Insurance companies work to provide excellent service to their clients and avoid the dangerous risk that comes with the industry. Risk in the marketplace is the uncertainty that comes with whether or not an event will cause economic losses. However, balancing the two isn't always easy and often requires outside support. This is where actuaries come into play, providing reliable strategy, data and statistical analysis that can make pricing the product and managing risk easier than usual. Still not sure how to use actuarial consulting effectively? This article will provide you with some information and point you in the right direction.
What is an actuarial consultant?
Actuarial consultants are the people who can legally provide financial advice or give tips to help clients be better informed when it comes to making a final decision. Consultants often deeply analyze data, statistics and contingency plans to help them create reliable information for their clients. Actuarial consultants can work with corporate financial leaders, but may also specialize in different kinds of insurance.
Another important job that an actuarial consultant does is risk and cost analysis for a client. In some cases, they may use predictive analysis software to project future conditions. For insurance companies, this service is invaluable in the competitive industry that they are in. A consulting actuary can help predict insurance products and company costs. In addition, their insight and usage of actuarial science assist in setting reliable premiums and policies.
How to use an actuarial consultant
As a leader for an insurance company, there are many ways to use actuaries to your advantage and gain the resulting benefits. The insurance industry is extremely competitive and even the smallest mistakes can have serious repercussions in the long run. The more sources of data and information that an insurance company can use for their products, the more accurate they will be which is part of what makes actuaries so valuable.
There have been some notable “insurance events” — times when insurance companies found themselves in a very tough spot. People who have been in the industry for a while remember disasters like Hurricane Katrina and, more recently, COVID-19 and how they negatively impacted insurance companies. Reuters reported that the pandemic resulted in “insured losses of $44 billion,” which is still behind Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
World-changing events are bound to happen, but it's best for insurance companies to be ready for these ebbs and flows. While the future can never be 100% certain, damage can be reduced with preparation. This is where the vast databases of actuaries can provide an invaluable service to their clients. Let's take a look at some of the most popular actuarial services that Lewis & Ellis provides:
- Auditor support: This is where a team of actuaries support audit projects, with several areas of expertise.
- Financial examinations: Consultants understand the complexities of regulating life insurance; health insurance and property; and casualty insurance companies.
- Software solutions: Actuaries often have excellent software to sift through databases to find patterns and inform decisions.
- Statistical consulting: Consultants offer clients a wide range of practical skills to help them understand and adapt to every situation
- Life settlements: Experts can help manage insurance companies manage risks to successfully realize the opportunities
- Medicare Advantage: Medicare programs are frequently changing and an actuary can make sure insurance companies stay up to date.
- Compliance support: Those who work in the industry know that state and federal regulatory demands are complex and fast-paced, which is why an actuary consultant can be so beneficial.
- Product development: Making new products relies on foresight and reliable analytics to enter new markets or make changes that external support can help with.
- Financial support and analysis: The consultant can assist insurance companies in completing all required regulatory reports.
- Market conduct examinations: One of the most valuable services actuarial consultants can provide examinations for state insurance regulators and policymakers to prepare or mitigate risk for insurers and other regulated insurance entities.
These kinds of actuarial functions and more are available when insurance companies work with a consulting firm. The more input that a company can have on its products and decisions, the higher the likelihood that it will see success. Interested in seeing what else an actuarial consultant can do you insurance companies looking to stay competitive? Visit Lewis & Ellis' specialties web page to find out what an actuarial analyst can do for you.
Avoiding risk effectively
While there are many different challenges that insurance companies face while trying to remain afloat in the marketplace, risk management is always one of the top priorities. This can be difficult because of the wide variety of factors that are at play when trying to determine real risk. But an actuary has the resources and ability to evaluate whether or not the company is assuming too much risk within the parameters of a particular product at a specific point in time. In some situations, there may be an uninsurable risk that the company can't take on without being in danger of losing money.
Actuaries offer risk modeling, forecasting, actuarial calculation and planning which integrate management with the core of the insurance business in order to see the most success. Another example of how an actuarial consultant can effectively avoid risk is when they evaluate the company reserve settings and compare company loss with what is acceptable in the marketplace to minimize losses. By taking a look at claims trends and potential future risks, insurance companies can move forward with more certainty.
Why insurance companies need external support
At this point, it should be clear why insurance companies often seek external support and consulting to achieve their goals. Actuaries and insurance companies work hand in hand to move the industry forward successfully. Without this kind of assistance, an insurance company would struggle to manage risk, create innovative products, and move with the necessary flexibility. The industry requires this kind of foresight for any company to remain competitive in the near future.
The team at Lewis & Ellis combines industry experience, creative expertise and technical sophistication to fully analyze your needs and strengthen your bottom line. Operating with strict adherence to ethical and professional standards, we provide timely and innovative answers that are appropriate for you.
Are you ready to learn more about what an actuarial consultant can do for you? Contact our team to get started today.