COVER Magazine

AI meets insurance, transforming the industry with intelligent technology

Gary Tessendorf, regional director at Sapiens, shares how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the insurance industry across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing from real-world deployments, the interview highlights:
Embedded AI Across the value chain: AI is no longer an add-on - it’s integrated into core systems like underwriting, claims, and policy administration
Real-Time underwriting & personalisation: Tools now offer brokers a 360-degree customer view, enabling tailored pricing and faster decisions
Data migration breakthroughs: AI is de-risking complex legacy data migrations, with South African insurers leading global examples
Local market dynamics: Insurers are pursuing both large-scale transformations and agile, modular experiments to test and scale AI capabilities
Ethical & responsible AI use: Focus is on optimisation, not downsizing, with embedded guardrails ensuring safe deployment
Solving real problems: From fraud detection to dynamic pricing, AI is being applied to high-impact use cases with measurable results
Closing the skills gap: Demand for AI talent is growing, and Sapiens is helping bridge the gap with global expertise
AIE’s Role in Innovation: The African Insurance Exchange fosters meaningful dialogue, partnerships, and strategic planning
Conclusion: AI is not a future concept -it’s a present-day differentiator. Sapiens is helping insurers unlock its full potential with the right tools and guidance.

Efficiency, Innovation & Execution: Cardinal’s Tech Roadmap

In this insightful conversation, Graham Harvey, CEO of Cardinal, shares how the company is navigating the complex realities of insurance technology. From compliance pressures to double data capture, Cardinal’s tools aim to simplify and streamline broker workflows. Graham unpacks how their Super User Forum ensures client-driven innovation, and how new acquisitions in claims, self-service, and surveying enhance broker value. While AI is still in its “show me the money” phase, real traction is happening in digital transformation and robotic automation. Execution, not just innovation, is where Cardinal believes true value lies. 

Engineering Insurance Under Pressure: A Sector Adapting to Change

In this episode, Tony sits down with Mark Barrow, Executive Head for South Africa and National Marketing Manager at Mirabilis, to unpack the shifting terrain of construction and engineering insurance. From an oversupply of capacity in small to medium projects, to ESG pressures, treaty reinsurance constraints, and the impact of global disruptions, Mark offers a grounded yet optimistic view of the market. He also shares insight into government infrastructure projects, the role of PPPs, and growth opportunities in mining and across Africa. If you’re in insurance, underwriting or infrastructure development, this is essential listening. 

Old School service, modern outcomes: The DGC Glass growth journey

Mind Shift Podcast Series: Claudia Sass on Modernizing Insurance with IT and Cloud Solutions

Understanding Cloud, Data Analytics, and Insurance with Claudia Sass
Join Tony from Cover in this Mind Shift podcast as he interviews Claudia Sass, Business Development Manager at Sapiens, about her extensive background in the IT industry, cloud computing, and data analytics. Claudia shares insights on the critical role of cloud in managing big data, the evolution of data analytics, and the impact of cloud adoption on the insurance industry. Discover how companies can leverage cloud services and data analytics to drive business innovation and sustainability. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the future of data, technology, and insurance.

Building Trust: How Metropolitan Is Transforming Financial Conversations

n this episode, Tony from Cover talks with Lindiwe Gumede, the Chief Marketing Officer of Metropolitan, about the shifting consumer needs in the insurance industry over the past five years, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the importance of transparency in insurance policies, the role of digital tools, and Metropolitan's initiatives like the Metropolitan Collective Shapers program and financial literacy programs aimed at empowering communities. The conversation also covers how the company has adapted its communication strategies to ensure clients receive reliable and digestible information.

Building Resilience: Peter Tshiguvho Discusses Challenges in the Insurance Sector

Join Tony from Cover as he catches up with Peter Tshiguvho, CEO of Metropolitan, to discuss the evolving landscape of the insurance industry. They delve into the main challenges like geopolitical issues, economic conditions, and the role of digitalization and AI. Peter emphasizes the need for re-skilling, staying agile amidst change, and maintaining team alignment. They also explore the importance of building a strong foundation and staying adaptable to remain competitive. This conversation provides valuable insights into managing change, attracting talent, and strategizing for the future.

Demystifying Transactional Risk Insurance in Africa

In this episode, Tony speaks with Luke Sutton, Head of Transactional Risk Insurance at Marsh, about the evolving landscape of transactional risk insurance, particularly in Africa. They unpack what this form of insurance entails, its growing relevance in M&A deals, and how the product has become more accessible and proportionate over time. Luke also shares insights from Marsh’s latest Transactional Risk Insurance Report, touching on claims trends, sectoral growth, and how early engagement and broker support can help facilitate smoother, lower-risk transactions for both buyers and sellers across the continent. 

Driving Trust in the Warranty Market: Veritas Lands in South Africa

Veritas Global Protection has launched in South Africa, bringing with it a new approach to vehicle warranty products. In this conversation with Tony, Country Manager Petrus Potgieter and Operations Manager Lorenzo Farelo share insights into the local and global warranty landscape, growing market demand, and Veritas’s mission to provide true peace of mind. With unique offerings like market value-based payouts on mechanical breakdowns, they’re changing the rules in a space often plagued by fine print and mistrust. Learn how Veritas aims to bridge the trust gap and create real value for South African motorists, brokers, and dealers. 

Future-Proofing Insurance: The Strategic Use of Data

In this episode, Tony reconnects with Angus to explore how real-time data, IoT, wearables, and AI are shaping the future of insurance. They unpack the transformative impact of technology on risk management, pricing, customer engagement, and fraud prevention. Angus discusses the need for strong data security, compliance with POPIA, and balancing innovation with regulatory obligations. He also explores how smaller insurers can tap into affordable tools like Power BI to stay competitive. From predictive insights to climate change response, this episode provides a forward-looking perspective on how data is driving strategic decision-making across the industry.