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In the latest episode of What’s Brewing we explore AI’s growing influence in the insurance industry. Leadership discusses the benefits of AI in underwriting and claims, as well as key risks like biased training data, misinformation, and “AI washing.” The conversation emphasizes the importance of ethical AI deployment, urging insurers to embrace AI while implementing strong governance and risk management strategies.

Staged auto accidents targeting commercial trucks are a growing fraud scheme, costing employers billions annually. Scammers orchestrate crashes to claim insurance payouts, using tactics like sudden brake checks, false merging signals, and fake witnesses. Fleet carriers can protect themselves with dash cameras, driver training, thorough documentation, and proactive communication with law enforcement and insurers.

In the latest episode of What's Brewing, Ben McDonald and Claire Rinker from IAT’s Excess & Surplus Contract Binding Division discuss key market trends, the role of technology in underwriting, and the company’s long-term commitment to stability. They highlight how inflation and catastrophic risks, such as wildfires and hurricanes, are shaping the E&S market. IAT is leveraging predictive analytics and advanced modeling tools to enhance risk assessment and pricing accuracy and remains committed to sustainable underwriting practices.

The FMCSA is overhauling its CSA scoring system to improve fairness and accuracy in motor carrier safety assessments. Key changes include reorganizing compliance categories, consolidating violation codes, simplifying severity weights, and refining intervention thresholds. These updates aim to ensure consistent enforcement, focus on recent violations, and better reflect crash risks. Motor carriers can preview their new ratings and provide feedback during Phase II of the rollout.

The surety industry offers a stable and rewarding career path with strong job security and growth opportunities. With nearly half of the insurance and surety workforce set to retire in the next 15 years, there’s a rising demand for new talent. Surety underwriting combines finance, law, and relationship management, making it an engaging and dynamic field. Learn what surety is, why it’s a great career choice, and how to get started in this evolving industry.

Social inflation is driving up insurance claim costs beyond standard economic inflation, posing challenges for insurers. In Episode 11 of What’s Brewing, Chris Accetta and David Geller from IAT Insurance Group discuss key factors like shifting jury attitudes, nuclear verdicts, and third-party litigation funding. They also explore the industries most affected—such as trucking and product liability—and how insurers are responding through underwriting adjustments, legislative efforts, and pricing strategies.

ECM theft is rapidly increasing, leading to significant financial losses for businesses due to stolen units, downtime, and expensive replacements. Thieves can remove ECMs in minutes, especially from Freightliner trucks, making them a prime target. With the growing frequency of these crimes, businesses should take these four proactive steps to protect their fleets and minimize risks.

The post-pandemic workplace has heightened employment liability risks, with disability discrimination and retaliation claims becoming increasingly complex. In 2023, the EEOC received over 81,000 new discrimination charges, a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Employers can mitigate risks through proactive strategies like thorough documentation, employee training, and leveraging EPLI coverage. These measures not only reduce exposure to costly claims but also promote a compliant workplace culture.