Data in the Open: what’s changed

AI and imagery is already mainstream: insurers use drone, plane and satellite photos, telematics and third-party feeds with machine learning to speed triage, monitor portfolios and scale underwriting. The upside is clear. Faster routing, earlier payments and better use of scarce assessors.

But the regulators’ message is simple: speed without transparency is unacceptable. ASIC has warned firms that weak governance around AI and vendors can harm consumers, and moves in the US (for example, California’s image-notice proposals and state guidance urging physical verification) are hardening market expectations. Those overseas steps matter here because they shape vendor contracts, consumer groups and what regulators will expect from Australian licence-holders.

Property-image rules in the US are already setting the benchmark for how automated data will be judged in Australia.

Why Australian Insurers should care

1. Regulators expect high consumer standards. ASIC and industry codes demand that customer treatment remains central as technology is adopted. That means proactive transparency, verifiable origin, and remediation pathways when automated signals affect cover or renewals.  Read more from ASIC here.
2. International precedent travels. U.S. policy or state rules become negotiating points for global vendors and distribution partners; they shape what consumer groups expect and what courts or tribunals will accept.
3. Reputational risk is real. A single example of a homeowner “blindsided” by an automated decision attracts regulatory scrutiny and broker concern faster than most projects can be paused.

Practical, immediate actions for insurers

1. Adopt a transparency baseline now. Log image sources, timestamps and model outputs; surface this evidence when an automated signal materially affects a customer’s policy or premium.
2. Require verification rules for adverse actions. No image-only cancellations or non-renewals. Build mandatory, short verification processes (on-site check or customer-supplied photos) before taking adverse steps.
3. Automate notice & access capability. Even if not mandated, be ready to notify customers and provide images on request. It reduces complaints and demonstrates good faith.
4. Vendor & model governance. Insist on vendor SLAs that include provenance, retraining cadence and accuracy metrics; maintain your own audit trail and validation tests.
5. Board-level reporting. Ensure the board sees a simple dashboard of automated-decision volumes, exceptions, complaints and remediation outcomes.

At Curium, we keep organisations updated on evolving obligations, and we supply the compliance system and practical know-how to ensure you meet those obligations as you digitise. We have your back!