The Insurance industry is continually influenced by state-based regulatory requirements, and is inherently an environment focused on risk management. Therefore more and more insurance companies are beginning to design, develop and implement business continuity programs. Given the competitive nature of the industry and the renewed emphasis on governance, business continuity has a risk management focus.
Although insurance organizations are culturally diverse and have uniquely placed products in the market, the scope of the business continuity program often includes:
- "Typical" corporate support processes (i.e. human resources, payroll, accounting, investor relations, etc.)
- Key processes contained within core lines of business (i.e. auto, home, life, etc.)
- Underwriting
- Actuarial services
- Claims reporting and claims payments
- Call centers or customer service communication
- Policy issuance and mail handling
- Billing and collections
- Investments and cash management
- Technology support (data integrity and intellectual property)
- Records retention
- Field operations