The challenge

Insurtechs have valuable tools to offer insurers, but managing the state regulatory approval process can be costly and slow-moving. The case study below demonstrates how Nearmap teamed up with Milliman Appleseed to optimize its filing strategy.

Nearmap is the location intelligence provider leading insurance companies rely on for consistent, reliable, high-resolution imagery, AI insights and scores, and answers to make fast and accurate decisions across the policy lifecycle. The Betterview Property Intelligence platform by Nearmap is purpose-built for the property and casualty insurance industry, to utilize the imagery and AI insights for insurance underwriting workflow. Using computer vision models, Nearmap analyzes aerial imagery to assess property features, including building footprints, roof materials, and high-risk elements like roof staining. These detected features feed into proprietary algorithms to generate the Nearmap risk scores that correlate with property damage rates and insurance claim frequencies for natural perils, including wind, hail, wildfire, and hurricane.

Insurers can leverage the Nearmap solutions to refine their pricing and avoid potential losses, thereby boosting profitability and competitiveness. However, insurers’ ability to use the Nearmap peril risk scores is dependent on insurance rate filings, which are subject to review and approval by state regulators. Navigating the ever-evolving insurance regulatory environment is a complex task for the following reasons:

• In most U.S. states, rating scores for property insurance—particularly personal property—must be reviewed and, in certain cases, approved by the Department of Insurance before an insurance company can implement them.
• Each state has its own distinct regulatory requirements, which not only complicates the approval process but also adds uncertainty regarding the time and cost involved in obtaining approval.

The solution

Nearmap teamed up with Milliman Appleseed to optimize its filing strategy by leveraging Appleseed’s deep expertise in analytics and insurance rate filings. As a licensed advisory organization, Milliman Appleseed is authorized to submit loss costs, rating factors, and risk scores to state insurance regulators across the United States. Through this collaboration, Nearmap benefited from:

1. Speed to market:
1. Nearmap collaborated with Milliman’s experts, who possess in-depth knowledge of the approval timelines for each state, to develop a strategic filing roadmap.
2. By using Milliman Appleseed’s established licenses as an advisory organization, Nearmap was able to expedite the product filing process, avoiding the delays typically associated with creating a new in-house advisory organization.
2. Expert guidance on regulatory compliance:
1. Nearmap leveraged Milliman’s expertise to provide the necessary filing exhibits and responses, minimizing the need for additional follow-up and thereby accelerating the approval process.
3. Efficiency:
1. Milliman’s experts manage the end-to-end submission and approval process with state insurance departments, allowing Nearmap to focus on its core business.
2. The collaboration with Milliman Appleseed was more cost-effective than building and maintaining an in-house system, as it eliminated the need for significant upfront investment and ongoing operational costs.
4. Enhanced competitive position:
1. The approved peril risk scores offer significant value to insurers, allowing them to immediately implement peril risk scores in states where reviews have been completed or approvals have been granted. Insurers can launch products or change premiums with speed and accuracy.
2. By outsourcing rate filings, Nearmap was able to concentrate on its core strengths, including product innovation and customer experience, which ultimately enhances its competitive edge in the marketplace.

As of October 13, 2025, Nearmap’s wind and hail risk scores were filed and closed in 31 jurisdictions, with 17 jurisdictions ready to use within 90 days of submission. Insurers were able to immediately adopt these scores upon subscribing to Nearmap’s risk scores.

Learn more about what Milliman Appleseed can do for you.