DataBraid

Deloitte Canada’s view of insurance moving away from static, once-a-year decisions toward more “always-on” engagement is a timely and important shift. Think digital advisors that flag obvious coverage gaps and alerts tied to driving behaviour or home-safety signals - all ongoing nudges to help consumers better manage insurance costs and risks as life changes. Where we see it getting interesting is broker execution. Many of these experiences rely on top-down carrier investments, while brokers are still expected to manage outcomes across disparate systems behind the scenes. If insurance is becoming continuous, the infrastructure supporting brokers needs to be as well. Otherwise, “always-on” at the front risks becoming fragmented and manual everywhere else.

We’ve read a lot about how AI is augmenting the broker experience. But on the consumer side, there’s now an interesting AI-first touchpoint happening before a customer ever speaks to a broker - something Daniel Ivans at RATESDOTCA sheds light on. This points to the continued evolution of brokerages playing an even stronger advisor and interpreter role - helping customers separate relevant, reputable information from noise as it applies to their specific risk profile and circumstances. Some may see this as adding more manual effort. We see a different future: one where AI works with brokerages - empowering consumers with better context and confidence, without leaving them alone to their possibly misdirected ChatGPT queries.

When a client is stressed or confused trying to understand their insurance policy - “fast” isn’t the only need. They want someone to listen, translate the fine print, and help them feel confident they’re making the right call. Cassie Gilroy from Mitch Insurance Brokers points out that brokerage automation belongs “where it makes sense and only where it makes sense” and we couldn’t agree more. The best use of AI and automation for brokerages (in our view) is to ultimately accelerate the work that goes on behind the scenes, where the boring tasks can be done away with and meaningful client work takes the spotlight.

Over 80% of insurance execs say that they’re investing more in AI this year, according to the Accenture Pulse of Change survey. Interestingly many execs are seeing AI’s benefits more as a revenue growth versus cost reduction effort. The unlock we keep seeing from brokers we’re working with is unlocking capacity that leads to better retention and sales enablement. What’s been your most practical AI win so far? https://lnkd.in/gbZDuXh8

“Fragmentation turns every transaction into a mini project - rekeying data, chasing updates, reconciling versions and explaining delays to clients.” It’s validating to see this problem that we’re solving, articulated so clearly. And it’s not just a North American broker pain. The same workflow friction shows up globally across mature markets like the EU and fast-moving broker ecosystems in APAC too. Different market structures, same underlying issue of too many disconnected steps to get simple work done. What’s ironic is how carriers are trying to address the problems within their own respective systems which still means brokers have to learn and engage with multiple systems. The problems still remain as slightly easier mini projects. At DataBraid, we’re focused on providing a single entry system connected to and agnostic to carrier systems making the single-entry, multi-carrier dream a reality and compressing those steps in policy servicing so teams spend less time doing “mini projects” and more time serving clients. https://lnkd.in/gZSgnr_5

Starting off the new year with some exciting news 🎉! We’re thrilled to welcome Nick Romano as the Founding CEO of DataBraid. Nick brings over 20 years of experience building and scaling enterprise tech companies across SaaS and deep tech. We’re excited to have Nick lead DataBraid into its next chapter as we build the future of connected insurance.

Micro-mobility considerations are the latest second-order effects in Ontario’s auto coverage changes from SABS. Optional coverage choices can push risk downstream in ways clients don’t anticipate - especially when injuries are involved. This feels like a moment where we’re seeing the broker’s role shift further toward education and risk translation in policy servicing, not just placement.

Express licensing will start making it easier for out-of-province insurance brokers to work in Ontario - but coverage nuances, carrier processes, and regulatory expectations are still deeply provincial. Speed helps, but we know accuracy matters more in insurance. We’re interested to know how brokerages and new Ontario brokers are balancing both?

As we wrap up the year, we’re taking a moment to reflect - and feeling energized by our growing team and the many new faces we’ve had the chance to meet and connect with! Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited for what’s to come and the momentum we’ve been building together. Wishing everyone happy holidays and a wonderful new year from the DataBraid team. ☃️ ✨

According to new IBC data, auto theft claims have continued to surge across Canada in 2025. For brokers we’ve been learning that this isn’t just a claims trend - it’s a client experience challenge. Rising theft rates translate into tougher renewals, premium increases, and more difficult conversations at the table. How else have you seen the rise of auto theft impact your brokerage?