for API-enabled trading, and its in-platform templates support all lines of E&S and specialty business. Whitespace is also fully integrated with policy administration and agency management systems, enabling automated updates and even pricing on quotes.

This removes the need for manual re-entry of data, streamlining operations and improving efficiency.

Beyond operational efficiency, Whitespace offers users actionable insights by leveraging Verisk’s predictive analytics capabilities.

The platform provides key performance indicators (KPIs), assists in assessing risk, and facilitates automated processes like referrals or declinations. The inclusion of an audit trail and a digital repository ensures that all stakeholders can track and access important data, further enhancing decision-making.

In addition to its technological advantages, Whitespace offers an intuitive user experience. Real-time communication between brokers, underwriters, and other stakeholders is facilitated through encrypted instant messaging and video calls. The platform also adapts to fluctuating market conditions by offering the ability to quickly compare quotes, binders, and policies, which improves data quality and accuracy.

Gregory Gaydos, head of Whitespace U.S. for Verisk, highlighted the market’s growth, stating, “The U.S. excess and surplus market reached over $115bn in direct premiums written in 2023. This not only highlights the increasing significance of this segment but it also points to the shift in how (re)insurers look to conduct business amidst challenges such as market capacity and increasing risk complexity. The market is poised for continued growth in the U.S., and we look forward to helping clients navigate the ever-evolving E&S and specialty insurance ecosystem.”

Whitespace has already proven its value across multiple global markets, and its U.S. expansion represents the next step in Verisk’s broader strategy.

Tim Rayner, president of Specialty Business Solutions at Verisk, added, “Since its launch in 2019, Whitespace has continued to evolve to meet the market’s varying needs and challenges through seamless digital optimisation, innovation and automation. Whitespace facilitates the placement of business faster and more accurately, which has benefits across the value chain— for brokers, carriers and reinsurers. Additionally, it allows all parties to get a wide view of the global market to inform smarter business decisions. Whitespace is one example of how Verisk is leading the charge in transitioning the industry from analogue to digital.”

With the U.S. market now part of Whitespace’s global network, which includes the UK, China, Spain, France, Belgium, Dubai, and Singapore, Verisk continues to strengthen its position as a leader in InsurTech innovation.

Copyright © 2024 InsurTech Analyst

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