BIBA 2025: Talking Motor Cover Challenges With Root

IE fired a few questions over to Charlotte Koep, CEO Root Platform, on data, dashboards and the fast paced Motor sector;

1. The UK motor sector is highly competitive on price, how does Root see data layers, cross referencing risk factors and AI offering consumers better quotes in the future?

I believe that real innovation in pricing will come from how intelligently insurers and their partners can use data, in terms of smarter, context-aware data. With AI and machine learning models, we can cross-reference disparate data layers, from vehicle telemetry and driving behaviour to location-based risk profiles, to create much more granular risk assessments. This means underwriters can move away from generalisations and offer more accurate, fair pricing for individuals. Ultimately, this will lead to better customer outcomes and increased transparency. As pricing margins tighten, those who can adapt quickly using smarter data infrastructure will win the trust of modern, data-savvy consumers. An API-first approach enables insurers to plug in these advanced data capabilities seamlessly, keeping pace with the growing demand for smarter, embedded distribution and making it easier for insurers and brokers to create tailored digital solutions.

2. Dashboard customisation can really pay off for brokers in various niche sectors, how can consumer data and public data work together to deliver better results?

Custom dashboards are one of the most underleveraged tools in insurance distribution, especially in niche markets. Personally, I see a major opportunity in bringing together consumer-provided data, such as lifestyle, driving habits, or employment details, with rich public datasets, such as DVLA records, postcode-level crime data, or even local infrastructure insights. By combining these, brokers can generate smarter insights at the point of sale and beyond. Better quality data means brokers can provide a dynamic experience, flagging upsell opportunities, highlighting unusual risks, and even guiding the customer toward more suitable cover types. For niche brokers, this kind of adaptability can be a game-changer.

3. The UK has a very binary Motor market; TPFT vs Fully Comp, do you see potential for PAYG, via app cover on demand etc?

Absolutely. The traditional TPFT vs Fully Comprehensive divide doesn’t reflect how today’s drivers use their vehicles, or how they expect to access financial products. With the rise of mobility-as-a-service, gig work, and urban car-sharing, there’s a growing demand for usage-based models like PAYG or short-term app-based cover. We’re seeing more and more consumers expecting these types of products. This shift is reflected in the demand we see from the insurers we work with for modular, app-enabled cover that can be distributed through flexible, API-first platforms.

About alastair walker 19367 Articles
20 years experience as a journalist and magazine editor. I'm your contact for press releases, events, news and commercial opportunities at Insurance-Edge.Net

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