One suggestion: Shift focus from being an industry that primarily detects and repairs to one that predicts and prevents.

Cultural changes are necessary to maintain data management as a competitive differentiator.

Many insurance carriers continue to struggle to maximize the full value of data, according to Deloitte.

Going forward, insurers should emphasize an ongoing culture of innovation while making customer-centricity the standard.

The rise of alternative channels should prompt insurers to bolster agency force and diversify distribution options.

Many of the questions policyholders take to their insurer or agent lend themselves to automated self-service.

Small business owners now want customized, adjustable policies and enhanced risk-management services.

The role of insurance-company chief sustainability officers is still very much a work in progress.