There is no question that the influx of technology in recent years has reshaped the insurance industry. With the arrival of a new year, many insurance carriers are wondering how evolving technology will impact the way that they conduct business and interact with existing and prospective insureds in 2019.

From an insurance carrier's perspective, the arrival of a new year means that you're back to square one. On a positive note, so is everyone else, which means that you have every opportunity to shine in 2019.

According to research from the Insurance Information Institute, injury-related insurance claims that happen on a homeowner's property are the second most expensive type of homeowner's insurance claim filed (behind fire and lightning damage). Research shows that the average bodily injury claim is $23,010. Without the right homeowner's insurance coverage in place, homeowners could find themselves in financial distress if someone was to have an accident while on their property.

December is a time for festive celebrations, whether it be family gatherings at home or company holiday parties. However, with this being such a celebratory time of the year, it's easy to overlook some of the hazards that can come from the season.

The Millennial generation (born between 1981 and 1997) have historically had the notorious reputation of embracing a lifestyle that left them mobile and without commitment. Some of this could be related to the economic recession and poor job market that we've experienced over the past decade. However, with an improving economy and the appeal of settling down with a family in a gentrified neighborhood, the Millennial generation is growing up and purchasing homes. In fact, recent research reveals that 36 percent of home sales are now made to Millennials.

We're entering into one of the most anticipated seasons of the year, and most people have their minds on upcoming travel plans and holiday gatherings. While these are exciting events to look forward to, it's important that people don't overlook one of their most valuable assets: their home.

As the seasons change, so do the risks for insurance carriers and commercial property owners. While many people look forward to the spectacular fall foliage and dip in temperatures, it's important to realize that the transition to the cooler weather seasons brings a unique set of risks that result in an uptick of claims. Offering a seasonal commercial inspection will provide you with the ideal opportunity to discuss these risks with property owners as well as strengthen relationships.

Thanks to emerging technology, today's insurance carriers are able to utilize a wealth of tools and resources to more accurately evaluate risk, determine quotes, and manage claims instead of relying on guesswork. More technological enhancements are coming down the pipe to help insurance carriers and property owners be even more prepared for the unexpected: predictive analytics.

While we knew Hurricane Michael would be bad, weather forecasters did not predict how extreme the storm would be. Hurricane Michael ended up being the most powerful storm in history to hit the Florida panhandle and is considered to be the third worst hurricane on record to make landfall in the United States.

Despite advancements in sensors and smart home technology, people are more likely to die from a fire in their own home than they were a few decades ago.