As climate change accelerates, the insurance industry faces mounting pressure to adapt underwriting practices to a rapidly evolving risk landscape. Reuters Events’ recent “Underwriting: A Climate Wake-Up Call” conference brought together top industry executives to confront these challenges head-on and explore how underwriters can evolve in the face of climate disruption.

The Imperative for Change

The conference underscored the urgent need for insurers to move beyond legacy underwriting approaches. Traditional models, often grounded in historical data, struggle to account for the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events such as wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding. Industry leaders emphasized that to remain resilient and competitive, insurers must adopt forward-looking strategies that integrate environmental volatility into their underwriting frameworks.

A Panel of Leaders Charting the Path Forward

The event featured a distinguished panel of insurance executives at the forefront of underwriting innovation. Ryan D’Amario, Vice President of Property at Verisk, was joined by Valerie Turpin, Chief Underwriting Officer of Property at Arch Insurance; Marco Andolfatto, Chief Underwriting Officer at Apollo Insurance; and Aisha Heaton, Vice President of Underwriting at QBE. The discussion was expertly moderated by Rose Hall, Founder and CEO of RH Business Ventures.

The group shared candid perspectives on the challenges their organizations face in balancing profitability with growing climate exposure. They also discussed how underwriters can partner more closely with risk engineers, data scientists, and sustainability experts to better anticipate emerging threats and opportunities.

Reimagining Underwriting Through Data and Insight

Panelists emphasized the importance of combining traditional underwriting acumen with new forms of insight—especially as climate patterns defy past norms. The use of geospatial data, climate modeling, and predictive analytics is enabling underwriters to assess exposure more precisely and proactively. These tools are not only enhancing risk segmentation but also helping insurers develop more nuanced views of property vulnerability in both urban and rural markets.

Technology as a Catalyst for Change

In an environment where speed and precision are more important than ever, technology is proving to be a key enabler of change. The adoption of automation, AI, and streamlined digital workflows is helping underwriters process data more efficiently, improve accuracy, and make faster decisions. This shift is particularly critical in high-volume lines like homeowners and small commercial property insurance, where underwriters must balance efficiency with rigor.

From Compliance to Competitive Advantage

While regulatory pressure around climate disclosures is increasing, many insurers now view climate-conscious underwriting as more than a compliance exercise—it’s a strategic imperative. By embedding climate risk awareness into core underwriting practices, insurers can differentiate themselves in the market, strengthen customer trust, and contribute meaningfully to long-term resilience.

Looking Ahead

“Underwriting: A Climate Wake-Up Call” served as a clear reminder that the future of underwriting will be shaped by how the industry responds to climate risk today. As panelists concluded, the path forward requires collaboration across disciplines, investments in technology and talent, and a willingness to rethink established practices. Those who rise to the occasion will not only help mitigate the financial impacts of climate change but will also help shape a stronger, more responsive insurance ecosystem.

Watch the event on-demand